My Project - Spider Veloce V8 Conversion

[brockbr]

I am about to start my Spider Veloce conversion to a V8. Since it won’t be a pure Alfa when finished, I’m not sure if anyone here would be interested in the pictures & build process, so I thought I’d ask.

I am starting with a pretty beaten 1985 Spider Veloce. The floors are pretty much rusted out, and the body has seen better days. I will be swapping in a small block Ford V8 with fuel injection – Shooting for 400hp. Behind that will be a T5 5-speed to a narrowed 8.8 rear-end.

The front end will be re-done with a tubular K-member to support a coil-over suspension. The rear will possibly be a 4-link type setup. Both front and rear will have disc brakes.

The overall intent is to be a sleeper – Closed hood, quite exhaust. However, my driving force is to create something of an Italian version of the 427 Shelby Cobra – No top, no door glass etc.

I’ve built many cars in the past and have done pictorials on them as I went. I built a 427 Cobra replica (in 8 weeks no less ), and a few others such as my daughters car.

If there is interest, I’ll post throughout the process along with pictures.

If the mere thought of defiling this Italian piece of art makes those of this forum gag, I’ll respectfully refrain

[mmarvi]

While many may consider this sacrilege, I would be interested, just to see how it would be done.

Mo in NJ

[JBsZ06]

YES! I definitely want to see the photos of the buildup!

Thanks

JB

[sono veL.O.ce]

Show us! The more stuff gets documented here the better.

[bigpapajoe]

ive always been interested in building cars from scratch...how much did the cobra project cost you? how did you learn how to do that? most importantly, how long did it take?

[JoeCab]

The problem with most of these types of "conversions" is that people seldom finish what they start, leaving the car in worse shape than it started in.

Based on your previous projects, it looks like you have the talent and willpower to follow through, so I am looking forward to your photos!

Joe

[powerdoc]

I remember years ago when the Ford Falcon was fighting an advertising war with the Chevy Corvair that the Ford folks shot arrows with the weight in the usual position and with a weight near the end of the arrow, with the expected result, the rear-weighted one wavered all over the place while the front weighted one "hit a bullseye". What we have here is an arrow with the weight in the back when it was designed for the front. It'll burn but it won't turn!

[Hooligan]

Very interested to see... especially with how you deal with the rust (mine is a bit of a rust bucket)

Please post some pictures of it as it is today... should be an interesting project! These cars were never known for their speed (120hp on a good day)

[brockbr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigpapajoe ive always been interested in building cars from scratch...how much did the cobra project cost you? how did you learn how to do that? most importantly, how long did it take?

[brockbr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeCab The problem with most of these types of "conversions" is that people seldom finish what they start, leaving the car in worse shape than it started in. Based on your previous projects, it looks like you have the talent and willpower to follow through, so I am looking forward to your photos! Joe

[brockbr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerdoc I remember years ago when the Ford Falcon was fighting an advertising war with the Chevy Corvair that the Ford folks shot arrows with the weight in the usual position and with a weight near the end of the arrow, with the expected result, the rear-weighted one wavered all over the place while the front weighted one "hit a bullseye". What we have here is an arrow with the weight in the back when it was designed for the front. It'll burn but it won't turn!

[brockbr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooligan Very interested to see... especially with how you deal with the rust (mine is a bit of a rust bucket) Please post some pictures of it as it is today... should be an interesting project! These cars were never known for their speed (120hp on a good day)

[brockbr]

Here's some pictures of the progress today. Since I started this morning, this shows the car as it was. For the curious, I paid $900 for the car in the condition shown - I hadn't touched it until today:


Te car actually runs and drives but the clutch master is history:


The body is not in top shape either:


And the top has a few minor leaks:


Starting to take out the interior - Notice the incredible craftsmanship used when making the 6x9 speaker holes:


The floors are just about gone:


Interior pretty much removed:


While removing the interior and wiring, I was careful to pull out the computers and harness. Anyone want to buy a running 2.0 Spider drivetrain (engine, trans, rear end) along with full harness and computers (BTW, it's an FI car with AC)?


That's it for today - I'll be on the engine/trans tomorrow along with more pics.

[MrT]

I'm looking forward to seeing this, too, just as an education. Is the power:weight ratio considerably different for the planned Ford power plant than for possibly more "drop-in" conversions like the 3-literAlfa V6 with a Maserati bi-turbo tranny?

[Paradiso]

I'm in awe of your skill and hard work. You've done some very nice work and I really look forward to seeing the results of this project.
This is a car that would have been left to rot behind somebody's barn. What you are doing is taking an Alfa that would have rotted away and turning it into something interesting and useful. Certainly not a purists dream but a very interesting hybrid machine!