How far can/should a build get without the motor?

[FritoBandito]

I'm getting the complete kit and for budget reasons it would be nice to be able to space out the expenses a bit during the build. I was wondering how far into the build I could get before you guys would advise getting the motor/trans?


I realize it's probably possible to wait until after paint to get the motor/trans but clearly that's not optimal. Lemme know what you think.

Thanks guys

[frankeeski]

I think as long as you know where you are headed with the motor and trans combo, you could wait until the car goes out for paint to install the combo. Paint is going to take about a month or so and that should be long enough to get it installed in the chassis and work out any bugs before body fitment.

[efnfast]

I always wait until the very end - basically do everything, drop in drivetrain, hook up engine wiring, cooling, paint and finished.

[FritoBandito]

Thanks guys. I'm prepared to buy whatever I need when I need it but the motor is a big chunk and it'll be a lot easier to buy it later. Besides, no point in having it sit in the corner of the garage waiting for me to get to the point where I can install it. I appreciate the advice. :cool:

[riptide motorsport]

You can go all the way to paint should you care to. ..... no diferent than changing a blown motor in a completed one........Steven

[Mesa Mike]

Many of us drove the "go cart" around the neighborhood long before the body went to paint. Since the body will fit nicely on over the go cart I'd say let the paint wait until the last expense. Some actually drive the car in gel coat for years before paint. Me I couldn't wait that long. It's alot easier to pulmb the engine without the body in the way. I don't think I attached anything to the body except the head/tail lights and license plate.

[LewPoberezny]

My 2 cents is that I feel it is important to have engine in to assure enough sidepipe clearance before paint. I flatbeded to body shop without engine for fitting of doors,hood and trunk. Then brought chassis home while waiting for engine and then installed engine when it came, go karted to body shop for side pipe clearancing.

[Bob Cowan]

Many of us drove the "go cart" around the neighborhood long before the body went to paint. Since the body will fit nicely on over the go cart I'd say let the paint wait until the last expense. Some actually drive the car in gel coat for years before paint. Me I couldn't wait that long. It's alot easier to pulmb the engine without the body in the way. I don't think I attached anything to the body except the head/tail lights and license plate.

I think this is a good idea. Driving the go cart around a little helps you trouble shoot the chassis and drive train. Finding and fixing any problems is much easier with the body off.


My 2 cents is that I feel it is important to have engine in to assure enough sidepipe clearance before paint. I flatbeded to body shop without engine for fitting of doors,hood and trunk. Then brought chassis home while waiting for engine and then installed engine when it came, go karted to body shop for side pipe clearancing.

The side pipe clearance can be a real killer. It seems almost like no two sets of pipes fit the same. You really should fit the drive line and pipes before fitting the body.

Besides, hearing that engine roar is a real mile stone; it's not a real car until you hear that - don't save it until the end. :)

[FritoBandito]

No doubt. I'll be getting the motor long before paint. I want the engine bay to be perfect and though I'm very good at those kind of details I'm not experienced enough to do it without the motor installed. Not to mention the significant advantage of working without the body on...