my ferrari dream and project..a short story

Not a problem having a dream and wanting to build a Ferrari, I have thought about it myself (very briefly) a long time ago since I could not afford one. To build a good looking replica will not be cheap however but absolutely NO to the Jag engine. Don't get me wrong, its a good motor but you are building a Ferrari, you put in a Ferrari motor.

To consider this extreme a project and not put in the heart of a Ferrari is not a dream, it is a nightmare. A Ferrari is not about the cosmetics, its about the motor (the cosmetics just happen to look awesome also)

 

Good luck.

 

when you provide the core (block) is going to run $25-30K. If you wanted to buy a running engine, plan to spend at least $30-40K.

A Jag-engined Kougar without the engine might make a good start for a basic chassis. The early cars were relatively crude, which works in your favor (as opposed to building a birdcage Maserati replica).

KevFla

 

That's different. I think you'll do this.

 

Have you thought about an Alfa Romeo 2.5 or 3.0 ltr v6 engine. Being Italian they drive like 100% Italian motors and are cheap and relatively easy to maintain ... and look fantastic with 3 twin choke down draught carbs. These engines are the first choice for Lancia Stratos replicas ...

The early ones are 2 valves and single overhead cam ... so again similar to the Columbo v12.

I bet you could make this car drive pretty damn close to the real thing using one of these engines ... and save yourself some money. You will never find a small Columbo v12 engine (for the $$'s), thus you will end up with a much larger engine (probably a 365 GT/4 2+2 engine) and thus your 'copy' will not drive right at all (lets just say heavy front end wash/understeer) ... same thing with the Jag engine as they are enormous (cc size and heavy) compared to a 166 engine. 166's are delicate little cars and that is what you should be aiming to replica.

Good luck.
Pete
ps: You all know my views on using genuine Ferrari components in replicas ... so I will just respectively leave it at that.

 

Build the chassis yourself.

The metal working skills to weld up a tube chassis are orders of magnitude less than the skills to beat panels.

You have the plans.

what you need are tubing, mig welder, chopsaw and tape measure.

One night class in welding and you are good to go.

BTDT

Erich

 

How about an early BMW 2 litre straight 6. I think they are single overhead cam and you could hang 3 twin choke webers on them ...

I know that there are a few Japanese small v6 engines too ... like Mazda, etc.

Pete

 

Steve, its great to read about your desire to build an accurate replica of a classic Ferrari - I share similar feelings (and am the same age). Its not one of the specific reasons I got into the trades as a career, but I was keenly interested in classic exotics and I knew I had to have a skill like this (welding/fabrication) in order to support and be involved in that hobby. Good for you.

I remember seeing on eBay years ago, someone in the U.S. was selling an assortment of NOS/OEM Ferrari chassis tubing. Can't remember who it was though.

For an appropriate powerplant, maybe find an old, beaten-up Fiat Dino coupe - Recondition its engine/tranny, driveshaft, rear live axle, etc... Its 2.4L V-6, carbureted, front-engine, rear wheel drive. People have used these for 60's Dino racecar replicas.

 

By Alfa 2600 engine I assume you mean the straight 6 engine of the 60's. These are really a touring engine and while twin overhead cam and all (and yes you could hang webers off the side) they are a physically large engine (bit like the Jaguar 6 ... but all alloy) and will not easily bury the rev counter on the stops. Like their 4 cylinder counter parts they really are a 50's design and while you can make them rev they will never rev like a small v12 Ferrari ... but the moderner v6 Alfa engine WILL

Plus I would have thought that they would be getting expensive as some people like the Alfa Romeo 2600 series.

Pete

 

I sell more V12 engines (1950-1974) annually than anyone in the country or world for that matter. (think 9 left last year)

Contact me privately

Tom Shaughnessy
San Clemente CA
949 366 6211


PS I know exactly what V12 engine cost

 

On the FIAT Dino Coupe suggestion...the 2.4 litres are very rare, the 2.0's are much more common and I believe 85lbs. lighter due to alloy block instead of cast iron block. I would look at that, 2Litres is close to the 1.5 and still a Ferrari power plant. As I said a few days ago I would stay with a Ferrari motor, the FIAT Dino is the same as the Ferrari Dino motor. It would look good and sound good.

 

How 'bout a Chevy 427?

< ducking to keep from getting hit by flying vegetables >

 

No TOO crazy, but take it to a more appropriate level. How about a Falconer aluminum block V12 Chevy that uses the same components as the standard Chevy V8? I've never seen the price on a Falconer block, crankshaft, and cams. But it too is probably scary. Here's a link.
http://www.falconerengines.com/prod04.htm

 

I know of a real 166 engine and gear box that is for sale asking 150K euros.

 

This is my dream, Started around 1988 or so as just a dream. I finally happened upon a crashed 512TR then it took me 2 years to build it but now she's done & there are precious few like her in the US
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