The Firebrid Hybrid Convertible Project (Prius platform swap)

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

What about that Cadillac? Any plan to drop a Camry hybrid drivetrain into it?

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

What about that Cadillac? Any plan to drop a Camry hybrid drivetrain into it?

It belongs to my sister. I doubt she'd look kindly toward that. Besides, it's so heavy I'd need two of those drivetrains just to move it.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

it's so heavy I'd need two of those drivetrains

Those big American landyachts were really big by then. Some are even longer and wider than a crew-cab F-250.

[rickjames8]

Hey Bill - glad to see you've got the time and space to get back at it. I'm going to 'officially' start my chassis-swap project this weekend with the teardown of my 67 Firebird. Still haven't bought my donor car yet, but getting closer to winning an auction. I'll start a build thread...somewhere. With an expected mpg of 22, it's not an eco build, so not sure where it'd go best. Maybe GRM? Anyway, any detailed photos you'd like to post of your rockers would be much appreciated. Have you got all your plans for getting the right ride height sorted?

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by rickjames8

Hey Bill - glad to see you've got the time and space to get back at it. I'm going to 'officially' start my chassis-swap project this weekend with the teardown of my 67 Firebird. Still haven't bought my donor car yet, but getting closer to winning an auction. I'll start a build thread...somewhere. With an expected mpg of 22, it's not an eco build, so not sure where it'd go best. Maybe GRM? Anyway, any detailed photos you'd like to post of your rockers would be much appreciated. Have you got all your plans for getting the right ride height sorted?

Keep me posted where you will be reporting on your progress. It should be an interesting build.

I already have a set of RSR lowering springs waiting in the shop. That should bring the body height back down a bit.

And yes, I'm still slow. I'm too much of a perfectionist!

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by rickjames8

With an expected mpg of 22, it's not an eco build

What chassis and engine are you considering to use?

[rickjames8]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

What chassis and engine are you considering to use?

I want to use an 06-13 Lexus IS. They share a wheelbase with the 67 Firebird (within 1/2 inch). I found 5 modern cars that have that wheelbase, went out to junkyards and auction houses and took a whole bunch of measurements and the IS is the model that would require the least amount of modifications, plus I love Toyotas. I originally thought I had to have the power of an IS350, but truth be told, I'm just not a power junkie. I drove an IS250 the other day and I found it to be fast enough for my liking. And really, my goal is a reliable fun daily driver with classic looks. So I scan the auctions for either the 250 or 350 and I'll take whatever I win first. The IS250 RWD gets about 24 mpg, and 10% better mpg is not an insignificant difference.
https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2008_Lexus_IS.shtml

I paid a neighborhood high school kid to come over and help with the tear down last weekend. I have the front subframe (supposedly) sold, but the buyer is being flaky, and I'd like it gone to move on to the next stage.
Pic: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xwFVpJh87ZBB7ivJ8

[rickjames8]

Hey Bill - Two helpful bits, and one question.

In case your RSR springs don't go low enough for you, there is a company called TruHart that someone at Redline360 recommended to me. One of my worries for my project was not being able to go low enough to fill the wheel gap. So when I installed my coilovers, I had them set to the lowest point possible. As it worked out, it was too low. They are TruHart StreetPlus coilovers and are supposed to drop 4", but they go lower than that. They don't make them for the Prius, but they make them for a few other Toyota and Lexus models and I'm wondering if one of those could be adapted. I'm happy to take any measurements if it would help. Also the guys at RedLine get the custom project thing and might take measurements too.

Next, I'm not sure if Lexus/Toyota gauges have any intercompatibility, but the IS250 gauges fit perfectly behind the Firebird gauge pod. I can send pics if you like.

Lastly, how did you mount your fenders? I was thinking of welding some 1x1 tubing to the Lexus frame and tapping some holes and bolting it to that. But wondering if you had devised a better system?

[Bill the Engineer]

I have the speedometer from a Lexus HS that will be an almost perfect fit. However, I still need to work out the pin-out differences in the connections.

The bottoms of the fenders will be flared out to match the Prius V chassis, making it look like it has a mild aero package. The connection will be under the bottom edge.

Bill

[freebeard]

It has sort of a low-rider stance right now.