i think i want an opel GT

[killer_siller]

yep, this is going to be one of "those" introductions. i'm feeling out my options for a fun car, and decided to make a post. unfortunately weighing my decisions is based on quite a few factors.

1 - i have a propensity toward japanese engineering. it's what i've grown up around and am more familiar with
2 - i have an equal propensity toward european styling
4 - i have enough disposable income, engineering prowess, mechanical inclination, and drive for learning to put together what i want myself.

my intentions are even more unfortunate. you see, i have no qualms with chucking the CIH drivetrain. i have a cornucopia of toyota, mazda, and subaru parts to pick from. whatever car i end up with, opel or not, will be immediately disgraced with a blasphemous drivetrain and suspension swap.

my late father had an opel gt that i have only vicariously known. i never got to see it, as it burned in a barn fire before i was born and he died before i could learn from him.

my original intention was to scratch-build a lotus seven, frame and all. i began thinking otherwise when i considered that i wasn't happy with the sail-like aerodynamics and wanted something with better curves.

so, what i want to do:

Toyota 4A-GE 20v engine swap with fuel injection
Toyota T50 transmission
removing front suspension and making custom sub-frame to fit miata spindles and steering rack
make independant rear suspension (i was already doing this for my lotus)
rewire car (i HATE '70's euro wiring)

i'm just rolling this around in my head.

my other options:
butchering a first generation Celica similarly
Scratch build Lotus Seven

[MonkeyNutZ]

Déjà vu, I too was torn between a Locost and an Opel GT as well.

I'm not trying to turn you off a Locost or Opel in any way, if you are familiar with Japanese engineering, a Locost will perfect match up, Miata donors are very common in the states.

I choose Opel, and I'm happy even though it'll be 2-3 years before I can drive it. But the same can be said for a Locost, a build taking under 2 years is a rarity and it takes a ton of patience and know how to pull a build off properly.

What would you be using ether car for? The reason I got an Opel was because I didn't have the money or time to take a Locost to track days, and they're not very good as daily drivers. I will build a Locost at some point, maybe as my engineering theses

Go read some of the project logs at LocostUSA.com and ask a few questions.

[killer_siller]

i've been on locostusa.com for a bit less than a year. the best thing i've brought away from that has been the plethora of books and references for everything from FEA analysis to suspension geometry.

it also allowed me a change of mindset in building and construction.

a few things have turned me away from the locost, most of them involving comfort. track days are my main priority for this; time attacks. but i like being able to take a car out on the town every now and then.

i've worked on european cars, and have always liked sports cars, i just haven't ever OWNED one.

i think the only thing stopping me right now is that i would be molesting an otherwise good car. a few of my friends are on the verge of disowning me for even MENTIONING the idea.

good news for me: the GT follows a 4x100 lug pattern, allowing me a little more freedom and options in spindle and hub designs.

another worthy mention: i've already got all of the donor parts to do this, i'd just neen the Opel!

[newman27]

Originally Posted by killer_siller ...a few things have turned me away from the locost, most of them involving comfort. track days are my main priority for this; time attacks. but i like being able to take a car out on the town every now and then. i've worked on european cars, and have always liked sports cars, i just haven't ever OWNED one...

Welcome to the forum! I drive my GT regularly and feel it is a very comfortable car for a sports car. It is a true GT in my opinion in that you can pick a nice cruising speed on the highway and hold it there and the car just glides along. I do, however, have a ton of Dynamat in my car which I think helps keep the cabin noise down.

That said, I have known a few people that have ridden in my GT and the Pontiac Solstice for that matter that come away wondering how anyone could get used to the ride and cabin dimensions. If you are used to Acura sedans (or worse an SUV of some type), then you are in for a world of difference. You have to be in the right frame of mind to be able to enjoy the ride in a true sports car on a regular basis. This includes the desire to be connected to the car rather than insulated from all the bumps in the road. You mentioned comfort and so I wanted to give you a realistic view of what to expect day in and day out. I hope you get the Opel!

HTH

Matt

[markandson]

Why put Japanese parts in a German car when you can do something like this with Opel parts. I understand your comfort with what you know but half the challenge is doing things you know nothing about. A lot of what I accomplished with my build was learned here on this site, there is so much knowledge here it is unbelievable.

[First opel 1981]

Originally Posted by markandson Why put Japanese parts in a German car when you can do something like this with Opel parts. I understand your comfort with what you know but half the challenge is doing things you know nothing about. A lot of what I accomplished with my build was learned here on this site, there is so much knowledge here it is unbelievable.

Alright now, quit bragging

[markandson]

Originally Posted by First opel 1981 Alright now, quit bragging

Not my intent, but I will take that as a compliment .

[OpelJim]

Originally Posted by killer_siller i've been on locostusa.com for a bit less than a year. the best thing i've brought away from that has been the plethora of books and references for everything from FEA analysis to suspension geometry. it also allowed me a change of mindset in building and construction. a few things have turned me away from the locost, most of them involving comfort. track days are my main priority for this; time attacks. but i like being able to take a car out on the town every now and then. i've worked on european cars, and have always liked sports cars, i just haven't ever OWNED one. i think the only thing stopping me right now is that i would be molesting an otherwise good car. a few of my friends are on the verge of disowning me for even MENTIONING the idea. good news for me: the GT follows a 4x100 lug pattern, allowing me a little more freedom and options in spindle and hub designs. another worthy mention: i've already got all of the donor parts to do this, i'd just neen the Opel!

If you want a shell or a GT with an engine in it and a 4 speed then
get in touch We can sell you one of the 25 we have in stock for low
bucks

Contact : usaopel@usa.com

Jim M aka Opel Jim

[First opel 1981]

Originally Posted by markandson Not my intent, but I will take that as a compliment .

I was just being funny. You do have a nice looking engine compartment though. Too bad it's hiding under the blinding bling of a hood most of the time.

[killer_siller]

Originally Posted by markandson Why put Japanese parts in a German car when you can do something like with Opel parts. I understand your comfort with what you know but half the challenge is doing things you know nothing about. A lot of what I accomplished with my build was learned here on this site, there is so much knowledge here it is unbelievable.

that's a really slick looking engine bay, but i already have all these parts around, i'd just need a shell to put it in!

now if i had an S14 and some time i'd be ALL OVER it. i've always loved BMW engineering, though i doubt that would fit.

i think i'll email usaopel and start some negotiations over a shell.

thank you very much, guys! i'm really excited!

[Johnvan]

Originally Posted by markandson Why put Japanese parts in a German car when you can do something like this with Opel parts. I understand your comfort with what you know but half the challenge is doing things you know nothing about. A lot of what I accomplished with my build was learned here on this site, there is so much knowledge here it is unbelievable.

Great job!! Very well done with attention to detail as well.

[Johnvan]

Originally Posted by killer_siller that's a really slick looking engine bay, but i already have all these parts around, i'd just need a shell to put it in! now if i had an S14 and some time i'd be ALL OVER it. i've always loved BMW engineering, though i doubt that would fit. i think i'll email usaopel and start some negotiations over a shell. thank you very much, guys! i'm really excited!

Welcome! Opels have great style regardless what you decide. Have fun!!

[DennisGardiner]

Originally Posted by killer_siller 1 - i have a propensity toward japanese engineering.... 2 - i have an equal propensity toward european styling 4 - i have enough disposable income, engineering prowess, mechanical inclination, and drive for learning to put together what i want myself.

The Bottom Line,... is to build it with 'attention to detail' and 'with excellence' and I seriously doubt many will object.

The opposition, (in my opinion) to Opel modifications is when the owner does not finish the project and kills the car in the process.

In my Opinion, (from what you have posted) you are a builder who considers diligently what works, and builds 'tight'. (to coin a phrase).

Enjoy

[jtb]

In the end, you will be the one driving the car, so if you want to have a different engine &/or drivetrain, go for it! There will always be those who prefer showroom stock, and those who prefer modified (to various levels). It's like choosing what colour to paint; ultimately it has to be a colour you like, regardless of what the factory did or what other people think.
Also, no-one has yet said to me "why didn't you leave it stock?" when looking at my car (well, at least not to my face).

jtb