I love to be able to see the frame and components but a body will make it much faster, maybe heat mold clear PC panels and get the best of both worlds.
I don't mean to be rude, but if you have both arms and legs, why would you intentionally install an automatic transmission..? Did you accidentally order the wrong parts?
marty galinskas Some automatic transmissions works very good you should give it a try, if you have the chance to drive some beast like the new Camaro SS or Challenger SRT ;)
Man, you should really take some more videos on your amazing car, really nice work. I really would like to know more about this amazing build. P.S Good luck with your son. (From second video) :)
your finished car looks awesome great job with your project. it probably needs a roll cage but i guess if you are going to be safe on the road than you dont need one.
Zero Gar If it is inspired by an Ariel Atom, a car made specifically for racing and speed, it might be used for racing and speeding...and a manual trans has absolutely nothing to do with racing and speeding.
quattroNick "inspired" not replicated. I prefer manuals too, but I can see why some people prefer auto. Also, good luck finding a cheap, fwd, v8 donor car with a manual trans.
@elhigh They didn't require fenders (at least here in Ohio) I did have to bolt on a bumper and made a crude wiper for the driver's side windscreen in order to pass inspection. Actually, due to the placement of the radiator, I wanted as much air as possible to pass through the car from the front and sides to cool the engine. The wind screens worked perfect, blocking only the wind in your face. You don't need eyewear to see fine but, even a mosquito int the eyeball @ 80 is going to do some damage!
Gorgeous project! Inspired by the Atom, but not some kind of copy. I'd bet this builder is either AF or ex-AF. Just a comment on the ingenuity and engineering, as well as the dedication to do this kind of project.
Just don't rearend a taller vehicle. Your frame design makes for a perfect guillotine when you submarine that stopped vehicle at about 40mph. Other than that, kudos!
@neodynium a manual transverse gearbox for a LSX is not cheap at all, he could always add a tap shifter and get the trans shifting much quicker. Congrats again! Awsome car
Awesome machine. You should be very proud. I've always wanted to do something like this too. Is the frame painted steel or is the whole thing really aluminum?
congrats on building a dream for yourself! :-D i just wondered how did you determine the size of the tubes (thickness/diameter) and did you sortoff copy the structure for another same sort of car? you could easely make it too heavy (but super strong) but allso make it to light and make the chassis bend on the first bump you hit on the road. only thing i'd add is maybe some protection for the legs (if you ever hit something hard) let's hope never... enjoy it!! ciao, Hannes.
@Domenic Muscolo Why would you put a Turbo Charger on a V8? You put a Super Charger on a V8 for direct power to the wheels, while the Turbo Charger is "laggy", it used the exhaust to spin the Prop inside the Turbo to generate pressure, in a means of Boost. While the Super Charger is more direct, it is also more expensive, but more fun to have on your vehicle. Save the Turbos for your little Civic or Neon. I personally own a 1986 S10(Chevy if y'all didn't know), and it may have a 4cyl, and a tur
Thinking of buying an Atom. Just saw this... would you consider selling or making another one? Or, at the very least, selling me a detailed parts list?? I watched the video that talked about the parts used but it did not include the processes and exact parts. Not that I wouldn't want to give you credit for this thing, I just doubt you feel like clearing a space in the garage for another 2 years!! I have all of the tools, just lack the complete knowledge to entirely put it together! Thanks!
You are an inspiration to every back yard engineer. It is very cool to see someone's idea become a reality. The fact you did this is two years is amazing. It took me four years to rebuild an old 59 pickup with my dads help. Nice work! I am wondering how much you have invested into the project myself. Keep up the good work and it is also great to see such wonderful support from your wife. You must be proud of that family too. Cheers!
I wouldn't have chosen automatic, but manual trans-axles aren't frequently found on V8s, and with modern transmissions, it's more personal preference than anything. He wanted automatic, or didn't want to fool with finding a manual, and running clutch hydraulics. The biggest thing I would change is the lack of a front "firewall". Road debris would get annoying, and the slightest puddle would SOAK the driver.
As Elwood Blues said..."IT'S GOT PICKUP!" What's in it? How much is bought stuff and how much did you fabricate yourself? I think you wimped out with the screens. Take 'em off and wear a helmet if you have to. In my Lotus 7 type kitcar, for 'added' protection instead of a pair of Raybans, i wore some bright red, minimum shade welding goggles! I may have looked a pratt, but: 1) i didn't care and 2) you didn't see me for long...
I respect this, I really do. You obviously have a lot of engineering knowledge. What I am not sure on, is why you'd choose to invest money in this when an Atom is relatively affordable as a used car. My second question would be, given your ability, why not go for a similar design to the atom. This project looks like a decomposed muscle car rather than a formula racer. This is just positive criticism and observation, excellent build job mate.
As a car designer I must say you created a very convincing road car. I'm impressed at it's performance. However there are 2 modifications I would made: 1. Put a floor. Not only helps prevent water splashing from puddles but it will stop stones from hitting you. 2. Lower a bit the steering and you will get a more comfortable grip on your steering. As for the mini-windshields, is not a big deal. Design-wise it looks better without them. But I get the point that you were looking for freedom w
I'm not a car guy, at all. But I have now seen your wife's video and this one. This must feel like 4 steps above a souped-up go-kart. Wind, close to the pavement, sort of back to the basics with some cool enhancements. It looks like you have nice tight steering but I can guess you were dying to take this baby out to the Southwest with nothing but a hundred flat lonely miles and no HP hiding behind bushes. Great job. And you are a lucky guy to have your wife so supportive of your hobby.
Awesome work. Couple of things: are fenders required? Lots of places won't let you run open wheels on public streets; if the law isn't clear that gives cops room to stop you and hassle you. And that sucks. Might want to enclose the footboxes more. Don't want bees flying up your pants leg. That sucks too. Too bad you can't find a manny tranny but being able to pull the whole drivetrain and bolt it in in one big piece rocks. I'm recommending this to Jalopnik.
brilliant car mate im abit of a petrol head myself and it take some brains to couple all that power and get all the dimensions for the suspension, drive train and engine positioning you will have to take on the drag strip and strap a supercharger on it and get some high pony power
I've noticed lately how little people drive manuals in the US, especially "older" people, meaning not in their 20's. I think the guy just wanted to have fun with his road car, not necessarily race. Besides, most people are very bad with manuals anyway, it's harder than one would imagine, especially on the track.
The automatic was probably even an intelligent design, a lot easier using the transaxle for mounting and positioning. Cheaper being it probably came with the motor, the likely hood of it failing is probably pretty nill as it's pretty tough and considering the weight of the car. Very nice job, I want to do something very similar.
To all the other people out there who criticize - make your own damn car! He MADE IT HIMSELF the way HE wanted to! You don't like it? Do what he did and build one yourself - IF YOU CAN! All the rest of us - me included - say "Hey, I could maybe do that if he did." Maybe I could - maybe you could! Will you? Will I? I doubt it...
so, obviously having a TON of mechanical skills and know-how, do you think it would be possible to put, say a 6.2l deisel in this, with very little modification? i love gas, but just curious to how that could work in something like this. because you have done something inspirational here, and i salute you for it.
Nice job, can't put a price tag on a work of art, I'm sure it would have to be an offer you couldn't refuse whatever that would be. I'm sure vette139 gets enough shifter time8-) My 68 Camaro 4spd was my daily driver for 3 years and a automatic is quite a nice change. Congratulations
I love the car dude Its awsome that you actually built it :D and Im not sure but it seemed like you slowed down a bit when there were other cars on the road? if you did thats awsome your not 1 of those douches that risk other ppl in their mischief :P but ya awsome car dude
well do mate, great job!, suspension looks like its working a dream, did you have to mess around with the springs or did you select them according to the cars weight? are they adjustable also? sorry i know there from another car but i dont know my american cars.
@vtrmcs well you gotta think now... ya he prolly really wanted an ariel atom but look what he has made with his own hands, the feelings alot better drivign down the road in a 100% unique car that you built and works, other than driving somethign else thousands of other people have .
Just curious...what drive train did you borrow? Looks like you have a front wheel drive set up in the rear with a v-8 mounted sideways. Is it from a cadillac or chevy sedan? Great job with the build! I plan to make my own track car some day along these lines. Really cool....congrats!
@xlostxsoulx808 look at 3nd video....... second part of the video show picture while he been making it... Anywhay I dont know where he would bought it if he dint made it.... he the only I can see with this on youtube.... Read and seach before blasting people.....
How much in material did this build cost you? How much sweat equity in hours did it cost you? If you hit hard times what would you sell it for? If you are just willing to sell price please. Its a wonderful thing you have done there.
how is it in the corners? understeer oversteer? whats the 0 to 60? i bet top gear would have a field day if they found this!!! maybe they would have the stig give it ago on their track. beautiful car and great video despite the wind noise. good work.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! You did a beautiful job on your car. Anyone that says otherwise is either jealous, or blind!! I am in the process of building my own as well, and I would be happy if it turned out half as good as yours! Again, awesome job!!
@vette139 GREAT build man. I am inspired to do something similer. Quick question, so I'm either more inspired, or my balloon is popped. I'm guessing around 10-15k total for parts. Labor aside, (although I'm curious). Do you mind letting me know? Thanks.
@notyour94ranger. Thumbs up to the lack of puddle protection, but with that power, auto is still pretty fun. The only thing i found wrong is the weight. sitting in at 2500 pounds, a lighter frame material would have given way better power:weight,
Great job engineering this beast. It's a shame the car doesn't look better though. A couple of curved fiberglass or carbon fiber panels (similar to the Atom) would have made a huge difference. It might even be lighter than the sheet metal you used.
a edelbrock supercharger,should bring it up to the ZR1 horsepower range,with the same if not better driveability,with that said,every 100 lbs is about a 1/10 of a second,Im guessing this is about 1500-1800 pounds,so you see,it would be very fast.
beautiful beautiful build but 2 things i would change. 1 those windshields kinda make it look not as good as it could and 2 you need something covering those tires!! if a rock gets kicked up going 30 let alone 140 it going to hurt real badd!!
i guess if he wanted to he could shift down and at will through the gear range and it wont hurt since its ok with it in the first place. seriously nice work though. any ettemps at drifting it. that would be mighty hard
I was watching some Ariel Atom videos to see how they seemed to handle and accelerate. Your car and design seems to handle a bit better then the atom. And your acceleration is great as well. Good design good car.
do you have a diagram you use for the frame if so would you be interested in selling a copy-written copy i don't want to steal your idea I'm just amazed at how well this is put together, I'm ready to start me a project car
I'll bet that's the most fun you've had with your clothes on. I'd love to see more videos of you driving it. Don't worry about the wind noise, it only adds to the sense of motion. That thing is FAST! Great job.
Amazing creation, it looks very high quality from the videos. I'd like to see someone do something like this with a 2.7 twin turbo from an A6, except with bigger turbos. The unobstructed sound of two big turbos would be intense.
Oh man this so flippin cool. I love watching the speedo spin up. And the wheel view under the dash is awesome. I love the wind screens as well. Amazing job man. And no PseudomoralityR1, not all of us from Chicago are retarded.
This is very impressive car! I appreciate your effort very much! The only thing that I would have done differently is a transmission. I would have chosen manual transmission like in original atom. Best Regards, Petri
well lets be real, a v8 in a car that weighs little compared to cars of today probably gets alright gas mileage, but the 4 speed automatic does limit it some. I'm sure it gets fairly good gas mileage. the actual impala SS gets 16 city 26 highway (highway numbers probably good because they shut off 4 cylinders) I would say that you could probably see pretty good numbers from this car considering the impala ss weighs 3711 pounds and gets those numbers
I noticed the camera isn't vibrating much, so the suspension is doing a great job of soaking up road imperfections. The steering wheel isn't dancing around, so it's tracking straight & true. The suspension components (Corvette?) look very professionally installed. And that engine is smooth & quiet. I'm sure the under stressed drive train will last forever. Good choice to power it. I think you did a great job.
excellent work, absolutely awesome craftsman ship, especially on the suspension, but the ls4.. it's definatly more of a cruiser that a race car, i don't know what the gearing is like but I bet it's long. shorter gears and a 6spd would make that into the baddest home made car ever. even though the ariel used it, the K20 and 6spd gear set up from a 06 civic SI or rsx-s would have been a better choice, simply because its gears are short and it's 6 spd. but increadable build.
dont take this the wrong way but honestly i think it would be cooler if it was manual T instead of auto but auto is fine 2 i juss lik sticks more. that car is boss mode so either way it kicks ass!!!!
This is AMAZING! I would love to do a project like this...if only i had the funding :(....quick question though...Is this thing automatic, because it doesnt look like you're shifting gears?
I am currently building/remodeling an original '63 meyers manx dune buggy with a vw chassis,(little help from my parent) and this is my new inspiration!!! thank you soo much vette139!!!
ok forget the fact it's an automatic, it's just plain cool regaurdless of what kind of transmission it has. as far as my opinion goes it can be whatever he wants it to be, it's his car
It wasn't a choice. The drive train came out of a Monte Carlo SS, which didn't have a manual transmission option. There's no manual transmission for a front-wheel drive LS4 application.
I love these types of cars... all power no aerodynamics... Crazy Acceleration, no care to what the top speed is as 80 feels insane. 0-60 probably 4-5 seconds... Not bad at all!
Found this video on accident and realized these are local roads close to my house. I was like wow that looks like ******* road... then i was like OH thats cause it is!! Nice work man.
not a big fan of the auto gearbox but good effort nonetheless, good on ya, if there is anything else you would want to improve on the car, i would probably suggest safety improvements
auto... takes so much fun out of driving, couldn't care less about how fast the autos shift now or how good they are, pushing the clutch and shifting by hand it just so much more fun.
It's an auto because GM doesn't make a manual transaxle that would have worked on this car without absurd amounts of modification. Nice work man. I love the simplicity of it.
@hillbillyrt couldnt have said it better myself. the guy goes around hating on everyones videos. after i said something to him on another one of this guys videos, he went through my videos just to hate on them. check out his channel. all he does is comment hateful things on videos. its sad.
turn that frown upside down lol. cuz even though this motor and transmission might have been built for a fwd car this particular vehicle is rear wheel drive!!! woot
What an awesome car. It truely is a great peice of work. If u could take a video from a dead stop and get on it good that wld be something to see not that its not already
what kind of gearbox do you have on this and how were you able to mount it onto the back? was it hard to do that because the engine came from a front engined truck?
YOU CAN'T CALL SOMEONE A POSER BECAUSE THEY OWN AN AUTO. FOR GODSAKE, HE BUILD THE GOD DAMN THING FROM SCRATCH! THAT IS MORE THAN ANYONE CAN SAY ON THIS COMMENT SECTION!
fuckin sweet!!!! i was looking in to how to build something like that your own creation sweet and u can still put add ons thing is cool man but better if street leagal.
awesome job ,I was just talking to a buddy of mine about doing something similar with a spare engine trans combo I have laying around ,now I definitely have to get to work
@vette139 Yeah, I see what elhigh is saying though. Sweet car! But what happens if that tire kicks a rock back at your nuts? Is a firewall possible with something like this?
props to you on the car. i love how us ohioans have pride in what we build. keep it up and i drive a standard every day and sometimes its nice to have an automatic in a cruising car...im guessing thats basically what you are gonna use it for. good job man
Automatic because the shifter linkages alone would be easier to deal with. Plus you couldn't get that engine with a manual (though you could make a manual fit).
