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I figured I'd start cataloging this because it is turning out to be a weird build. Picked up an old unusual 327 V8 conversion, was told the engine was out of a Corvette, it was actually out of a Malibu or Impala. XKE is a 1970 roadster with Viper paint (paint looked pretty good but I'm seeing what appears to be a bad prep job). Always visit the car but given I figured I was going to replace the engine anyway and likely have to replace most of the seals and bushings didn't think much of the risk. It shipped with Air and power steering both of which were evident but disconnected. Some strange rear end body work, no bumper (which is OK as I don't like them), reasonably good wire wheels, tires with good tread but past their due date (both scheduled to be replaced anyway) and off I went. When the car shipped in it ran but badly, didn't want to idle, carburetor looked new so figured tune or jets.
Once the engine was out found that whoever did the conversion must have been on drugs because they damn near destroyed the torsion bar mounts. Engine was shown as rebuilt but they must have used garden tools. It would take too long to list what was wrong with it, total write off. Trans, 4 speed with lock up, needed a rebuild but it was solid. Had Posi but needed new seals. So done to date is new engine with high performance heads (waiting on a high flow intake), new performance brakes and pads front and rear, new shocks all around, coil over conversion in front (pray for me but so far it is taking the load fine), new radiator/fans, completely rewired front end. Once intake is on it gets a Holley Sniper and matched gauges, electric e-brake (did I mention the folks that did the conversion pulled the handle?).
And here is a picture with the engine in car (clearly haven't really started with the interior yet). I include a picture of the shifter change because the car came in with a drag shifter, pain in the ***, so its out. Can hardly wait to fix the rear tail lights.
Now the body work is starting. Really should have moved the engine forward 4" but figured that out too late (also should have done an LS but found out the 327 was trash too late as well and didn't want to toss $5k of work already done). These are shots of the initial Bonnet work, just taped now but this will be all done in aluminum and the car repainted. Sadly I have really expensive taste in paint.
This isn't the first time this has been done and apparently it holds up, doubt it would handle racing but this is mostly just to create a show car not one I'd track. I already have two cars that are better track cars and the damn tracks are a bit of a hike for me anyway. Here is a link to a prior build that is very similar to the one I'm doing and you'll see it too was switched to coil overs.
Making progress on the bonnet and fixing the tail lights and doors. I'm not happy with the XKS Unlimited gas cap but it may be due to the fact I'm seeing the tape. Be nice if I had had a picture of it properly installed.
Supposed to go in for paint tomorrow. It's been a long year and a half... (We are converting the car to a Speedster build, no top, cut down windshield) not sure yet how to handle the middle mirror. Electrical next, rewiring the rest of the car, followed by fitting a new interior. Hope to be basically done by month-end, I may need divine intervention.
Thermal coating on. Speedster conversion done left rear ready for paint right rear ready for paint passenger door ready for paint (note we are going with poppers, no door handles. Before thermal coating
Cut down windshield is on, like the look, still working on seals, trim and have the heater hook up, new larger front brakes, interior and sound system to go (not to mention rewiring the parts of the car that haven't been rewired). Fun...
These pictures show the headlights being fitted. Conversion kit came out of Europe and looks much sleeker than stock. Trim still needs to be fitted and the right headlight needs more adjustment. Also likely to take the intake to black so it doesn't look so raw.
By the way I found the headlight kit on the European XKE forum, here is the link: The 'E' Type Forum - Login
He makes some other interesting things as well, for instance, he has a Gear shift know with a working James Bond ejector seat button (he uses it for overdrive). Picture below:
02-09-2018, 06:29 PM
XKE Resto Mod Project (V8)
