Driveline fit

[Bullitt]

I am just finishing up my current project ('71 Hemi Cuda). First model in 35 years, not a bad job, but still lots to perfect. I usually like to build box stock, but for my next one, I'm going to do the AMT/ERTL '57 Chevrolet Bel Air. I am thinking of going mild custom and inserting the drive train from the Revell 2001 Z06 Corvette. Just wondering if anyone has attempted this, or if anyone has any ideas on the project.

Thanks

[Ace-Garageguy]

I'm sure you're aware the Corvette of that vintage has the gearbox in the rear, so you'll have to transplant the entire Corvette rear suspension into the '57 to make it work.

Complete IRS driveline swaps are somewhat complicated...but straightforward, if that makes any sense.

Dry-fit or tack the Corvette driveline together, and see first what you'll have to do for engine mounts.

Then look at roughly how much you'll need to lengthen the Corvette torque-tube to accommodate the longer '57 chassis. 

Cut the torque tube, and start fitting the rear suspension into the rear of the '57 chassis, paying particular attention to ride height, and getting the wheels correctly centered in the wheel-openings on the body. You'll have to make mounts for all of the suspension components. Then when you have your dimensions finalized, finish the torque tube.

An easier way to do the swap would be to simply lengthen the entire Corvette chassis to fit the '57. Much less fabrication...and believe it or not, it could be done that way to a full-scale, real car.

I lengthened and narrowed this Corvette C5 chassis to go under a '37 Ford.

 

[High octane]

Nice fabrication job there Ace, real nice.

[Bullitt]

Thanks for the info. I'll have a closer look and see which way looks better, and by that, I mean easier.

[JTalmage]

I have that 37 kit as well, got it from Ollies last year. Been trying to think of what to do with it... I like what you did there Bill. I think it shall be chopped now.

[MeatMan]

Great idea.  I actually used a racing Vette driveline on my Skyline for the Cannonball Run CBP and did not use the chassis but if I had to do it again I'd use the chassis.  However it is possible to do graft it to an existing chassis.  I used a narrowed rear frame because the tires wouldn't fit otherwise.  I tried to post a pic but it just kept spinning.

 

[espo]

Some time back I built a Revelle '56 Chevy 210 with the suspension, engine and drive line from their '69 Corvette. The biggest challenge was the rear suspension. I grafted the Corvette frame to the 210 frame just in front of the rear kick up and reattached the 210 frame after the rear kick up. The front suspension just took a little change to the mounting points on the 210 frame. The only real challenge is rebuilding the rear inner wheel wells.