[Alex]

It started life as a 1982 Firebird SE. The SE is supposed to stand for Special Edition, but really means "slow edition" to people in the know. It basically was a base bird that got fugly chrome accents on a car that is plainly known for clean lines.

So the guy removed the engine, cut about half the car up, built a rear sub-frame and turned the front engine, rear drive car into a mid/rear engine, rear drive car using a 604BB Chevy mated to a Olds Toronado transaxle.

I have seen this car in person, it is insane the detail that went into the build. He hasn't had a magazine feature yet, but I think thats only because he hasn't let any of the Mags know of this one of a kind creation.

[Clielldub]

Is it supposed to resemble a Testarossa ?





Maybe that's the Idea.

Certainly a lot of work gone into it.

I like the overall look and the deep gloss paintwork, Dashboard looks a little bit naff though, but whatever floats your boat, I guess.

[Alex]

Is it supposed to resemble like a Testarossa ?





Maybe that's the Idea.

Certainly a lot of work gone into it.

I like the overall look and the deep gloss paintwork, Dashboard looks a little bit naff though, but whatever floats your boat, I guess.

The body kit kind of looks like a Testarossa. The Deep side scoops and integrated wing do bring that look to the car. But its way too tall. It would fool only the ignorant, you know the ones who couldn't tell the difference between a Lambo and a Ferrari.

But I will say this, when I was talking to the owner he did say it was putting down nearly 700lb/ft torque. Thats alot. Its a heavy car though, the tubular steel frame he built is pretty much engineered to survive re-entry into the atmosphere.

[Clielldub]

The body kit kind of looks like a Testarossa. The Deep side scoops and integrated wing do bring that look to the car. But its way too tall. It would fool only the ignorant, you know the ones who couldn't tell the difference between a Lambo and a Ferrari..

Saying that, is a bit cheeky!

As it does look a LOT like a Testarossa and if you saw it in your rear view mirror, it would certainly resemble one, And if you saw it at a distance, it would more than fool you into thinking it was a Ferrari.

I'd be fooled anyway, and I can certainly tell the difference between a Ferrari and a Lambo.

[JetePlentuara]

Blimey, it's not exactly a looker is it, and trying to make any car look like a Testarossa is like trying to find the most suitable dog turd in a park for a Mr Sheen buffing session.

[temansertewek]

OMFG.......

[zoppereurvito]

Eeeewww.....my eyes!

[temansertewek]

HAHA JUST NOTICED....

all that effort and its a fooken Auto [rofl]

[cQT6nmEc]

Whilst I can certainly appreciate all the work and effort that has gone into making it, the first word that pops into my head is "gaudy".

[kylsq0Ln]

HAHA JUST NOTICED....

all that effort and its a fooken Auto [rofl]

The Oldsmobile Tornado was a 455CID (7 1/2 litre) v8 that used a unique front wheel drive gearbox developed from the THM 400 automatic.
Very strong transmission when built properly and often used for rear engined cars.

TBH, with the torque the BB Chev can produce, a well built auto can often be quicker than a manual transmission. You can always use a manual valve body, which gives full control of the available gears, over-riding the auto' function.
My uncle has a CIMA gearbox, as used by several off the top supercars, behind a LS7 engine but I don't know what it cost - I would expect, at the very least, $15k!
the GM one is a positive bargain in comparison!

That said, it comes down to personal tastes what he does with his car - for me, styling and airbags are a problem but it isn't my car so that's fine!

[Alex]

If I were to put a transmission in my car I'd choose this one.

http://www.getrag.de/en/252

7spd dual clutch transmission. Paddle shifting here i come.

[kylsq0Ln]

If I were to put a transmission in my car I'd choose this one.

http://www.getrag.de/en/252

7spd dual clutch transmission. Paddle shifting here i come.

No good for you, Fruity, capacity 600Nm which is about 44lbs.ft of torque.
Quaife do a HD sequential for Vipers, that should fit - only 6 speed, though.

[sydramySweame]

After all of the effort that has gone into the internals, the shell cheapens the whole look. A one off should look one off.

[temansertewek]

If I were to put a transmission in my car I'd choose this one.

http://www.getrag.de/en/252

7spd dual clutch transmission. Paddle shifting here i come.

dude I know you love your car, the same can be said about my car too but all that money being put into a what would amount to a turd on wheels and an affront to the original marque is insane

its like me putting an M3 running gear in my car as cool as it sounds by the time I've done all of this I may as well have bought a genuine M3

[phinno13]

dude I know you love your car, the same can be said about my car too but all that money being put into a what would amount to a turd on wheels and an affront to the original marque is insane

its like me putting an M3 running gear in my car as cool as it sounds by the time I've done all of this I may as well have bought a genuine M3

I totally agree.

Although i know some people put their hearts and money into their cars (like Fruity) i can only shake my head at such a waste of time and money.
But hey different folks different strokes or how did the saying go.

[adultcheee]

I totally agree.

Although i know some people put their hearts and money into their cars (like Fruity) i can only shake my head at such a waste of time and money.
But hey different folks different strokes or how did the saying go.

Suppose you don't have any hobbies or passions?

I felt the same when you bought those Denons. (even though you returned them)

[temansertewek]

Suppose you don't have any hobbies or passions?

I felt the same when you bought those Denons. (even though you returned them)

yes but when you buy a car that's not of any great value in the first place, then start spending treble figures on it that's where it gets stupid.

[adultcheee]

yes but when you buy a car that's not of any great value in the first place, then start spending treble figures on it that's where it gets stupid.

Nah you're wrong, bud. The guy wanted a project, he has a passion for these cars, he felt it would keep him busy and be an interesting challenge and did what he chose out of personal preference.

[soryalomop]

No good for you, Fruity, capacity 600Nm which is about 44lbs.ft of torque.
Quaife do a HD sequential for Vipers, that should fit - only 6 speed, though.

According to my conversion program, it's 442.5366 lbs.ft of torque, not 44.

[temansertewek]

According to my conversation program, it's 442.5366 lbs.ft of torque, not 44.

well according to my spelling of conversion, conversioner ,the conversion he conversed, was missing a conversation of a zero. when he most likely meant 440..etc in the conversation,but conversely I could be conversationally wrong in my conversion conversation observation.