Hello Everyone, Most of you know my build of my Cheetah Roadster tribute. I've had it on the road for over a year and I love it. I like the looks and I like the way it drives and handles. I've decided to:
- Up grade the drivetrain
- Make new molds for headlight buckets that work. :)
- Attempt to add a convertible top
- Attempt to make a removable hardtop.
* I built my car on the cheap. I had purchased a slightly built 305 Chevy V8. I think I paid $600 for it. It came with all accessories and flywheel, clutch, ect. It had been freshly built with new pistons, cam, Vortec heads, Torquer style intake and 4 barrel carb. I'm guessing it has 250-270hp. Even with this modest horsepower the car seems pretty quick.
The engine is hooked up to a Richmond 4speed and then to the C4 Corvette 3.07 diff.
I've had an LS1 engine sitting in my shop for 14-15 years. It was out of a Camaro. Last summer I had it completely rebuilt by an engine building company in Albany. It was slightly up graded and probably produces 350-370hp. Not a race engine, but should be a good upgrade.
I purchased one of Tremec's new TKX transmissions. With a 2.87 first gear and .68 overdrive it should be a great match for the engine and car. The transmission is said to shift great. (I've had a TKO and it didn't shift great) I like that the shifter is internal. The stock shifter location matches my car perfectly. The transmission is also pretty compact. If I choose, I can narrow my trans tunnel by a couple of inches per side.
I purchased a Ram Flywheel and clutch. And, am using an external slave set up for it. I also purchase a Quick Time blow proof bell housing. I know that this adds some weight as it weighs 20lbs. But, the safety factor outweighed that for me.
** When I created the body I messed up on the headlight buckets. I didn't make them deep enough and I didn't have the angle correct. I'm fixing that on a spare body. When done I'll pull molds and then have them incorporated into the production bonnet mold. That way I don't have to do a fix every time that I have a body pulled.
** I'm using an MGB windshield. I have the folding convertible top frame work for the MGB. I'm going to try to modify the rear of that, where it attaches to the rear deck. If I'm successful, I'll purchase the fabric top from Ebay and have it modified to fit the new frame. I'm thinking that I'll make brackets that will slide into the roll bar receivers to attach the top to the car.
*** I love driving a Roadster. But, the Cheetah was coupe and I think that it would be cool to have a hardtop option. A friend did a photoshop of my car with an idea for a top. I like it. It reminds me of the Jag XKE coupe.
I used some 1 inch pipe insulation to do a quick mock up of the top. It doesn't have the exact arch in the rear that I want but it gives me an idea of what it can look like.
So, I have lots to do. I'm looking forward to tackling these projects. I'm going to AZ for 10 days for vacation. Leaving tomorrow. When I get home I'll get to it.
Having fun!
