Her First Sports Car! 1971 Opel GT - Another CHEAP Off Brand Hot Rod

Another new car. Only this time, it's really not for me.
I've always liked Opel GT's ever since my first ride in one before I could even drive. A German sports car imported to America and sold as a Buick. What a weird mixed bag, clearly perfect for DD Speed Shop.
Of course it needs work. No motor, no transmission, NO PROBLEM! It's a project and I'm excited to start on it asap.
Want a sweet new shirt?
dd-speed-shop....
Send us your Junk:
DD Speed Shop
Po box 42041
1881 Portage ave
Ferry Road RPO
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3J 3X7
Send me an email with some suggestions or ideas
[e-mail]

[@thman6453]

It needs a supercharged 3.8 buick motor should move it pretty good 👍

[@user-427.commodore]

Yep sounds great

[@coreypowell7194]

That's would be a cool set up hard to get ahold of and big money but cool

[@thisguy2720]

@@coreypowell7194 they put supercharged 3.8s in regals and grand prixs. Shouldnt be too hard engine wise

[@lonnymay3997]

@@coreypowell7194 they're everywhere and dirt cheap. What engine are you thinking about??

[@jeremyTallen1]

@@thisguy2720 park Ave ultra also the list goes on

[@lt.columbo5919]

Diggin' the Opel GT and it has a very significant place in drag race history as the "baby Vette"...hundreds of them were built as tubbed drag race cars.

[@hydroy1]

Had one with a 327 in it, waaaaaaaaaaay to short a wheelbase, flipped it mid track drag racing at 95+mph like to KILLED my butt! with a 6 point cage. You want a motor for it? put a Brigg & Stratton in it. Much more than that, your askin for it .

[@dazeofgloryshopworks5806]

Think on a 2.2L Ecotec. They're plentiful, cheap, and a bellhousing conversion is available for a t5 or any older gm 4 speed you want to use. We put one in my buddys buggy and mated it to his vw transaxle, makes that thing hum like it's got power for days. Good luck. Can't wait to see what you do!

[@Weldangrind]

This will be unpopular, but you could keep it GM and install a Monza or S-10 Iron Duke 2.5 litre four banger with the common Saginaw four speed. They’re exactly half of a SBC 302 with a four inch bore and three inch stroke. They use a common SBC HEI ignition and they have a cross-flow head with common Chev valves and springs. They have a common SBC pilot bearing and bellhousing pattern, so you could choose whatever trans you wish. The only oddity is that the cam runs backwards because it uses a timing gear that meshes with the crank, instead of a chain. It would be a fun engine to stick aftermarket fuel injection on to help with starting and driveability for Dani.

[@johnkennedy2505]

No 2.5 bellhousing is not the same as SBC. it is smaller. is the same as 1.8 isuzu (LUV), 2.8 & 3.4 V6 (60 degree)

[@Weldangrind]

@@johnkennedy2505 thanks for your comment. The Iron Duke was redesigned in 1980 to fit transverse-mounted X-body cars, which used the 60° V6 bellhousing pattern. The longitudinal version, like the Monza, used the standard Chev pattern.

[@johnkennedy2505]

@@Weldangrind yep I forgot about 77-81 was different. Those may be a unicorn by now. Not much love in the past for Sub-compact GM's

[@gregpiecuch3802]

Keep it cheap and easy. I would put in a Chevy 4.3 and an S10 t-5, 5 speed. The shifter should come up close to the original location. Also you can use S10 pedals.

[@JoeGagan]

Best idea yet. Love the 4.3, love the t5

[@JoeGagan]

How cool would the 4.3 be with cam, headers and home welded tunnel ram with 2 harley carbs?

[@charlesjanuska3562]

4 cylinder S10 motor and 5 speed transmission. Dirt track guys race them so there's lots of speed parts for them cheap. Neat car. Good luck 🤞

[@ischmel3884]

Yep, Iron Duke's or 2.2L w/ Tremec

[@MortskeRepair]

"The summer of Dan" - buys car for Dani...

[@kennyguillotte1881]

A 4.3 Chevy V6! Great little engine that would not cost a lot.

[@jg-tf1rt]

Opels are a cool piece of auto history..a unique vibe! Double the power..what a fun driver it could be! We the people.. would love to see you jump on this one..it could be one heck of a challenge!

[@randomnonsense_1]

I have wanted one of those forever. If course, watching my roly poly ass roll out of it would be hilarious. $1800 USD is a great price, even without drive train. I look forward to you showing the progress on it

[@gertraba4484]

Local. Dealer had a blue 72 with. Black gut. Stunning.

[@williamrejczyk5312]

Dan the man here is another easy combo. 1985 4.3 chevy S 10 pickup came with a stick. Cheap and easy fit. Can find a 4 barrel manifold and headers.

[@jjdriver55]

I would vote for a good S-10 v6 5 speed , There are so many people wanting the chassis for swaps , you could buy one cheap pull the motor = trans all electronics and fuel delivery and sell the body and chassis for close to what you have in the truck.

[@garylane6868]

You are correct. The Opel is a German Brand the GM decided to sell in the US and Canada under the Buick name. There were 2 cars, the Kadett and the GT. Both were powered by a 1.9 Four pot. Not a lot of power, BUT remember there isn’t much weight to move. I myself would go with the 2.3 Ford. It doesn’t need a turbo in it. The chassis would be had pressed to handle a turbo. Mane a set of headers and a 4412 Holley for some spice. Absolutely love the little GT. Be good to it. And remember, your not driving it, Dani is. Give her something she can drive and enjoy. Not something she has to wrestle with.

[@garylane6868]

Newton Firefly- Ah yes. I forgot the Manta, which was the 2 door sedan. Nice little cars. I think I’ll disagree with you on engines though. While the 4 pots you mentioned are a better engine than the Ford, they are much more complicated and harder to find parts for. I’m talking carb engines, not EFI. There is nothing more simple than the 2.3 Pinto Engine and if you keep the oil changed regularly they will run forever. I would never put a V6 or V8 in it. It would need too much reinforcement in the chassis. Just because you can, don’t mean you should. But I’d like to hear more about your Manta. Was it British Racing Green or the Fire Orange. ( My two favorite colors)

[@dastardleigh3907]

3 cars. Manta was in there as well.

[@ronclaman156]

Back in early 80's a neighbor of mine built two of these one 351 Cleveland other one 327 chevrolet...

[@ColinBarrett001]

@@garylane6868 Manta was a 2 door fastback coupe. The sedan version was the Ascona, although I'm not sure they went to the US.

[@ivisonr]

Don’t leave out my personal favorite the Opel Manta first generation

[@docdetroit146]

The headlight mechanism is great

[@gymshoe9235]

It needs a new bumper pad on the pass. side.

[@briankinnear7461]

Mother of a friend of mine in high school got one of these as a 25th anniversary present. It was a Ferrari red, with a stick. The lights were super cool back then. Remember getting driven to high school jammed in the back of the little Opel. Great memories. Be safe and stay well.

[@jaygorveatte7955]

Looks like a great addition to your fleet. Always thought they were a cool little car. I'm sure any newer 4 cyl would be a big improvement.

[@kentmckean6795]

That crappy orange was shockingly common on Opel's. As a kid (mid 70's), I remember two orange ones running around Dauphin, MB.

[@ferrochinabisleri1587]

Hi, the biggest original motor of these Opel GTs was a four cylinder 1,9 liter took from the contemporary german sedan Opel Rekord. Considering its good shape, this car should be restored to its original spec. In Europe this is a rare, nice and collectible piece.

[@dougtodd305]

You are correct, the 1900 was very peppy,but l didn't like the automatc,,if you're going to modify it ,l would say go Mazda

[@corvettejohn4507]

Dan, since it's a "Buick", you have to go with a Buick 3.8L V6.

[@GregHuston]

GM Owned OPEL until 2017. The last rebadged Opel sold in America that I can remember was the Caddy Catera about 20 years ago. Opel GT is kinda the "baby corvette", I know Dan is an old school hot rodder, but I'd put a EcoTech 4 cyl or a Quad 4 in it. Keep the front end light and still have plenty of power.

[@dfusit]

This car brings back memories, my driving instructor had one and he let me take it for my actual driving road test. The inspector from the DMV look at it and asked me if I was sure I wanted to use that car? I said yessir. Doing a three point turn and parallel parking were a breeze in that little car, passed my exam with flying colors the first time around. I would definitely go with the Ford 2.3, enough power without getting ridiculous. Looking forward to this one.

[@daviddb1972]

I always loved these things! Great looking cars. I think your best bet is the Miata driveline. Lots of support and hop up goodies. I'm sure you can get them cheap too.

[@allenbeaulieu7077]

I remember when those came out. I was sixteen years old. They are COOL. Hope Dani digs it. Big Al.

[@dipwaded]

my very first car in 1969 was the ‘67Opel kadette rally which had a 1.1 L dual carb manual transmission. It got me where I wanted to go for many years. The GT was the high end model..never owned one but I’m sure you’ll get it dialed in.. it was the Mini vette

[@Ian-of9oi]

Find a iron duke and 5 speed from an s10. Super boring but probably the best solution. Probably get crazy mileage. Moved the s10s around fine and this thing is a lot lighter. Find out what the axle ratio is.

[@theupscriber65]

This is the first car I bought for my son so we could do a father/son project together. He got tired of holding the flashlight, sold it and bought a modern car.

[@Ol_Rusty_Truck-er]

A friend had one in highschool, We put a V6 and 4 speed out of a Pinto in. ( Wanted a Buick V6 but couldn't find one in local junk yards) Only modification we had to do was a JC Whitney fiberglass Pool 88 hood scoop to clearance for the carburator. Even put Corvette style side pipes on it. Two 17 year olds did it in 3 weeks with hand tools in a gravel driveway.

[@garybell799]

Back In High School, We Called Them Mini Vette, Back in the Early 1980s, Kool Car‼️

[@zrxdoug]

Do a Chevy S-10 four banger/five speed..junkyards are full of 'em, and it's more in your wheelhouse as a GM-based dude. If it were mine and I was going your route, it'd get a Toyota 22r from an eighties truck.

[@tinkhamm7251]

Man that really was a good motor, r22 overlooked but really good and reliable

[@zrxdoug]

@@tinkhamm7251 Pretty decent aftermarket support, too. I used to run an '85 Toy truck with a carbed 22r, sidedraft Webers, header, lumpy cam, it ended up running mid-14's in the quarter, sipped gas on the street.. The 2.5 from an S-truck is EVERYWHERE for cheap, though..

[@BearBudgetTurbine]

2.3 Mustang motor. There's a thought🤔 I just had one dropped off a week ago. Was going to get a used 5.0 ...but gas prices changed my mind because I want to drive the 86 convert. Spent a year making it more solid, finished, and presentable. Brakes and parts and all it needed. Now it just needs to get a heartbeat. Can't wait for the first drive👍

[@kitt7219]

A diff kinda project! I am excited. Ty folks.

[@ernestfinch1578]

I like most colors . Nice lines on that Opel GT!

[@joemcgarry1106]

You can get plenty of power from a 4cyl. It will keep it easy to work on, and fun to drive. There are plenty of hi-performance 4cyls to choose from. Transmission should be Dani's choice.

[@zaphoidbeeblebrox1809]

I Agree and it would sell easier. I Spent 2000 bucks on lessons for my Step Daughter to learn how to Drive a Stick. She drives an Auto. lol

[@timrobertson299]

my personal first choice would be a very mild small block chevy and a turbo 350, but a 4.3 vortec V6 would be plenty of power and more compact as well as look good in the engine bay and performance parts are out there such as shorty headers etc. and at the same time keeping your GM car a GM.

[@frankschwartz7405]

>>a very mild small block chevy and a turbo 350

[@timrobertson299]

@@frankschwartz7405 it’s already had the engine compartment butchered for a bigger engine. Might as well make it a sports car with some B@lls and different than the other under powered sports cars. This has the reputation of the mini Vette. I would turn it into just that along with spoilers etc.

[@lostintime8651]

Nope

[@frankschwartz7405]

@@timrobertson299 The 3.4 puts out almost the same HP as the 4.3 and weighs about 100 lbs less.

[@timrobertson299]

@@frankschwartz7405 3.4? GM. Toyota? Who’s 3.4. I prefer the 4.3 mainly because they corrected the nasty vibration with the counter balance. Crazy how they went about it but it works very well and parts are abundant

[@ablemarine9072]

I had One! Same year 1971 loved it for a little bit, traded it and some cash for a Ferrari!

[@Brianshrader6357]

Dude you be you.You keep Danny involved in your projects.One for her is cool .You don't leave her out.You two are a team and I appreciate that.Miata or the 2.3 w/ manual will fun and cool.An for once you don't have to do rust work.You deserve a break.

[@stevekuhns793]

3.8 Buick. Even without the GN turbo would still be pretty cool in that little car. And it would still be Buick.

[@cce3325]

Agreed. Stick with the "Buick" theme. 3800 V6s can be had for cheap and are plentiful.

[@brianf8621]

SC 3800 and a t5.

[@theservant752]

No, Buick 215 v8

[@jacquesgrenier287]

Can you run a 3.8 for rear wheel application ?

[@stevekuhns793]

@@jacquesgrenier287 , yes 80's GM g-bodies ran 3.8s in a rear wheel set up.

[@peterplouf2836]

Miata 1.8 is the answer. Single donor for engine and gearbox that work together and run forever. Chances are it might also be happy with the rear axle drive already in the car. You can look at grafting the Miata suspension on also, but I ended up doing a full chassis swap when I tried that on the last project; too much work.

[@corvettejohn4507]

Other fours to consider are the Chevy II 153cid and the Pontiac iron duke 151 cid.

[@richardbertovich6134]

The Opel needs a Slant Six! Ask Uncle Tony about that!

[@glennnickerson8438]

They are a neat little car, I know a couple of friends who have Opel's Just be careful, they get rust in the weirdest places (like where the hood sets on the body that channel gets scabby). Enjoy Danni! 😄

[@peterkovacs8654]

That’s a great price for that Opel GT. Very cool and fun little car!

[@chriscatarcio2983]

You can't go wrong with a 4.3 Vortec and 5 speed out of an s....10 chevy. DAN.

[@philipzahn9580]

I drove a 1969 Opel Gt to college. It had a 1.1 liter engine with a 4spd. It wasn’t fast, but it handled like you would not believe. It was listed at 67 hp.

[@TheTazzman1968]

Always wanted to make a drag car out of one of them.

[@toddbreitenstein8522]

V-6 from a 4th generation Camaro would make that car rip. Not sure how it would fit but they had decent power. Really good fuel mileage too.

[@kennethreiver985]

We used to call them Baby Vettes . They are very cool . Hidden headlights are manual they actually flip over with a lever .

[@That_AMC_Guy]

Supercharged 3800 with a 5 speed. If Danni doesn't fall in love, and it's as rust-free as you claim.... I'd throw my name in the hat for first dibs.

[@snake_eyes_garage]

Interesting build coming up for sure.

[@BearBudgetTurbine]

First car I ever had was An Opel Manta. Same one thats on the repair guide cover illustration. Metallic orangy color. Always wanted the GT, but the Manta was a nice looking compact car. At least mine was. It was in perfect condition when I got it in '83. No rust, nice interior, but started giving me issues in the winter. Not wanting to start. Leaving me stranded a couple times. Ended up trading for a Dodge Dart Swinger...

[@lynnburson6728]

DD speed shop > put a small V6 in it 🙂

[@__________01]

Back in 1973/78 parts like the 3 bar link rear end and 5 speed transmission were used from the Opel GT and installed in the Pontiac Acadian T1000 5 speed

[@sizzle073]

Yes they still make opels in Europe. When I was stationed in Germany, I had a ‘94 opel astra. It was a typical beater car that’s been passed around soldiers. So when I got it it needed a lot of repair, but the parts were reasonable. Opels are quite common in duetchland. From the looks of it you might have enough room for something like a Datsun straight six. Just a thought, they have a lot of torque and easily upgradable.

[@tinkhamm7251]

Yes like the rb26, I liked the rb20 4 banger turbo

[@fredgillick3071]

Hey Dan, Why not a Chevy V6 w/manual 5 speed. More power then the Opel engine. There's plenty of them out there. Easy to work on and enough room inside the engine bay. Put some side pipes on it. Ithink it would be a killer little hot rod for Danielle. Take care and be safe.

[@Hanzyscure]

A TPI 2.8 v6 with a 5 speed out of a late 80s camaro or firebird.

[@bryanomicioli3301]

3800 series 2 stick setup came in the 4th gen

[@fourhillsfarm]

Or an s-10.

[@bryanomicioli3301]

Peter, the 3.8 never came in an s10

[@TurboDog73TX]

An Ecotec 2.2 would be KILLER in that thing!

[@JustSayN2O]

1:00 Its freakin LIFTED !!

[@robgregorski2182]

I would go for a 2.2 lt out of a S10 with a 5 speed. Four cylinder yes but fuel injection is nice. Have plenty of room and daily driver for years to come.

[@staceyrenner5418]

It's been mentioned a couple of times, but a 4.3 and an auto would be awesome. I only say an auto as I'm sure a clutch pedal setup for it would be damn near unobtanium. Lots of goodies out there for the 4.3's, would be a fun little car.

[@briankarnowski5614]

Love it! 4.3 Chevy v6 and a 5 speed out of an S10, should be cheap enough.

[@NewWhirledSlacker42]

I had a 71 back when I was 18. What a fun little car. I'm 6'4" and had plenty of room inside since you are basically laying down. Haha A ford 289 will drop right in there.

[@timboslice3090]

Ford 2.3 turbo is definitely the motor for it. Weight, size, power, availability and affordability of parts.

[@glennnickerson8438]

👍cool idea!

[@nathanchristopher6121]

Too heavy, vibrates.

[@danaolsen4358]

I'd go with a 60 degree Chevy V6. Common MGB swap, so lots of aftermarket support. Lots of budget engine choices. Can get from Camaros and S-10s and a ton of front drive GMs that can easily be adapted to rear drive.

[@Billestlà]

I bought one new in 1974 ish ? from Jack May Pontiac Buick near Ottawa. It had sat on the lot for all most 2 years and I traded my VW beetle. What an awesome little car. You're right , its so light and aerodynamic that it doesn't need nor could it support a big motor without a lot of work. Not any acceleration but that small 4 would push it to 140 mph no problem Could cruise at 70 and 80 mph and get 40 mpg. Oh and those mechcanical rotating headlights never failed. Just loved the car!!!

[@jeffturner9436]

Had multiple friends that owned opals when I was young.I'm a giant (198cm) so getting in and out was always a hassle, but these cars were so much fun to drive, it was well worth it.They squatted in the turns so well, twisty, turny roads at speed, what fun.

[@rodneykiser823]

I recommend the 2.3 Ford Turbo with a T-5 transmission. I have been playing with those for 17 years. We did a Mazda RX-7 with a 2.3 Ford for my son. He has had it about 10 years. These engines are plentiful and robust. My T-Bird is going on 300,000 miles and I just replaced the head last month. I would have given you one when you were down South for Power Tour. Come back next year and I will give it to you.

[@smarternu]

DISAGREE...They should move to America, not just visit on power tour week. Other then that I would comment that not only did you post my engine choice faster then I did, but you did it in more detail. SPOT ON!

[@Hanzyscure]

@@smarternu They already live in America.

[@smarternu]

@@Hanzyscure Last time I checked they were in the increasingly communist Canada.

[@kristiankristiansen133]

Used to have the 1.9. Back in the day we used to swop a newer 4 banger 2.2 Opel (GM), 140’ ish hp and a 5 speed. Some even did the 6 in a row 2.5 or 3.0, but not a lot of room. Really cool cars

[@chrismorgan9409]

2.2 exotic 5 speed opel box out of a manta or Aston you may find the the alloy sump from the manta makes a better fit this engine awell known and tunable unit over in Europe may be easier to source what you need here.

[@chrismorgan9409]

The sell checker on my phone did a number on my reply. It should read ecotec not exotic and ascona not Aston OK.

[@vtwinaddicted5852]

Had several running around my little town back in the day, a green sat for many years at the transmission shop down the steet..

[@JMassengill]

I grew up in the 70’s in East Tennessee and saw one of those driving around north Knoxville for years. Interesting cars. A poor man’s vette

[@JMKady76]

I'd stick with a 4 cylinder for ease of service/fitting. V6 or V8 then the exhaust and stuff starts to be a pain. Miata 1.8/5 speed would be a great match for a little car like that.

[@wesleysaams448]

Miata motor and trans is the very best option for this car

[@shitbox82]

I would find a Ecotec and 5 speed out of a Solstice, would be perfect in an Opal. 👌

[@Mr62biscayne]

That was my first thought as well. Be cool with the supercharged version.

[@shitbox82]

@@Mr62biscayne Friend of mine had a Solstice GXP, turbo ecotec with a 6 speed, was a surprisingly fast little car.

[@leonardowilhelm1029]

I agree too. 2004 Chevy Cobalt SS had a 205 hp 2.0 with a small roots style supercharger. Mate it to a Solstice Aisin 5 sp, and it would be awesome. Or just the naturally aspirated 177 hp Solstice/Sky 2.4 and 5 sp would be a great choice too. These things have got to be in abundance for cheap.

[@lookin4lima921]

SO COOL!...I bought a 70 Opel GT back in the early 90's and swapped the engine out of a parts car, I believe it was a 1.9l engine? Anyway I picked the original engine up myself and stuffed it into the parts car front seat and had the junk yard come get it and they gave me $100 for it....I drove the 70 for 3 years while I was commuting to college and work. LOVED MINE!

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

That's super cool when I was a kid my neighbor bought one at two years after on it install the 300 horse 327 with a Muncie M22 Rock Crusher it was crazy he reinforced the body underneath it eventually got a 12-volt Chevy with four 10s it was scary it was fun

[@thomreece2436]

Smallblock Chevy LOL but really a "Iron Duke" 4 or a V6 Chevy 4.3L (350 -2cyl)

[@shitbox82]

Iron Duke with a turbo wound be cool. 😁👌

[@thomreece2436]

@@shitbox82 4-AOD B better

[@brentkeith5030]

I like the idea of the 2JZ engine. That's a great engine plus you can get a manual trans too! Find an IS300 being parted out and maybe grab the rear end too as it's IRS!

[@hedlund88]

Unless he wants a non turbo 2jz he gonna need to fork up over $10k for the engine and way more with a manual trans plus those are some heavy big boy engines

[@garykuhn1921]

A stock 4.8L ls and t56. Cheaper than anything. Parts everywhere. Reliable and 270hp. It's the best deal.

[@gatti5002]

the body was made in france and then shipped to germany for further assembly. i owned one 40 years ago, much show , little go... they came with a 1.1 and a 1.9 liter engine, floor was kadett based.

[@Jimsathome]

Everyone knows you didn't need another car now but I always thought this was a cool car. But vastly under powered - at least for North America. Whatever you do, make it a sleeper => nothing poking through the hood, or loud exhaust to take away from it's looks or give anyone any idea that you've got a little more pep.

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

*

[@paulhare662]

Probably not easy to find but the old aluminum block Buick/Oldsmobile V8 would be an interesting powerplant.

[@erikalbertson7483]

Never saw too many on the street in Iowa, but saw them on the strip ! Cool little cars ! Turbo that thing, and let her rip !

[@russ-aepx3307]

Years ago, a friend of mine bought a used Opel GT. The engine was toasted. We shoehorned in an LT1 and Muncie 4-speed. Custom radiator with 2 pusher fans. Narrowed Ford 9" traction locker rear. Custom driveshaft, of course. Absolutely HAULED A@@!!!

[@DCrockett1]

Put a 4.3 vortex V6 in it. Easy to find very reliable. Plenty of go power for that. And it's not very heavy. Easy on the front end.

[@mavgrab74]

151 cubic inch 1977-1993 GM Iron Duke with a 4 or 5 speed manual.

[@bradreeves7534]

Learned to drive in one back in 72 . Go stock. Maybe turbo later. Or chevys mini corvette they came out with about 10 years or so back. Daughter had one had a lot of power. Have fun.

[@dcm7777777]

mine was a 73 manta luxus with a 4 banger manual, reverse had a ring on the shifter ya lifted up. Luved it.

[@cstathos]

Opel made three lines of cars in the 60's- 70's. The square/boxy Kadett in both a Sedan and Station Wagon version, the sleek curved body for the time, Manta , a 2-door sedan similar to a BMW 3 series and the GT which you have. I had a '73 Manta with a carburetor. My father had a '74 Manta which came with the Bosh Fuel Injection system. It had a lot more power and drivability and would smoke the carburetor version. I currently have a GM add-on under dash A/C system for the Manta that would also have been the system for the GT. The cars were imported from Germany without A/C and it was added to the cars by GM in the States. Good luck with your project. The Opel GT was considered the poor man's Corvette.

[@blackjackfabrication4043]

OM605 Mercedes Diesel with Turbo. Bulletproof, reliable and simple and 3 times as powerful as the original motor. I’m pretty sure they sold those in Canada. But they never made it to the US. OM606 were available in the US. Same motor but with one less cylinder so it’s shorter.

[@maddpeanut6313]

2.2 or 2.0 liter Ecotec with 5spd from a Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky or a 2016+ Camaro. Already set up for longitudinal mounting. Turbo versions make 260+ HP. Love the one in my 2010 Cobalt SS.

[@ezerod1858]

When I was kid, I remember a neighbor that have one with a 327 Chevy engine. On that time I was taugth it is a small Corvette because in United States those car were sell it by Chevrolet. I remember the people said the original engine was crappy

[@duccanard9079]

With MG's and Opels,I have stuck in Ford 200 /6/T5.When the 3 singles come on,reminds me of a 2-stroke.A '69 block starts at 120hp.Flat top pistons,oversize stainless valves,electronic ignition,and cut the head.060".Then start looking for a rear end.For Anglias and Prefects use a 2.3.

[@richfletcher4279]

What a cool lil car. Think I’d look into a 4.3 v6 drivetrain from a s10. Unless you could come up with a 3.8 turbo from a grand national.

[@2fasttjm972]

Always love those little opels☺ .. 🤔the perfect Motors to throw in them! the 3.6 Buick Grand National Motor, or the cheap way 3.6 junkyard special😉 and with a little work you'll have a sweet ride.🤙✌👋

[@talltom1129]

The straight 6 is just sitting there....put 2 Webers and a mild cam in it and have some fun!

[@charlesmolnar3206]

For parts, try Opel GT source, Opels Unlimited, and Susselheim. Parts are readily available.

[@mrpurcountry]

Really cool little car Dan I think you could get a donor motor and tranny out of a S10 pickup or Ford ranger with a V6 4 speed wouldn't be too difficult to work with and of course the inline 4 cylinder in those trucks would be easy to install with lots of room

[@mikaelholmkvist6994]

Go with an Opel 2.2 liter, tuned and that thing will move. Don't kill the weightdist with something heavy. Keep it a light, fun car to drive.

[@dinos0429]

The turbo four cylinder would definitely be cool, but something cheap and easy would be a 3800 GM V6. They are *everywhere* in GM vehicles from the 90's-early 2000's, make anywhere from 150-205 Horsepower and 230-280 torque, They're compact and lightweight, bulletproof, and respond extremely well to boost, if you want to go that option. Just a solid little motor all around that's super easy to obtain.

[@davidsolloway9349]

Looks like it will be fun to drive!

[@paulwier7005]

Friend had one with a grand National engine. 200 trans. Car would do 120 mph with the stock gears. Rear end broke Replaced it with a 9 inch. Lots of fun. Super light he could burn tires 1st and second. Haha

[@txsailor57]

I say Miata 1.8 motor and trans. 140 hp 5 speed bullet proof combination. I have one with 250,000 miles on the original clutch and the head has never been off. It still runs great. You have a hydraulic clutch and its already rwd. It should be a weekend install for a fabricator like you and a blast to drive for her.