ASOG Forums

Well, I spent much of last winter and this spring doing the fabrication work on a buddies '65 Dodge Dart to squeeze in a 440 big block.  Now it's my turn.  I just bought a '96 Avenger and have pulled the motor.  What is going in?  Well, since I'm on a very tight budget I'm going with a small block Chevy 350.  The goal?  Keep the car as stock looking as possible.

So far I have pulled the motor and waiting the purchase of a sbc 350.  I have one lined up for this weekend and will begin the fit.  The car is being converted to rear wheel drive.  I came up with a slick way to get the transmission to fit past the cross member.  I've turned the cross member 180 degrees.  I swapped the upper control arms so they remain on the original sides to keep the angle of the struts correct.  I'll be welding the cross member in after I have the motor and can locate the best position.

Back ground on the car: I bought it for $650 with 232,000 miles and a locked motor.  The body is rust free with a few door dings and a cracked front bumper.  I am planning on a body kit down the road so I wasn't concerned about the front bumper.  It must have got cought on a curb (probably quite common as low as they are to the ground).

My budget is $2500 for the conversion (I said I was on a tight budget!).

Hope you guys don't beat me up for not sticking with the original motor and high perf parts.  I'm always trying to be different with everything I do.

hey I hope that turns out good. Do what u want w/ it man it's all good. Im gonna fit something in mine later on..dont know what yet..but when i do..im sure avengers and sebrings will get a good name and im pretty sure that this would help..specially if u could get some vidz online. Good luck!

nice to see someone finally doin the swap..

how do you mean you swapped the upper control arms?  Strut angle has very little bearing on the suspension.. but the rotational points of the suspension has a very large effect on handling.. fractions of an inch can ruin the handling completely.

you talking the member with the roll mount?

The mounting holes for the upper control arms are angled back several degrees and designed to accommodate that angle, when I turned the assembly around 180 the control arms were pissed off being tilted the opposite way and did not leave much room for movement.  It took me all of five minutes to swap them and all is good that I can tell.

I'm picking up some tubing tonight so I'm prepared for a little framing work when I get the motor this weekend.  The drivers side frame is a little different then the passengers to make room for the transmission so I'll have to custom fit each side seperately.  I'm going to make some temporary brackets that will tie into the original bolts on the frame so I can get keep the assembly square while welding it back in.  I'll be taking pictures along the way.

No hard feelings about not keeping the original SLOW motor.  I can't wait to see the updates, please post pictures often.

Good luck!

Another tip or hint is find an old direct connection rear wheel drive conversion kit for the Charger/daytona It's a great start for the rear

I spent the day cleaning and painting the Chevy V8 305 (seller thought it was a 350 but the block is stamped 5.0L) and began removing metal to get the motor to fit.  I have all the metal removed to position the motor where I need it, but I have a little more to go for the transmission and mounting the cross member to the frame.  Here are todays pictures:

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_75.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_79.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_80.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_81.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_82.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_83.jpg)

Good luck with the project, I'm definitely gonna keep an eye on this post  ;)

That's going to be one badass Avenger!  Keep the pics coming ;)

That's incredible, I'm always impressed with the work people are willing to do with a car.  The originality of the project is amazing!

Also Black Dragon you new Sig is killer.

This is probably gonna be one of the cooler mods ive seen

Alright, who wants to help me put a V12 in the Eclipse???  Any takers??

Anyway, I am very looking forward to seeing this.  Especially if you can keep it looking like  a stock Avenger.  All the V8 Venges I have seen have been have not looked very stock.

I'm drooling at the very thought of this project pulling through..very inspiring! sounds like one of my future plans. I cant wait to see a video of this baby running!

Just give me some pics of all the progress and ill be happy

word.

Today I got the final material cut away from the crossmember and all the support tubing welded in.  I spent most of the week looking at pictures of the crossmember trying to determine the best way to reinforce the structure semetrically when the cross member isn't quite semetrical.  From the pictures I think you can see all my time analyzing it paid off.  The cross member is reinforced and welded to the cars frame.  If I had the rack and pinion installed I'd put it back on it wheels, but since I don't I'll just have to wait to see how well it sits.

Tomorrow I'm going to start the day by welding in plates for the engine mounts.  Then I'm going to spend some time seeing if I can relocate the rack and pinion about 5 inches lower then its original position.  After that I'm going to begin cutting away the firewall and floor to make room for the transmission.  I'm hoping the center hump will be enough for the driveshaft so that I won't need to cut it all the way back.

Here are the pictures for todays work, enjoy!

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_84.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_85.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_86.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_87.jpg)

That's some good work!  I'm excited to see the final product!

WOW!  :o

I am so excited.

I can't believe someone is actually doing this.  People always talk about it, but it's finally happening!

*evil thoughts*..so u gonna be goin through this area anytime soon?.....i got a few stangs that i want u to take on. 8)

Sunday went well with getting the motor mounts in.  I must say the motor drops in like a glove.  If only the rack & pinion fit as well. In fact the rack & pinion won't be going back in, just not enough room left.  I'll have to go with a gear box style steering system. I spent some time today at a local salvage yard and the steering out of a Chevy Astro van looks very promissing.  More on that after the transmission is mounted (with any luck tomorrow).

Here are some pictures of the motor mounts in:

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_88.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_89.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_90.jpg)

 nice ...very nice....I like the looks of it

No rack, that's going to be annoying.  But at least the reward will be worth it.

MORE POWER.. who needs the rack & pinion

If it's a daily driver, he might want it.  That big ol' heavy motor on top of the steering wheels...he'll be Popeye (in one arm) before he knows it, lol.  The power steering is only parasitic to lower powered motors anyway (yes, there is power loss from it, just not really noticable).

I know you're only kidding DBJ.

Damn I'm tired! I put in six and a half hours tonight, but the transmission is mounted and the car is back on it's wheels.  It actually sits a little high, but there is a lot more to be put on so it should level out perfectly.  What luck!

BTW, it will have power steering, just not rack & pinion style, it will have the gear box with the rod that runs under the oil pan.  The gear box is hydrolic.  I've lost the A/C, but I'm not giving up the power steering (yet  ;))

Here is a picture of the transmission cross member (which fits nice and tight under the car, camer battery died so no pics) and the car back on it's wheels.  Tomorrow I'll be trailering the car back to my house. My friend has been kind enough to let me do all this work in his garage but it's time to give him back his space.  Next I'll be tackling the steering followed by the rear end.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_115.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_116.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_117.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_118.jpg)

When i was looking at doing a FR conversion, i was thinking along the lines of making a plate that screwed into the area of the axle/wheel bearing.. and then putting the rack up front.. getting rid of it being a front driver would also let you adjust the geometry a bit to give you a better turning radius.. no CV's to worry about snapping/binding.. :)

I can't tell you how excited I am to see this thing run. Its just incredible to see that this is actually a possibility. If this works out I see more swaps of the sort coming along down the road. I know I would love to do this.

Hope that the powersteering stays on the right track!  If I had money I'd donate parts, and even fly out and donate some time.  But sorry I"m broke.

its on the ground.. wooo.. that looks so cool

 :werd:

I got the car home Friday without too much trouble, the tires were a bit of a challenge while rolling the car as they wanted to turn in opposite directions.  But it's in my garage now and I'm right back to work with the steering.  I decided to gamble on the Astro steering assembly and purchased it out of a 1987 Astro Van at the local salvage yard (Watkins) for $80.  I spent a couple hours trying to fit it one way, then another and finally, after a little concern to be honest, I found what I hope is a location too good to be true.  I have the steering gear box tack welded into what appears to be the most ideal location.  I just hope tomorrow when I start fitting the rest of the linkage (which needs to be cut and shortened) that it all goes into place.

I did have to cut away some of my previous cross member tubing and will need to replace it with new bracing. Here are the pictures of the steering gear box tack welded in and lined up with the steering column.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_119.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_120.jpg)

Hotness

>:(


THe Art Of KOOOOL :)

DODGE SHOULD'VE PUT AN 8 CYL. IN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE TO COMPETE WITH THE FORD STANGS. HECK PONTIAC EVEN HAS THE V8 GTO NO. IF MOPAR WAS SMART THEY'D SELL A V6 MANUAL TRANNY KIT. WE'D ALL BUY IT.

I second that

I third that

Engineers are not big on power, or speed they make money with fitting things in.  Except the good ones.  (GT-90)

...GT-90...explain a bit more...and yeah..when im an engineer..trust me..heh, ill be real big on power. i really cant wait..building engines will be a pretty damn exciting career!...uno ano

(http://www.usauto.pl/_starewww/tapety/ford_gt90_05_800x600.jpg)  A lot of blue I know, but it was a concept car I think they only made three or something like that 0-60 in 3.2


(http://66.36.165.230/others/khodro/posters/ford_gt90.jpg)

(http://www.korner.de/bilder/mind/Ford_GT90_side.jpg9)

Just a quick update - Still working on the steering (it's really kicking my ass).  It's like threading a needle.  I have it all functioning finally, but had to pull it all out and start reinforcing the cross member where I removed material to fit the gearbox.  It's a good thing I took this week off work because it's been taking every day for 6 to 8 hours to get this steering worked out.  I should have it finished this weekend and will post pictures then.  I did have to leave out the sway bar, that will have to be a future project to put one back in it.  It will be nice to have this steering behind me so I can get on with the rearend.  Check back Saturday night for the next update.

I will be checking back EVERY night.

Yeah, what he said!!!!!

I just can't let something sit unfinished.  Tonight I'm writting one handed becuase I'm drinking an ice cold beer with the other to celebrate the completion of the steering!  Well, at least the fabrication work is completed.  I still have to grease some joints and reposition the steering wheel in the correct orientation and a quick do-it-yourself alignment.  In all, I'm pretty pleased with the results.  Here are the pictures I promised:

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_121.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_122.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_123.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_124.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_125.jpg)

I hope it all holds!

that's a tight fit. looks great.
hope you can fit a sway bar into that later on. do you have a guess on the weight difference with the v8+trans over stock?

ssssssssswwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeettttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love it.

I concur!

I'm pretty sure the V8 is heavier, but because the weight of the transmission is distributed more to the back it seems to put about the same load on the front end.  When it is on it's wheels I can bounce my body weight up and down on the front end and the car handles it without any problem.  Like I mentioned earlier it actaully sits a little higher in the front with the V8 but as I reinstall the components like the steering it is likely to squat back down to a perfect height.  I still have some heavy items left like starter, alternator powersteering pump, radiator, carborator, exhaust, etc.

Wow. A V-8 in an Avenger and so far it looks totally stock from outside.  Bravo and congrats!

Good luck as this project develops. 

just out of curiousity, was it originally a v6 or i4?

So uhhhh.....how much you gonna charge to do this swap for other members?   ;)

The car was originally a 4 cylinder with a manual trans.  It is a Base model, but has power windows, door locks and seat with a sun roof and 16 inch wheels  (I believe 14 inch was standard for base).

I now have the back end of the car up on stands and have measured the rear end width.  Looks like I'm after a rear end with an overall width of 62 inches and a 4.5 inch (114.3mm) bolt pattern.  That pretty much excludes all GM rearends (4.75 bolt circle).  I think the Ford Ranger 8.8 rearend might be too narrow.  I'm going to try and measure an 8.25 rearend out of a Dodge Dakota on thursday (1987 to 1990 are 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern).

Or...

you could get a GSX gastank, a ford IRS rear end (or vette d44) and install that into a GSX rwd subframe..

just adapt the axles and run your driveshaft..

you maintain the stock suspension geometry (which works well) and can get a real rearend in there.

Thats exactly what I was going to say...

ok not really...  ;D

Just a reminder to everyone that reads this, I'm trying to get the car rolling again on a $2,500 budget.  If that wasn't the case, I obviously wouldn't be putting in a crappy old 305 SBC and would likely be going with something like a Ford 9" rearend with fourlink and coilovers.  But I have to take what I can get.  Phase II will be performance enhancements, but lets first see if I can pull this thing off.

I've found a Dakota rearend at Watkins salvage yard locally about 9 miles from my house that I will be likely buying this Saturday complete with springs and driveshaft for $150.  I almost made the mistake of looking for a rearend that is 62 inches wide, that is the width with the weight off the rearend and the suspension hinged down.  With the weight on the wheels they spread out to approximately 64 inches.  My rough measurement of the Dakota rearend is 63 inches.  That would move the tires in 1/2 inch on each side which I don't think will be noticeable.

I just want to say one more time that I really can't wait to see this. I must wish you good luck sir, and I hope that transmission works out smoothly and everything. Once again good luck.

man.. your briliant

I wish I could say things were going faster, but all I have for you today are pictures of the old rearend pulled out.  I'm waiting for the junkyard to pull the rearend for me but they are really busy and the weather hasn't been the greatest.  Should have it in the next couple of days.

Here are pictures of the gas tank and rearend removed:

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_126.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_127.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_128.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_129.jpg)

well hey, its gettin done quicker than my paint job did ;) keep it up.

Wow amazing work on an incredibly low budget. This should be a sticky with full write up once completed.

This is one of the nicest projects i've seen.. keep up the good work...

been awhile since any posts were placed, just wondering what the status was

I've been waiting for the junk yard to pull a rear end for me out of a Dodge Dakota.  I could of had one from some other yards, but this one was the cleanest, or so I thought. I got it yesterday only to find it had a blown seal and I've had to spend a lot of time cleaning up the greasy mess.  After I get it mounted (keep your figures crossed that that goes well) I'll be pulling the axles and putting in new bearings and seals.  here are the pictures of the axle before cleaning.  Still have some rust removal before I can paint it but that will all have to wait until after I have it mounted.  It's time for some progress.  Won't be able to do much this week though because I'm camping Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Hopefully next week I will have a lot more to show.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_130.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_131.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_132.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_133.jpg)

After an hour of scratching my head trying to figure out how to mount the front side of the leaf springs I came up with a nice clean frame-up for it.  I also had to cut away the spare tire well to make room for the back side.  If all goes well I should have it back on all 4 wheels this weekend!

Here are some more pictures:

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_166.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_171.jpg)

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(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_174.jpg)

I'm posting one handed again with a beer in the other.  I got the springs fully mounted today!  I'm very happy with the results.  I spent quite a few days looking at the springs in different positions, moving them in and out up and down.  I let the weight of the car down on them with a 4x4 and jack holding it up and it seems to sit almost perfect.  It also has a really nice feel to the bounce (no shocks yet).  My friend (the one with the 1965 Dodge Dart if you recall from the first post) has been helping me with the cleaning of the springs and rearend.  He has the rearend cleaned down to metal over most of it.  I'll be pulling the axles tomorrow and getting it ready for new bearings.  I should have it bolted in mid week.

Here are todays pictures!

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_175.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_176.jpg)

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(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_180.jpg)

it's weird seeing the venge with leafs, glad to hear it's still in motion!!  ;D

This project is great good luck can't wait to see it done.

looking good.....cant wait to see it done

It's back on four wheels! The rear end is finally in.

It sits just right, still a little high in the front just the way it was when I started.  The width turned out perfectly too, but don't take my word for it check out the pictures!  Take note of the picture with the wheel off, you can see some machine work I had done on the axles to accommodate the smaller wheel hub.

What's next?  I need to mount shocks, and find a drive shaft or have one made.  Then on to the radiator.  I'll still have a lot of little things left like running some new brake lines, fuel lines, installing a fuel cell, and a bunch of other necessaties for the motor.  But the biggest things are now done and it's all down hill from hear (so I think).

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_185.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_186.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_187.jpg)

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(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_189.jpg)

:golf clap:


keep on going...

 ;D

This is great to see happening!!  Running the exhaust should be fun, looks tight. Of course you could always run side pipes behind TC skirts and have the opening in front of the rear tire  :o

Can't wait to see a video of this Avenger roasting the rear tires, we should get a fund going to buy him a replacement set, lol.

AWSOME project!  like everyone else I am glad to see someone actaully jump in and do this!  you are doing an exellent job on every aspect of this project from your beautiful welds to the sheer genious use of the different parts from different vehicles.  MAD PROPS!!!  cant wait to see it drive.

you might have to run a full roll cage, cause if that small block hooks up it will twist that uni-body like a pretzel.
a cage will act like a second frame.

one good twist and those doors will be real hard to shut.

...taking notes. Im really thinking of doing something similar..so....keep on going.  8)

Another item to check off the list...Mount Rear Shocks. Again, I am pleased with the way these turned out. I used the original mounting holes for one side of the upper A-arm to mount the top half of the shocks. The shocks are moved out much closer to the wheels then the original Dodge Dakota that the rearend is out of. I'm hoping that will provide some improved stibility. Now when I push down on the car it is firm. Seems about the same as the front in firmness. I wanted shocks with two open ends which I recalled my buddies 65 Dodge Dart having so I just specified that car at Checker Auto. Can't beat the price at only $15.99 each.

While I was working on the shocks I also did some research for a drive shaft. I couldn't find a shaft of the right length or condition that I was comfortable working with. I have shortened some shafts in the past, but never attempted to make a conversion shaft from a Chevy to a Chrysler. So, I descided to have one custom made at PST (http://pstds.com). $199 plus $16 shipping. Well worth the money! New Chevy slip yoke, and Chrysler pinion side yoke with u-joints and 2 3/4 DOM tubing (see last picture below).

I've also spent over $1000 on new stuff this last week (running out of fabrication work...yeah!). Here is a teaser of what's to come:

1. Griffin aluminum racing two core 1 1/4 tube radiator
2. 20 gallon Summit aluminum fuel cell
3. Chevy Blazer Headers (and they fit without modification! more on that later)
4. Short aluminum HV water pump and chrome pulleys (will give me another inch of room in front of the motor for radiator)
5. 100amp chrome altenator
6. Chrome Summit engine dress up kit (even though the 305 will remain stock for now I felt it needed some shine to make it at least appear worth the effort).

and much more...

Believe it or not, now it is time to pull the motor and transmission back out. You heard me right. Now that everything is located and fits I need to patch up the hole I put in the firewall to make room for the transmission (last bit of major fabrication work).

Here are today's pictures:

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_190.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_191.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_192.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_236.jpg)

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(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_238.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_235.jpg)

I feel like I'm looking at porn.

Is that a driveline in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?   ;D

"Is that a driveline in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?  ;D" ...No, its a gun....   

Love that rear end shot (PIC #6) where you see the differential  :o

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_191.jpg)

might want to shave those ears a bit on the lower shock mount..

the axle will move a bit laterally and rotate when it moves those ears looks mightly close to the shock body

round the tops off a bit and it'd be good i'd imagine.

otherwise.. looks great :)

Thanks for the concern, but actually the shock body tapers providing almost a 1/4 inch clearence that is difficult to see from the angle the picture was taken.  I appriciate the feed back, I do make mistakes now and then... if I had a dollar for every time I read the tape measure wrong...

It has been a while since I've posted, but believe me a lot has happened.  I got the tunnel all patched in, but not without paying a big price.  While welding up some of the seams a spark started a flame behind the dash board up against the firewall.  Took my wife and I over an hour to put it out completely.  It melted the plastic ducted work and cracked the windshield.  Looks like I'll be pulling the dash completely out.  I'm hoping it didn't get to the wiring.

To say the least I was pretty bummed about it.  I cleaned the smoke off the inside of the windows and vacuumed out all the water.  To look at it now you wouldn't know there was a fire unless you looked close at some of the vent grills which melted some along with the duct.  The good news was I at least had the carpet out so it didn't spread beyond the back of the dash.

The next day I decided it was best if I just put the fire out of my mind and deal with the dash and windsheild replacement later (there goes the budget!).  I finished welding up the transmission tunnel and sprayed it all down with rubberized under coating. 

My friend helped me put the motor back in after some more cleaning and painting.  I also put on a new chrome oil pain, new cam, lifters and timing chain, not to mention a new chrome timing chain cover, fuel pump, and harmonic damper.  The cam was a last minute decision after finding the rocker arms to be loose I figured it had a bad lifter or warn cam lobes.  Turned out I was right on both counts.  The timing chain was replaced because the one on it was so loose it could almost be advanced a full tooth.  I have an Edelbrock carb and intake that is going on soon also.  I'll take some pictures this weekend and post them.  Currently it doesn't look that much different then some of the earlier pictures.

 >:( Sorry to hear about the fire.  I'm sure that a lot of stuff would've been thrown around my garage in anger if that happened here.

Glad to hear it's still moving forward.  I may have to take a road trip to wherever you are, to check this beast when it's completed.

SCHWEEEEET!!!

I just came upon this whole endevor and… I LIKE IT! I have been throwing the idea of doing this same sorta thing to my '95 Avenger ES for a few years now. I always joked around with my friends about one day making it my "project car" and squeezing a Hemi in it. Never really thought about it much further than that, since it is still my everyday driver. But at least you are giving me hopes for maybe one day doing so. Heck, I've seen where someone put a Hemi in a Neon once. There was no hood, but still. I'm like you tho, I'd want mine to be as stock looking as possible also. Don't know how stock you can make an Avenger with a Hemi look, but I'm willing to give it a try one day (if it's even possible to do, that is). Good luck, and keep up the good work!

This is exactly what i want to do.  My friend has an avenger that she blew the engine in, and i want it but i dont want to fix a an engine i dont want in it.  If i can get the car off of her for under$500 im going to do this too, can you send me as many pictures of this build as possible?(dude772@mountaincable.net).

One thing i wanted to know tho... what are you going to do about the exhaust?  the exhaust ports on the head look pretty damn close to the steering.(i just skimmed threw reading very little and drooling over the pictures.

Took longer to get the headers in than I first thought.  The drivers side had to be heated up with a torch and bent out an inch to clear the stearing, and the passengers side had to have the end cut and angled down slightly to clear the firewal.  But they are now in.  Next is the mounting of the radiator.

Here is the motor as of today:

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_197.jpg)

holy freakin crap i wish i would have seen this when it was first posted. i give mad props for this one. the venge is guna have a real good rep now!!!! WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ;D ;D ;D

looking good

that is some sweet piece of metal right there!

I'm impressed with how quickly this is coming along.  Great job on this man.  What would it take to get me in your will to receive this if you die?

now if he told you that he would have to kill you..

One more thing to check off the list, Radiator mounted.  I think I will get the shifter and cable mounted next.  Got a great deal on a B&M Hammer Shifter off eBay for $50 with shipping.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_205.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_204.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_198.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_200.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_202.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_203.jpg)

Sweet Jesus ;D

Its so... so... beautiful   :'(

Send me your headlights and I'll sand and buff them for ya. That way I can say I helped on this project,  ;D Looking great !

i was thinkin bout this for a while now but came up with a, what i think, more locical idea. this is frickin awsome though, im glad to see that someone finally got up enough brass to actually do it. i know you will but i have to say it anyway, PICS, PICS, PICS, im sure i speak for everyone when i say we want tons of pics when this is done. thats gonna be one of, if not the baddest venge on the face of gods green earth. good luck with the rest of the project and i hope all goes well with it. 8) 8) 8)

Just a quick update, and sorry no pictures.  I got the shifter mounted and cable hooked up (B&M Hammer shifter).  Also mounted the power steering pump using custom brackets I made to locate it on the passenger side.  Belts for the pump and altenator are in.  Also ran the fuel lines up front tying them into the old fuel line that ran along the firewall.

I'm now working on tying the rear brake lines into the new rearend.  After that I'll be running the transmission cooling lines.  Plan to tie those lines into the original loop used by the original power steering pump that is mounted just in front of the radiator.  I'm also looking into some places to make custom hydrolic lines to run from the power steering pump to the gear box. I hope to have all this done by the end of this weekend.  Then on to the fuel cell and trunk mounted battery.

I'll post pictures this weekend.

I actually a little sad this is coming along so quickly.  I wanted to be excited for the rest of the year!  But at the rate you're going it sounds like you'll be done before Christmas!

Good, it can be my gift for Christmas!

ROFLMFAO@ nykon....if thats the only way ur gonna own an avenger, then ur gonna be owning that eclipse for a looooooooooong time...unless u buy a 3rd gen (stratus counts, just a diff. name)

I had an avenger before you had your sebring.  Just because I don't have it anymore.  Any time I want to see it or drive it I can.  I probably won't own another one but Eclipse is close enough.  And 3g's SUCK!!

:'(-you forgot to put that crying face...its ok man ur one of my favorite members. it really wouldnt be asog without u.

Wow, I leave for a little while and come back to this.  That's awesome!
So, will this V8 Avenger be streetable or will this be a 1/4 mile car?  Just curious.

The new Avenger concept car approved!! We need to send this to the concept artist and make a muscle legend out of the Avenger kills Mustangs, Chargers, and any modified Civics.....ON THE STARTING LINE!! 

Very cool, my FIL is doing something similar. 

http://asog.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,30/topic,1935.0 (http://asog.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,30/topic,1935.0)

Again it has been a while since I have post, but not because I haven't been working on the Avenger, instead because I didn't want to bore everyone with all the little details I've been working on like running brake lines and the like.  Here are all the things I can think of that I have completed since my last post:

- Power steering pump mounted (had to make custom brackets).
- Custom power steering hoses made by Tubes N Hoses installed.
- Radiator Hoses installed.
- Rear brake lines hooked up and bled (even got parking brake working!).
- Valve covers bolted on with new stainless stud kit.
- Oil Dipstick installed (new chrome dipstick to replace previously orded that did not fit).
- Torque converted bolted to flex plate.
- Trunk floor patched (see pictures).
- Rear battery mounted (see pictures).
- Fuel cell mounted (see pictures).

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_206.jpg)
I patched the floor with a left over piece of metal siding from my new workshop I just had built (haven't moved the car into yet - want to drive it in). After the fire from welding the transmission tunnel I was in no mood to take a chance with burning up the back seat so I caulked and riveted the metal in followed up wit some foam to true up the seems.  You can also see the grommets where the fuel line, vent line, and battery cable will exit the trunk.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_222.jpg)
I welded in some bolts to hold the tubing that bridges the new tin work.  The tin was not as ridged as I wanted for mounting the accessories directly to so I made up some mounting framework to handle the load.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_223.jpg)
Carpet back in place with studs cut through.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_224.jpg)
Framework in place.  You can also see where the ground cable bolts to the frame.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_225.jpg)
Another look at the framework.  The stains came with the car for no extra charge.  Something I can improve in phase II.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_226.jpg)
New battery and aluminum battery box.  All that framework should be starting to make sense now.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_227.jpg)
(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_228.jpg)
(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_229.jpg)
20 gallon aluminum fuel cell.

I was wondering what had happened.  I am very happy with what I see.  Good work!  ;D ;D ;D

yes, very cool.

Nice progress!
Did you make that battery box?  I only ask because it doesn't look like any of the ones that I've seen online.  It does, however, look very professional and I like it! ;)

looks very good, and like nykon said..for a while i started to think something was wrong..but very cool.

bitting my nails.....  shwweeeet jesus, that is so cool.

cant wait till that beast is running... i am like jumping on my seat just from thinking of the exhaust sound  :D


mmmmm sweet sweet donuts on parking lots (drooooool)

I've patiently been waiting for an update.  And it was worth it.  I'm glad you are keeping up with the pictures too.  You have to go on a long cruise once it's running and the bugs are worked out.  Then bring it by my place.

yup, very cool, very nice looking.  i too have been waiting on an update on this.  i cant wait till its done and its not even my car, bad a$$ dude

Taylor makes them.
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+400235+115+307178&autoview=sku

ill keep that in mind..i need two.

great progress! can't wait till ya get everything finalized and it running. you'll def have to post a sound clipping of the exhaust, if nothing else!

 :D  :D  :D yup yup

gonna have to use some high-speed video to actually be able to see it  :D

plus, it'd be real interesting to watch it spank something that would normally be outta our league—as far as racing goes, that is. something like a cobra, supra, etc.

it would bring tears to my eyes to see an avenger or sebring have a supra lookin like it choked on the starting line.

i abhor GM but this is still an inspiring project. i was hoping that when you got to this point on the forum that i would be able to see the project complete. Alas, I must wait in anticipation like the rest of us. when you are finished i NEED a video to show to my manager at work (he refers to any import or less than 300 ci or 2700cc engine as a tuner car. theres always a tinge of *sympathy* in his voice when he says it. I guess he's never gone against a properly tuned 4G63).

Just a quick update to mark the point at which I got the engine running.  Last night my friend and I sorted through the maze of wires, fuses, and relays and found the ones we need for the starter and HEI.  The motor cracked off and ran, but drained the oil on the floor in about 10 seconds.  After locating the oil plug that I missed during accembly we fired it up again and ran it at 2000 RPMs to break in the cam only to see the headers start to glow.  Shut it down and realized that I never tightened the carberator down, so the motor was running extremely rich.  Fixed that oversight and it is now running good.

Today I idled it out of the garage and back in (no gas peddle, it melted in the fire) and all seems well for motion.  I'll need to hit the junk yard on Monday for a new dash and gas peddle.  I'll make short video of the motor running with open headers tomorrow and post it, I just rememered my digital camera can make videos.

i think i should go change my pants ::) :-\

jusbringit an extra ;D

 ::) That one was just painful.

Can you point one out that wasn't?

Glad to hear the sleeper is coming to full life.  Can't wait for the video.  Hopefully you don't miss anything else.  ;)

*goes into hiding*

SCHWEEEET!!! can't wait to see/hear it!

 :D ;D YIPPY SKIPPY!!!  ;D :D

Here is that video I promised.  It is really crapy, but it's all I can muster from my digital camera.  I'll make some better ones with my video camera after I get the thing on the road.

Let me know how it is because I don't have QuickTime installed so I've only viewed it on my camera.  I'll take a look at it when I get to work tomorrow.  The sound was terrible on the camera and I doubt it gets any better on the computer  :-\

http://overlandconcepts.com/v8_avenger_engine_running.mov (http://overlandconcepts.com/v8_avenger_engine_running.mov) (10.6MB)

BTW, I got the replacement dash and gas peddle today.  I plan on having it all back in this weekend.

I let it load for about fifteen minutes.  Then I closed it out.  I did this twice.  No good.

I loaded it up in Opera and it worked fine.

Looking good!!!  Can't wait to see the finished product!

Try right clicking on the link and selecting "Save As"

awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That sounds so good.

It worked.  Holy crap.  I want more.  More videos.

its nice and loud. it sound good.  loud pipes save lives  :)

.......................
.......................
.......................
*picks jaw off ground*

next two videos have to be

A:  On the way to the track from another vehicle.
B:  From the stands AT the track as your destroying another car (preferrably a mustang. GM & Dodge sucker punching a Ford) LOL!

Kudos my man, Kudos

Ho Lee Crap!!! I went bug eyed when it fired up. That's an awesome accomplishment right there. Can't wait to see this thing moving under its own steam (or rather 8 cylinder goodness).

Great Job!!

WOW!  IT'S ALIVE!   Great work.  Thanks for taking the time to really show the work involved. How close to your original budget are you?

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

Think we could do that to my eclipse? ;D

My hats off to you  :)

Have you made the tunnel yet, or did I miss that somewhere? There's so much to look at, and now listen too!

Great work!!

MUA AH AH AH!! THE BEAST IS ALIVE!

brings a tear of joy to my eye to hear a sound like that coming from an avenger—especially b/c that avenger just happens to be the same color as mine! …makes it easier to daydream it is mine  ;D

this has been daed... whats going on! i wanna see this sucker rolling down the street

Sorry to leave you guys hanging again.  I ran into another set back almost as frustrating as the fire.  I hate to admit to this, but I tossed out the cv axles with the motor before realizing that I needed the end shafts off the axle assembly to hold the front wheels on.  The entire time I've been working on it the only thing holding the front wheels on were the brakes.  Yeah, I feel pretty stupid.  I didn't drive it if that is what you are thinking, thank god!  After getting the interior all back in I decided to give the steering another look after noticing some toe in that I had not seen before.  When I jacked it up I noticed the wheels were all wobbly which is when I realized my blunder.  $84 for a set of junk yard axles that I already had but junked  >:(. Any way, I disasembled the cv axles and reinserted the end shafts through the rotors and bolted them back on.

I also had to cut a hole in the hood after failing to find an air cleaner that would clear.  Less than an inch of the front side of the air cleaner sticks through the hood (pictures coming soon).  In order to try and keep the car a sleeper I decided to cover it with an inexpensive hood scoop (pics to come).  The hood scoop is a tape on giving it a ricer want-to-be look when in reality it is fully functional!

Between winter and running out of funds progress is slow right now.  I'm going to try and get some exhaust on it in the next couple weeks which is another head scratcher.  I'm not sure if I want to run it all the way out the back, or turn it out in front of the back wheels (cheaper). 

Even if I don't get anything else done on the car it is at least ready to run at the drag strip at the end of March, first week of April www.greatlakesdragaway.com (http://www.greatlakesdragaway.com).  If anyone lives near by, come seem me run it.  I'm hoping for around 14.6 or better in the 1/4 mile.  My friend is thinking it will run a little higher (15's) after running some calculations on weight and horsepower (estimating 175 hp).  I'll post the exact date when it gets a little closer.

List of things to do before driving on the street:
- exhaust
- gauges
- electric fan
- refinement of steering center shaft (the shaft is a little low putting too much angle on the tie rods).
- fix brake lights and turn signals.

About those turn signals and brake lights...if anyone knows what they have in common that would cause both to fail together let me know.  BTW, the center brake light works, but not the tail lamps.  They all worked before I swapped the dash.

Also, if anyone knows of a style of carbon fiber hood that might get me an extra inch and a half of clearence let me know.

wait so do you already have the engine connected to the rear axle?? I noticed thats not in your to-do list..  :o

I must say major kudos to you for doing this project, and in a fairly timely fashion at that. I've just went and read through all the posts and its purely amazing that you've gotten this far.

Keep up the great work!  8)

Yep, it is drivable. I drove it from my garage about 100 yards to my new pole barn/work shop.

!!!!!!!!!!! HE'S ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!

and the car is doing good too.

hey i had a quick question. just how big of a v8 you think would fit in there? 350 or could it cram a 427. i know alot of other thigns would change and probably have a loss of room to fit the power steer but if makes in a pure drag car how big is big for that bay do you think?

about the exhaust, i say run it on sides in front of rear wheels

keep up the awsome job bud  8)

good to hear! 8) keep updating with details, props yet again.

I like straight out the back personally—with at least a 3" tip/pipe  :). Just seems like a lotta stuff would get kicked up onto and damage the tips/pipes if ran out in front of the rear tires. I may be wrong tho.

If you are talking about a big block 427 then I think the biggest problem with that would be the extra 150 pounds of weight and over 3 inches in additional length. 

The weight of a small block (305, 350 etc) seems to be working out well with my existing suspension, but an extra 150 pounds might require a completely new solution for suspension.

As it is with my small block I had to go with a short neck water pump and all the brackets and pulleys that go along with that form factor to give me enough room for a 3 inch aluminum radiator and electric fan.  With the added length of a big block I think you would have to completely remove the firewall and move the motor to the rear for enough room for cooling. I had to remove a portion of my firewall to fit the transmission, but I didn't have to deal with running new brake lines and wiring which you would with a complete removal.

After I run the car at the drag strip to get a baseline for the work I have done I will likely build a 300 hp 350 sbc to drop in place of the 305.  Since both motors are identical other then cubic inches it will drop right in.  You can get crazy horse power out of a small block so I personally wouldn't go to the trouble of trying to shoe horn a big block into the car unless I was building it as a dedicated dragster.

Keep me informed about GLD.  I live in Green Bay, so it's only an hour and half drive (depending on Coppers)

Sleeper, you may actually soften my harshness of GM. Not Ford of course (Ford, one of those 4 letter "F" words your mom washed your mouth out with soap as a kid for saying).

Here are those pictures of the hole cut in the hood and the tape on hoodscoop.  I don't really like the hoodscoop, but it will have to do until I can find a carbon fiber hood that gives me the clearence I need.  The scoop was only $25 including shipping off eBay.

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_243.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_244.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_245.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_246.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_247.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_248.jpg)

That actually doesn't look bad.  Nice work.

I actually dont mind the hoodscoop. It will have to be painted to look right though

iz nice!  ;D

Hey dude keep up the good work its coming along nicely

god damn that looks so stock

cant wait to see some videos of burn outs and donuts on a parking lot.....  :-X

What motor did that have before and what did you do with it?

CARLISLE!!!!!!! c'mon you know you wanna!!!!

It was originally a 2.0L 5speed.  The motor was locked up so I gave it away in the first week of the project to the guy I bought the 305 sbc from.

ah cool
bummer I am looking for a spare motor

i dont mind the scoop, what about molding the hood to avoid using it though? could be expensive, can be cheap...it all depends.

i mean, you would have to repaint the hood, but if done properly it will be more effective, efficient, and sturdy.

lol, dont you mean

the hood scoop is not bad, but i personally don't care for 'em (on most vehicles). i think either doing like JBI suggested or getting the CF hood is def the way to go.

you should make the hood scoop huge

BAD ANTONY!!!! it's a sleeper not a ricer.

JBI is was merely tapping into your thoughts and elaborating a little more on what we all meant. Remember, I have that psychic thing going that my shrink told me about.

lol im just saying if you got the power under the hood why not have a little fun with it

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-99-Dodge-Avenger-G-Force-Carbon-Fiber-Hood_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ36475QQihZ016QQitemZ260020452324QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

you could probably find one cheaper if you look around a little. that was the first one i found when i searched for it. looks like it might be really close to what you would want.

keep us updated about the drag racing thing. if i have the time/money and my car is back on the road i wouldn't mind swinging out there.

you gotta point, but i agree it should def be a sleeper all the way. the only way ppl should know something is up is by the sound, cuz let's face it, there ain't any hiding that… lol

suuuuuuuuuurrrrrre therrrre is...... just tell them you straight piped it and gained 300hp. especially if they happen to drive a civic. ;)

I honestly would try to shoot for a quiet exhaust on it too.   ;D

but keep a stock style tip for those of us who like to point out what's stock and what's not.

yeah, quite exhaust. the mufflers on the new eclipses are pretty quiet, but less restrictive, something similar would work pretty well.

That CF hood looks perfect.  Looks like I'll be adding that to my phase II plans.  Thanks!  Phase II will begin after the kinks are worked out; at that time I'll begin detailing the car with little improvements (and some not so little: hood, new motor, body kit... ;D)

New motor already LOL

:D lol, that's funny!

wouldn't that unnecessarily restrict HP? just seems like the less restrictive, the less baffles it has and therefore the louder it is, rite?

new motor, WTF??

Yeah, the motor that is in it now is a relatively stock 305 out of a Monte Carlo.  I'm thinking of getting a crate 350 with around 300 hp.

thats what cutouts are for ;)

I have always wanted to do this very same swap. But why put a Chevy in it. Mopar performance has some great crate engines like the 360 and the 340 based 410 and 440. There is a shaker hood scoop available. There is an article in the Feb issue of Mopar Muscle magazine.

cutouts? elaborate. educate me please.

hell, a 318 would be pretty kewl too. have a friend that has a dakota with on in it.

:o GUD LAWD!!! 300hp in an avenger!! that would be awesome!

I'll start by stating that I have nothing against using a small block Mopar. If there was one feature of the motor that made it more compatible with the make of the car I probably would have gone that way, but since a front wheel drive car seems to having nothing in common with an older V8...
 
There are three primary reasons I elected to go with a small block Chevy instead. The first two reasons may be some what subjective so please don't start a long chain of debating them.  First, I find that small block Chevy engines are more easily obtainable. The parts are also more widely available and generally cheaper.  Trying to keep this project as cheap as I could I went for the motor that can be bought for a dime a dozen. Now lastly, most important, and irrefutably is the size.  A small block Chevy is smaller in width, height, and depth.  But don't take my word for it, here is a link comparing popular motors http://carnut.com/specs/fengdim.html (http://carnut.com/specs/fengdim.html). I have the short water pump (SW) which makes the motor 2 1/2 inches shorter then the 360.  Now that doesn't sound like all that much, but if you take away that 2 1/2 inches from the 3 inches I have between the water pump and the radiator I'm left with 1/2 inch.  There goes my space for the electric fan.
 
Here is an example of cheap parts. At one point in the build I decided that the condition of an old TH350 trans I had laying around was too uncertain for me to put in only to find out later that it would need to be pulled out and replaced (turns out after giving it to my friend it was in perfect running condition). So with my friends help we found a recently rebuilt TH350, bead basted to an ultra clean finish, a manual valve body and new 2800 stall converter all for only $250 and 25 miles from my house.  Now I realize you can find deals with any make motor, but examples of availability are around every corner.  I'm going to need gauges for the car one of which will be a speedo.  Many speedometers sold by summit already include sending units for TH350, anything else would require special orders. New cam and lifters for $60,...etc.
 
Again, let's not get into a big debate about what is better or cheaper or what ever, it really was just in my comfort zone for the project and we can leave it at that.
 
Here is a picture of the transmission, however, it doesn't really do justice to the bead blasted finish.
 
(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_249.jpg)

IT's your project, it's gonna be unique. its a good job so keep doing it.

V8 Sleeper.  I totally agree with everything you said.  If I were going to V8 anything thats what I would choose.

I can smell the pressed metal for your license plate now


V8SLPR

truth

I'd chip in a couple bucks for that!

so did some posts get deleted her or what??  ???

gee.. ya think  ;)  ::)

everyone now..

POST WHORES SUCK.

stop ruining good threads.

This has been a friendly public service announcement.  Your results may vary.

sigh. once more i shall post this RELEVENT pic

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r231/Shiano/013107_2122.jpg)

Havn't been here in a while...but this project is AWESOME!!!!    that car is really gonna make people go ???????????? 

Awesome color too...hehe.   my turbo car(ES-R) is that color.   ;D

What happened to this project????

:werd: any updates?? I just logged back into and nothing new for a while.. :(

I'm not quite ready for the big reveal, but hear is a teaser of what's to come in the next couple days.

1. New windshield installed to replace the one damaged in the fire. All fire damage is history now.
2. Revisited the steering with new center shaft design and all new tie rod ends.
3. Turn signals and brake lights working again (through out the ABS/Flasher unit by mistake).
4. Dual exhaust all the way out the back. I'm proud of this because I did it all myself with a cheap $69 tubing bender I bought for the project.
5. I am currently working on installing a set of six Sport-Comp AutoMeter gauges.  Wait until you see pictures of these, they look great.

I did a quick estimate on how much I've spent on the project so far and came up with approximately $5,000.00 including the cost of the car.  Double what I originally wanted to spend, but I've splurged on a number of unnecessary but gratifying glitter.

April 22 is Import night at Great Lakes Dragway which I think would be a cool night to run the Avenger.  Lots of ricers to shutdown.  I'm sure a number of them will walk around me since my car is likely to only get high 15's or low 16's with the crappy old 305 that's in it.  but that is better then the 17's a factory Avenger gets.

As soon as I finish installing the gauges I'll take lots of pictures and post them.

Oh Sweet Sex is near!

patience is the key :)

Giggety Giggety!

allllllll right!

WOOOOOT, I thought this project was long dead, this is so exciting to see that its not.

CANT WAIT

very nice....vids on completion?

NEWS on this monster???

A real wolf in sheep's clothing.

Finally, an Avenger that really DOES sound like a v8!

I can't wait!

IT BETTER CONSIDERING!!!! LOL  :D :D ;D ;D :D :D

V8 Sleeper ... you might want to check this site out:

http://www.bankspower.com/twin-turbo-products.cfm

http://www.bankspower.com/twin-turbo-engine.cfm

For 10 years, Gale Banks held the unbroken record for World's Fastest Passenger Car—an 1800-hp twin-turbo Firebird that blistered the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1987 and took the championship. This "stock-body door-slammer with optional tilt-wheel, power windows and AM-FM with cassette" ran 287 miles an hour, burning nothing but straight gasoline.

They specialize in the small block chevy and have kits available.

http://www.bankspower.com/twin-turbo-system.cfm

Great project ... Keep on keeping on!

Whoa.  287 MPH  That's awesome.

damn those engines are beasts with the twin tubro

I had time to call them this morning.
The engine costs $38,000 ... because  hardly
 any original parts are used. The kit is only
$5900 ... to DIY with your own engine.

there is one thing that i MUST do in my lifetime is

 www.monstermiata.com

HAHAHA V8 miata!!! sweet. ive seen something nasty like that, i know this guy whos teacher in highscool took a ford heavyduty turbo diesel and modded a porshe boxter to fit it, it went 200+mph, until it crashed and killed the driver(not the teacher)

......... sad ending..... but inspiring results  :P

all great achievements come with a sacrifice unfortunately, i hope the v8 sleeper doesnt become the avenger sacrifice...anyway all these are very inspiring...i've already been inspired and only have to wait for money and time.

its been more than a couple of days and im still antsy to see this beast

yeah i really hope to see this car soon!!

ok well im still gonna bring this thing up everyonce in a while since i really hope to see something!!!!!

Sorry guys, I had to put the Avenger project on hold for a while to work on a project for my mom. I'm back on the Avenger starting this weekend (got to finish mounting the gauges). Check out this Motorcycle Carrier/Lift I just finished, it is what I've been building for my mom instead of working on the venger:

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_250.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_251.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_252.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_253.jpg)

is it custom built?? if so see if you can patten(sp?) the idea

DAMN IT  ;D

I was hoping to see some kind of update with this LOL.  But the lift does look good

cool lift but the V8 is still alive and kickin right?

yep. he just has his priorities in order. lol

Everything seems to take longer then I would hope.  Since I am not able to finish everything for a big reveal, I'm back to show as I go.  Here are some pictures of the gages mounted in the dash.  I still have the water temp and oil pressure to mount in the center console where the A/C knobs where. Gages also include LED turn signals and High beam:

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_254.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_255.jpg)

(http://www.overlandconcepts.com/images/blog/l_img/www.overlandconcepts_256.jpg)

lookin good

DIAMOND PLATE WOOOOOOOOOOO damn that thing is amazing

All that did is make me want more  :P

its like a drug or something im addicted

Would love to know how you got the Auto Meter speedometer to fit and work, been wanting to do that for some time now. Probably little easier when you don't have to mess with the stock computer. Keep rollin.

looks great, I agree with DT, now I want more!

if you take out the Console [for taking out the radio to check for loose wires] mark the screws with photoshop or paint. lol

looks nice. keep pluggin away

uummmmm… just a lil taste, and I LIKE IT!!!