Smurf - 1256 to 305

This is an area for discussion about modifications to Vivas.

Smurf - 1256 to 305

Postby viva les vegas » Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:53 pm

Hey, I'm not very good at write-ups, but the general idea is to convert the Smurf to from it's 1256cc over to a nice 305ci (5.0 liter) Chevy V8. I have already sourced and fitted all but two badges (Firenza ones for the wings being made) to make it look like a Chevrolet Firenza. I am still in the gathering of parts stage, so this conversion may well take a long time, but I thought I'd just post up a few pics to show where everything is at the moment. Nothing much to get excited about just yet, other than the gearbox seems to fit the tunnel, even if a tad on the tight side.

So, to start, here's the Smurf as it sits at the moment:
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The Chevy 10 bolt axle sitting in front. Not too much wider than the Viva track:
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The 305 with the dummy 4L60e (empty case) compared to the 1256 and 'box:
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and for the time being, the 4L60 in the tunnel:
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I cleaned off the speedo drive for the 4L60, and offered it to the Viva speedo cable, and it fits perfectly! Even the screw thread on the retainer is the same. I'll just have to make sure it reaches and that the drive bit doesn't mine being upside down, or I'll have to see about getting a longer cable made up.

Also found the two original wheel trim options, and would like your opinions on which to get, eventually:
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and
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Wheel trim pics are clicky :wink:

There aren't many, but there are a few more pics here.
Remember, some days you're the statue, and others, you're the pigeon ;)
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Re: Smurf - 1256 to 305

Postby pbottomley » Sun Aug 21, 2011 7:41 am

Smurf..... Love the name...... Looking forward to more when it comes to fitting this nasty piece of iron :D

real question are you going to drive it wearing costume to match ?
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Re: Smurf - 1256 to 305

Postby viva les vegas » Sun Aug 21, 2011 10:09 am

Haha, I may have to get a papa Smurf outfit. One of the girls where I used to work suggested the name, so I kept it :-)
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Re: Smurf - 1256 to 305

Postby hbpeter » Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:08 pm

Reading between the lines, dangerous if your waiting for a train.
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Re: Smurf - 1256 to 305

Postby viva les vegas » Sun Aug 21, 2011 10:29 pm

lol, haven't heard that in a while, and right at the end "wipe that smurf off your face" 8)
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Re: Smurf - 1256 to 305

Postby viva les vegas » Tue Mar 20, 2012 12:55 am

Right, tiny update. Apart from cleaning and acquiring a few more parts, I haven't done an awful lot, but feel I need to find a bigger garage as this council lock-up just ain't big enough. I have, however, had a bit of a play. First thing I needed to do was turn her around so that I wouldn't be working out in the open if it rained:
Image

Then it was get everything ready for a trail fit:
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Think it might all be a little too long to go in as one lump:
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So I took the 'box off and tried again:
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Bit tight still:
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And I don't think that the triple groove pulley is helping clearance much:
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Neither is the water pump, which I think might be the long version:
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Back to the drawing board.
Thanks to Oli, I now have a pair of lights that may be perfect
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And this is where I hope to fit them:
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On this slight recess I found many months ago:
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Almost a perfect fit:
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And a couple shots with the headlining back in place:
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Bit less hand in the way.
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Oh yeah, you can also see where I'm hiding the reels for my rear seat belts.

I also removed the gash carpet, and found out what color it should have been:
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And after a fair bit of poking, prodding and scraping, this is so far the worst bit of rust I have found:
Image

Comments? Questions?
Remember, some days you're the statue, and others, you're the pigeon ;)
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Re: Smurf - 1256 to 305

Postby oli8925 » Tue Mar 20, 2012 11:08 pm

Ahhh I see. Love the plans, will be interesting to see how well they work as lights when finished, but they certainly look right sat there. 305's a little bigger than the 1256 huh :P looking forward to following the progress.
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Re: Smurf - 1256 to 305

Postby hbpeter » Wed Mar 21, 2012 9:10 pm

If thats all the rust, you jammy git!!!

:imsmiling:

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Re: Smurf - 1256 to 305

Postby viva les vegas » Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:39 pm

@ Peter - Haha :lol: did I say that's all I've found so far? There's bound to be more hiding somewhere, but that's all I found on Sunday 8)

@ Oli - Yeah, just a little bigger, gonna need to do a little massaging of the bulkhead. I don't have to worry about the position of the gearstick though, as I'm going to try and fit a column shift :wink:
Remember, some days you're the statue, and others, you're the pigeon ;)
Life is a journey, not a destination.

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Re: Smurf - 1256 to 305

Postby COUPEe » Thu Mar 22, 2012 5:30 am

i like the look of the axle :twisted: Hausers can narrow most axles for dragsters etc would get the wheels nicely in the arches?
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