Last year I had to sell my FRS that I had owned for almost 10 years. We had been through a turbo kit (ended in blown engine), a 418ci LS swap, and ended our time together with a self built high compression 2JZ VVTi.
Untitled by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
Untitled by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
I have been lost on what the next project would be, but I always said I would love to do a stripped out FRS run on standalone and a pdm. So why not that.
Enter the $500 GR86 Chassis. I figured if I cut this one up and ruin it, I wouldn't feel bad junking it, but lets see what we can do.
Bare chassis by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
Bare chassis by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
This is the worst of it. (that and no doors, that kind of sucks as they are still super expensive for the 22+). I work at a dealership, so I have the repair instructions and discounts on the parts I need to fix it. I am not quite worried about fixing it quite yet. Need to see where my other plans go before I dive too deep.
Bare chassis by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
Not 100% sure on what drivetrain will be going in it. I have a general plan. For now, I am planning on running this K20 that I was given for free... For very obvious reasons...
Engine by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
Engine by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
Head is toast, should be able to pick up another head for like $200
Engine by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
Engine by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
Engine by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
Engine by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
Ready for machine shop to see if it is even worth using.
Engine by
Dustin[Smith], on Flickr
The major hiccup in this project is going to be the transmission. I have wanted an AWD FRS for the longest time, and I think this will be the perfect chassis to try it with. I have kind of narrowed it down to 8hp45x or 8hp70/75x. I really want a 70/75 but getting one with a i6 bell housing in the US is difficult and very expensive. So I will most likely go with a 45x and build the tunnel a tad larger to support the move if I ever get a chance. There is also the choice of 335xi manual 6 speed, which I would like even more, but I am not sure on the strength of the gearbox, and again difficult to source and expensive.
I have the hubs and front/rear diff sorted out for the most part. Front and rear subframe will likely be modified stock units. Using stock steering gear, knuckles, control arms, suspension. Brakes will be another custom Porsche setup like I had made for the FRS (or maybe bigger as I was working to keep the factory bias and abs happy). Interior will likely be a stock, but gutted dash, race seats, and that is about it. I am going back and forth on rear seats for my kids, or half cage because racecar.