Welding Tips and Tricks

I really want to keep from going off track on this, but my first step in this is not welding related. I think this forum is full of like minded people that can help with advice? I want to rebuild a small block Chevy 305/307/350 on the cheap and mount it to an old Volvo 240 to create a LeMons 24 race car. Obviously there is a ton of tig welding involved with new engine mounts, and the roll cage that I will have to fabricate, among many other pieces and fixes. First thing first is the Engine, anyone know where in the Tampa area that one can find a good deal on a stock running SBC? Junkyards appear to be taken over by a national chain company, not thrilled about that...
I really appreciate how this forum is very on topic, and I don't want to detract from that. Would PM's work better?

My god man do you realise what you're doing???!!!
Giving a Volvo performance?!
Are you trying to terrify EVERY guy on here that rides a bike?
FFS, just dont get it to go round corners as well
Far enough off track yet?
Cant help with the parts, I'm on the wrong side of the world.
But I am looking forward to the build photos (know your enemy , and all that)

Only one of the engines that you mentioned has any performance potential, and that's the 350. The other 2 are strictly low performance economy engines. If you need to stick to the 5.0L displacement then build a 302. The bore and stroke are much better suited to performance use.

WJH, google your local area for "U-pull-it" salvage, under various spellings. These are usually still independent operators. Look for a 350 from a 3/4t or bigger truck, as it's most likely to have 4-bolt main bearings, which are important to the longevity of a performance motor. Another option, though much harder to find, is the 283 small-block. It can take much higher RPMs.

Also, follow craigslist for wrecked/damaged 3/4 or 1t pick-up trucks from the early 70's. "No title" or "Salvage title" trucks are good candidates, but research the "no title" ones carefully (run the VIN past the state police to make sure it's not listed as stolen).

I highly recommend the book, "How to Hot-Rod Small Block Chevys" by Smokey Yunick.

Steve S

like said above, go with a 350... and there's no way you can even remotely have a problem finding a good used one, they're EVERYWHERE... And for those that don't know, 24 Hours of LeMons (not to be confused with 24 Hours of Le Mans), is a fun race where the cars are not supposed to exceed $500 in total cost, or at least symbolically... The idea is fun, so any engine in any shape would work, the bigger the oddity the better.. and making the car look as ridiculous as possible is half the fun. As far as TIG, I don't see that as a requirement, everything can be MIG'd, but if you just want to practice your TIG there's no reason not to. Roadkill's latest episode had their Rotsun at 24 Hours of LeMons (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbcyi_r ... e=youtu.be), like always, their episodes are hilarious...

Also safety items are not part of the $500. So you can go all out on the roll cage, seating fuel cell etc.

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soutthpaw wrote:Also safety items are not part of the $500. So you can go all out on the roll cage, seating fuel cell etc.

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quite right! safety tech at the track is the same as any race, if it doesn't pass you don't race (well, unless you're the Roadkill guys lol)

raticus wrote: And for those that don't know, 24 Hours of LeMons (not to be confused with 24 Hours of Le Mans), is a fun race where the cars are not supposed to exceed $500 in total cost, or at least symbolically... The idea is fun, so any engine in any shape would work, the bigger the oddity the better.. and making the car look as ridiculous as possible is half the fun. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbcyi_r ... e=youtu.be), like always, their episodes are hilarious...

OK, well that leaves out the 302. A set of pistons would cost more than $500. A truck 350 would be the way to go.

327

I've heard that part of the pricing is cost balancing your car by showing that you managed to recoup $xxx.xx by selling off whatever you didn't need that came with it, and some creative accounting has apparently taken place.
That said, if the organizers thing that you've been playing fast and loose with the accounting, they can buy the car at the end of the race for the stated $500 limit.

The rules are amusing, once you get beyond the standard safety stuff.

The final note about prizes is fun as well. "Warning: We love to pay cash prizes in nickels."

Thanks guys, I will keep you all updated as things eventually progress. Yes, that TV show "Road Kill" is responsible for all of this, and I did buy that book on Chevy small blocks!

I was thinking LeMans, but as soon as someone said lemons, it all fell into place. I love Road kill.

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weldin mike 27 wrote:I was thinking LeMans, but as soon as someone said lemons, it all fell into place. I love Road kill.

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Oh Christ! I'm going to have to ride the "short bus" to work Monday... I JUST recognized the LeMons=lemons connection.

DOH!

Steve S

It's alright mate. We'll all ride with you.

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