1974 DODGE COLT COUPE

[The 4ce]

The 4ce submitted a new DSM Profile :

1974 DODGE COLT COUPE


Read more about this vehicle here...

 

[brian9397gsx]

Damn cool car can't wait to see more of it definitely unique I've never seen one of these before.

 

[nek]

Very cool! Following

 

[The 4ce]

I know it's been a while but here's an update...

Just found a 6bolt G4CS ('91 Hyundai Sonata) motor. This is my first time seeing one in person. I'm posting pics in case anyone is interested in what they look like if you're in a yard and the block stamp is under caked grease layers. I was eventually able to find the G4CS stamp.

I will be breaking it down for inspection over the next few weeks. If anyone has any insider gremlins (non-service manual lessons learned) they'd like to share when breaking down this assembly, please share.

 

[The 4ce]

Stock G4CS motor out of '91 Sonata.

Original G4CS head removed.

Alright, this needs some context before asking questions. I am using a '91 G4CS block with a '94 4G63 head (originally from OEM 7bolt NA engine). With that said, I am now looking at the head and block passageways for comparison. I noticed that on the 4G63 head, there are a couple of waterjacket passageways that don't match up with the G4CS block. The block simply doesn't have them machined. All other oil and water passageways seem to be present.

So I guess my question is... Do these missing passageways make much of a difference for, say, 600-650 hp applications? I am thinking it might be better to leave the block deck as-is to to keep as much block stability/rigidity/stiffness. Or are these missing passageways paramount to cylinder head performance? Please let me know if my logic is on track, or if I am missing some other performance parameters.

Installed the 7bolt 4G63 head onto G4CS block. It looks like this is infact not a mythical setup. I'm actually pretty excited that it wasn't a bust (knocking on wood as I type this). Anyhow, please don't grief me for assembling extremely dirty subassemblies. My plan is to assemble the engine and transmission assembly for fitment checks in the '74 Colt engine bay before committing funds to an actual performance build. I am now keeping the feelers out for a usable manual 2g AWD Transmission. Anyone have one laying around???

 

[ThunderChild]

The missing water ports are the same as the 4g63, so no worries there. IIRC it's to force more coolant around the exhaust side.

Otherwise the engine is virtually identical to a standard 6 bolt.

So you're going to keep it FWD/AWD? I figured you'd do a RWD setup. Cool project otherwise!

 

[The 4ce]

The missing water ports are the same as the 4g63, so no worries there. IIRC it's to force more coolant around the exhaust side.

Otherwise the engine is virtually identical to a standard 6 bolt.

So you're going to keep it FWD/AWD? I figured you'd do a RWD setup. Cool project otherwise!

Thanks for the insight. It all depends on what kind of fitment clearances I get from this frankenstein powertrain. My goal is to convert the RWD Colt to AWD. I think I might be forced into a widebody setup to compensate for the Colt's 6" narrower track. I'll know better once I track down a tranny.

 

[Mech Addict]

I’ll be amazed if there is enough room to fit that motor transverse in that old chassis. Adapting awd to that little old frame seems like a lot to tackle. I do like those old Colts, though, and agree this seems like the start of the Mits-Mopar connection. What’s that little car even weigh? Keeping the rwd layout with a 4g63t with only stock power would be a screamer.
Given what I’ve seen some folks do building projects, though, I’ll look forward to reading how this one takes shape.
Are you keeping the lemon color? Only powder blue would be more sleeper.

 

[pimpy rider]

There is no chance it would fit in the unmodified original chassis im sure je knows that. It would definitely work with some modifications. Worst case is youd have to tube frame the whole front end, use talon steering rack and suspension. Probably wound wind up having to change rear diffs as well to match width, and gear ratios. And to have an lsd. Its a huge project, definitely not worth it but of you want something different and enjoy doing it then thats all that matters.

 

[The 4ce]

I’ll be amazed if there is enough room to fit that motor transverse in that old chassis. Adapting awd to that little old frame seems like a lot to tackle. I do like those old Colts, though, and agree this seems like the start of the Mits-Mopar connection. What’s that little car even weigh? Keeping the rwd layout with a 4g63t with only stock power would be a screamer.
Given what I’ve seen some folks do building projects, though, I’ll look forward to reading how this one takes shape.
Are you keeping the lemon color? Only powder blue would be more sleeper.

I grew up with awd dsms (2g GSX & 2G AWD TSi), so it's really been the inspiration behind the conversion. This colt probably weighs about 1 thousand-nothing. Jk, closer to 2k lbs. It'll be a long road as I expect it to be sitting on a chassis jig for a considerable amount of time as I figure out form/fit/function of the medley of parts. Also, the color is the last thing on my mind, . I usually veer on the side to low-key though.

There is no chance it would fit in the unmodified original chassis im sure je knows that. It would definitely work with some modifications. Worst case is youd have to tube frame the whole front end, use talon steering rack and suspension. Probably wound wind up having to change rear diffs as well to match width, and gear ratios. And to have an lsd. Its a huge project, definitely not worth it but of you want something different and enjoy doing it then thats all that matters.

The current path forward was to stick it on a jig and literally start from the ground (wheels) up. My current thought process was to piece together parts to replicate the narrower 1g track to stay as close to the original colt track as possible. I was expecting to have a fair amount of docol work on this venture. I landed a 3000 gt lsd for the rear diff, since 4-bolt rears are all but extinct and I'm too stubborn to go with 3-bolt.

Anyhow, just picked a 2g front suspension assembly from the yard this past weekend. I'm hoping that 1g axles will mesh with 2g hubs with minimal fitment/interference issues. I poked around the forum, but wasn't able to find an answer. I suspect I'll be the one to suffer the learning expense of this one.

 

[tunermt]

Absolutely love this retro racer build, that is going to be one cool/unique car when she's all finished up. Can't wait to see her in action, haha gonna look pretty funny in a GOOD way doing AWD burnouts in that old colt!

 

[The 4ce]

Mock assembly of what I've brainstormed to be the new front drivetrain/suspension. Consists of 2g 23 Spline M/T, 1g/2ga Intermediate/Half/Jack Shaft, 1g CV Axles, 2g Front Hub Assy.

1. The 1g axles seem to mesh just fine with the 2g hub assy with no obvious fitment/clearance issues.
2. Using the 1g axles with the rest of the 2g hardware results in what looks like the 1g front track width, which is what the goal was.
3. Next step is to figure out how to attain the same result for the rear track.
   • I currently have a 3000gt vr-4 rear lsd and axles.
   • I'm leaning towards matching the 2g rear hub assy.
   • The question is now how to piece together the rear drivetrain to measure as close to the 1g rear track width.
     • I'm thinking of a custom axle assembly that consists of 3000gt inner cups, 2g spindles, and a 1g length axle to connect the two.
     • I'm not sure how simple the last part (1g length axle) will fit into the equation, may very likely be a custom machined part. Still gathering knowledge/brainstorming on this one.

 

[559GSX]

Any updates on this build??

 

[The 4ce]

Life's been busy and has taken time away from the build. Add that to the impossible issue of parts scarcity and the the process has all but come to a halt. Alas some progress has been made. Proud dad moment... my 4 yr old and I built an engine cradle to mount the G4CS block and eventually the 2g trans for more mockup capability. We'll see if we nailed it or not in the next couple weeks.

 

[559GSX]

Awesome! Looking forward to seeing more on this build