The Firebrid Hybrid Convertible Project (Prius platform swap)

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Since your project follows a collision course in that radical switch from RWD V8 to a FWD 4-pot hybrid, the hate reactions don't really surprise me. I must confess, even though I'm somewhat curious to see the final result of this project, I can't deny the concept of a FWD Firebird would be already enought to make me feel uncomfortable.

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

The reddit on there who suggests you "have to" call the car the "Firebrid" has a fun idea. That's a custom plate or a cool window sticker (since 8 characters is too long).

Do you mean like this?







Bill the Engineer

[user removed]

PERFECT NAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

regards
mech

[California98Civic]

Yes, that would be cool!

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

I have been hoping all along that my project would encourage others to do similar projects using my step-by-step as a reference. That is one of the reasons I am including so much detail. I am ready to cheer-on anyone who gets such a project going and finishes before I do. This isn't a race, it's a movement to mix together the joys of the past with the technology of the future.

Bill the Engineer

I have considered doing something similar, but actually the exact opposite. I want to put a TT v6 or v8 in a prius. Not surprisingly i got about the same reaction you're getting, just not quite on the same scale.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by ksa8907

I have considered doing something similar, but actually the exact opposite. I want to put a TT v6 or v8 in a prius. Not surprisingly i got about the same reaction you're getting, just not quite on the same scale.

Considering the aerodynamics of a Prius bodyshell, its highway fuel consumption would probably not be so bad at all. Anyway, if I would ever do a Prius-based project I'd rather either put a small turbodiesel or a 2-stroke spark-ignited engine on it.

[HillbillySailor]

[I'm one of those Bangshift guys that followed the link here. I'll post here what I posted there.

The classic car lover part of me is screaming “NOOOO!!!!”, but the tinkerer in me is nodding and saying “very interesting.” I think the reason the tinkerer part of me is saying that is this guy has the knowledge and skill to pull it off. Hell, you can see how much homework he’s done in just the first few pages. Slow or not, it’s not going to be some slapped together, unsafe at any speed POS. It may not be hot rodding, but I would definitely call it car crafting. I do wish he’d do it with something other than a first-year Firebird ‘vert, but it’s his car and this is the USA. He’s free to do what he wants with it. But on a brighter note, he’s been selling the usable unused parts of both cars to live again elsewhere. I would also imagine he’s recycling the scrap also. I’ll be following this build with interest.

I do find this build to be very interesting. Not my cup of tea per se, but I'm always appreciative of a hard build and the talent it takes to make it happen. I'm definitely impressed with the work I've seen thus far and can't wait to see more!

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by HillbillySailor

[I'm one of those Bangshift guys that followed the link here. I'll post here what I posted there.

The classic car lover part of me is screaming “NOOOO!!!!”, but the tinkerer in me is nodding and saying “very interesting.” I think the reason the tinkerer part of me is saying that is this guy has the knowledge and skill to pull it off. Hell, you can see how much homework he’s done in just the first few pages. Slow or not, it’s not going to be some slapped together, unsafe at any speed POS. It may not be hot rodding, but I would definitely call it car crafting. I do wish he’d do it with something other than a first-year Firebird ‘vert, but it’s his car and this is the USA. He’s free to do what he wants with it. But on a brighter note, he’s been selling the usable unused parts of both cars to live again elsewhere. I would also imagine he’s recycling the scrap also. I’ll be following this build with interest.

I do find this build to be very interesting. Not my cup of tea per se, but I'm always appreciative of a hard build and the talent it takes to make it happen. I'm definitely impressed with the work I've seen thus far and can't wait to see more!

well said & welcome our logo "wrench smart, drive smarter"!!!

[me and my metro]

I cut up a 68 Firebird hardtop to build a stock car back in 77. I still have the scar from cutting out the inner fenders with a torch and the burning seam sealer. I think we paid $400.00 for the blown up 326 powered car. Your project saves a rust bucket, I am excited to see your project!

[jray3]

Bill, thanks to the photobucket links, we now have photographs of your past and present self, mwhahahaha...
so I've gotta ask- what was the aircooled VW creation with a huge trophy?

Great name for the project, and I must concur, you are engaged in one of the most noble forms of automotive recycling. Only thing better would've been a full electric tire-shredder! Please post more of those engineered drawings. My neighbor has 'taken a wedge out' of a basket-case Plymouth Fury and built a completely custom suspension and running gear for it over the past year, but it was all done by dead reckoning and the occasional tape measure. Your detailed planning is a thing to behold.