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So a few running/driving Corvette chassis have popped up on ebay recently with buyitnow prices in the $7000-10,000 range. I can't help thinking this would be a relatively easy way to build a very light and very fast car. The c5 is a body on frame design so adding additional roll structure and basic bodywork would be possible. What do you guys think?

Certainly seems like some potential for a re-body project. There were a number of creative re-body designs for the Fiero, so it can be done. Not sure it would save much weight though. Probably still >1000# heavier than a V8 Locost. Lots of performance parts out their for a Vette too.

John

darn, I was looking at the same exact ad.. and wished I was in the US...

I'd go for it, but ditch the chassis and build a tubular spaceframe with an integral cage..

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Building a single seater middy BEC with GSXR 1000 power
build log: http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=5899

day job: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v723/turbolimac/portfolio/

That is pretty much what I was under the impression was being discussed. Getting rid of the "body" and starting from the resulting "rolling chassis" to essentially build a spaceframe around. While it would be be a great way to save time by utilizing a single donor for the entire drivetrain and suspension, which would also be rediculously fast by cutting the weight roughly in half, it would probably not lend itself well to a Lotus 7 style design...So what it saves in time on the donor side, is likely to be made up for (and then some) on the body/design side. If someone has the means and talent to make such a beast work in their favor, it could result in a VERY cool build.

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-Justin

"Orville Wright did not have a pilots license." - Gordon MacKenzie

that sounds like a nice plan, but I'd ditch the whole chassis, not just the body..

but, I agree with you... getting a body for that contraption might be complicated.. In fact, if I ever have time for the next build, I might just buy a ready made body from some replica or something similar.., and build a chassis...

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Building a single seater middy BEC with GSXR 1000 power
build log: http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=5899

day job: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v723/turbolimac/portfolio/

But would there really be a net gain to the build by eliminating what is really just a (rather effective) torque tube and ready-made lower suspension mounting points?

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-Justin

"Orville Wright did not have a pilots license." - Gordon MacKenzie

you have a point... I'd say that you could save a bit of weight



it is just a question of how much importance one puts in building their own chassis instead of using something already done..

_________________
Building a single seater middy BEC with GSXR 1000 power
build log: http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=5899

day job: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v723/turbolimac/portfolio/

That would be a good way to build a Corvette.

Maybe the seats would be useful.

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Marcus Barrow - Car9 an open design community supported sports car for home builders!
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I have to admit. I have grown a strange affliction for the last Z06... couldn't pull me away from one a week ago..

_________________
Building a single seater middy BEC with GSXR 1000 power
build log: http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=5899

day job: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v723/turbolimac/portfolio/

This is exactly what I've been thinking about. I would love to be able to integrate the rear cradle/suspensions/t56/diff and have readily available replacements.
I think there would be a lot of foot room gained too. The t56/diff really isn't that bad length wise.