The Only Shelby Lancer On StanceWorks.

[Daviticus]

I'm pretty confident with that statement, mostly because I'm likely the only one crazy/stupid enough to waste my time on a K-based car. :rofl

That being said, here's my Shelby. It's number 707 of 800, and even being one of the later numbers it was one of the first built. Its' a light-gray Recaro cloth interior/5-speed car - Only 395 Lancers were so equipped, with 400 being dark gray leather Recaro/auto-trans cars. The remaining 5 were press cars that were leather/5-speed cars. To the best of my knowledge there were no cloth/auto cars built. All Lancers from Shelby were Graphic Red, although Chrysler offered the Dodge Lancer Shelby in Frost White during 1989 as the only other option. Lancers are the last car I believe to be built in the Whittier, California plant before Carroll moved his operation to Las Vegas.

This is also one of the 60 or so Lancers that Thrifty Rent-A-Car purchased in an agreement with Shelby and Chrysler back in the '80s, and was delivered June 6th 1987 to Thrifty Rent-A-Car in Hollywood, California. It was stolen from the Thrifty lot in 1990 and had the stereo and number plaque stolen [these are one of the first American cars to feature a factory-installed CD player, a Pioneer DEX-77 with 10 speakers, a 12-channel equalizer and separate amplifiers for each channel]. It was then sold to someone in Arizona with about 30k on the clock, then in 1991 the old guy I bought it from picked it up with 48k on it. He drove it off-and-on as the family road-trip car until September 2007 when his son drove it to work and popped the head gasket. Then it sat in the back of the garage until July '11 when I bought it. Mileage at that time was 88,034mi.

Also of interest to note - Since the original signed number plaque was stolen, the previous owner contacted Shelby directly in 1991 and ordered a replacement plaque ... as far as I have found in addition to what others in the Turbo Mopar and Shelby scenes have been able to find, Number 707 is the last replacement plaque to be made, and was shipped on October 16, 1991. Enclosed with the plaque was a final invoice, the Shelby Supplemental Service Manual, and a note from Jan, Carroll's secretary, on company letterhead, to the previous owner. Everything is still in original packaging, and my anal ass will probably leave it there, haha.

This car still has the signed Shelby steering wheel built by Personal, and currently has a Chrysler-Infinity premium audio tape deck with auxiliary input to replace the original Pioneer unit. Only the original Pioneer door and rear deck speakers remain, the dash tweeters are missing for some reason. The wheels are 15x6.5" +35 Shelby One-Piece cast mesh, in 5x100 PCD. A set of these in worse condition, without the center caps [I have all 4 btw] or tires sold for over $1200 a few months ago on eBay. These came with an intercooled turbo 2.2 Chrysler Common-Block counter-flow SOHC inline-four, making 175hp @ 12psi, and features a Shelby-only "scramble boost" function that allows boost to spike to 15psi for up to 15 seconds - conveniently enough, the same amount of time it took these cars to run the 1/4 mile at sea level.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2905/imag0108af.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4880/imag0107gq.jpg

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/6305/imag0039fh.jpg

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/3695/imag0035ue.jpg

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/1340/imag0037jj.jpg

Between one of my commutes between Salt Lake City, Utah and Albuquerque, New Mexico, a motor mount broke causing the engine to rotate forward and destroy the passenger-side axle. Said broken mount also punched the oil pan and unseated the cork [wtf Chrysler] gasket. I limped it back to Albuquerque, where a dying oil pump and leaking pan were the original engines' demise. Thankfully the original liquid-cooled Garrett T3 was salvageable, sadly nothing else is [including the head I put almost $1k into 3,000 miles prior].

This poor bastard has been sitting behind my boss' motorcycle shop which I'm currently staying at since the middle of November. Since my daily-driver Chrysler Conquest is giving me fits and is soon requiring service, I've decided to start tinkering with the Shelby to get it ready for ultra-low DD status.

[Daviticus]

Phase One: "How Low Will It Go?"

This is on the factory untrimmed bumpstops, with no springs up front. Still has the original Monroe Formula GP struts up front. Rear is stock.

http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/6573/imag0356y.jpg

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/7711/imag0359r.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9210/imag0363v.jpg

This was done as a preliminary step to see what I needed to change initially to start going low. The verdict thus far: I need shorter Neon/SRT4 struts up front, if not SRT4 coilovers. I'm going to snag a Neon strut next time I'm at the junkyard and start mocking things up. Ideally I'd like to go with a Koni offering for the SRT4, but I'll go with adjustable Tokicos or Bilstiens if they're competitive in price.

[projecthoarder]

Very interesting project, can't wait to see where this goes.

[dfwer]

You're unique.http://www.interbankforex.info/g.gif

[OpelWagenGT]

This could be a very cool and unique build, if you do it right.

Lets see it.

-Aron

[pantsoffstanceoff]

pretty amped to see where this will go

[montgomery]

I'm in love and I don't know why.

[Arteeste]

This should haz 4G63 heart transplan no ?

[Daviticus]

Thanks for the kind words fellas. I honestly was worried how it would be received by the S/W community. The wheel fitment and choices are a bit limited, but having 5x100 may be a blessing in disguise, as there are a lot of European mesh options I may be able to get my hands on. Just got to keep a few clams in the bank to get some proper rolling stock.

Also, before anyone asks, no it is not staying solely on bumpstops up front, haha. That's a little too ghetto even for myself. New updates will happen shortly!

-edit- Haha, a 4G63 would be pretty ridiculous in this car to be honest. Though it is interesting to note, that aside from one bolt hole not lining up, any of Chrysler's DOHC 2.4s (including the SRT4 block) bolt up to the existing transmission. I can even use an SRT4 clutch package with the 2.2. Yay for USDM Legos!

[projecthoarder]

Yay for USDM Legos!

I saw that and thought of my old dsm, lol. If you have the same motor mount design as a 420a neon you could bolt in an EVO 8/9 4g63 and use a fwd 3g eclipse trans.

[Da_Ollies]

Where do you get your parts from? I have a 87 GLHS

[mike-81-240d]

I like this alot.

[Zic]

What the hell is this thing?!?! :rofl

Get some wide wheels, should set it off.

[wickedsnake00]

-edit- Haha, a 4G63 would be pretty ridiculous in this car to be honest. Though it is interesting to note, that aside from one bolt hole not lining up, any of Chrysler's DOHC 2.4s (including the SRT4 block) bolt up to the existing transmission. I can even use an SRT4 clutch package with the 2.2. Yay for USDM Legos!

Yes! That's what I was hoping to hear.

I remember there was a guy back home that had one just sitting in a barn he never drove. It's great to see one of them returned to their former glory.

Subbed to see where this goes. :D

[Daviticus]

I saw that and thought of my old dsm, lol. If you have the same motor mount design as a 420a neon you could bolt in an EVO 8/9 4g63 and use a fwd 3g eclipse trans.

I'm about 99% sure the mounts are different. This really is just a glorified Chrysler K-car, although the 420A [both the 2.0 and the 2.4] bolts to the trans. A couple people have done it in Daytonas and whatnot, but the mount situation was a bit haggard at best. I had also considered sourcing a factory 16v turbo Lotus head off the T-III VNT Shelby cars and building a 2.5 bottom-end, but for nostalgia-sake I think I'm leaving the 2.2 SOHC in it. Though the option is definitely there to go SRT4 power should I choose to do so. :eyebrows

Where do you get your parts from? I have a 87 GLHS

Luckily for me so far, nothing Shelby-specific has needed replacement, and everything else is basic Chrysler K-car stuff. Apparently the axles are identical side-to-side, and are $39 each at Autozone, haha. The then-new Shelby rear disc setup is actually used by Chrysler starting in '89 on the LeBaron GTCs. The larger sway bars are also found on the GTC. As far as the front brakes go, they are standard Lancer/Laser/LeBaron/Sundance/Acclaim bits. I may make the move to larger Caravan front rotors and toss on some Wilwood Superlight 4-pot calipers in the near future, mostly because I don't like Chrysler's bulky caliper mount design. Then again, only having to spend $56 for two rotors, a set of pads, and a caliper rebuild kit at CarQuest is pretty enticing to keep the stock stuff, haha.

What the hell is this thing?!?! :rofl

Get some wide wheels, should set it off.

I got that every time I drove the car. Usually when I tell people its' a Shelby, they assume its' a 4-door, 4-eyed Fox body Mustang. :rofl Even better is when they see the giant LANCER decal on the side and wonder why Mitsubishi didn't build it. :shifty [For the record, Dodge had the Lancer moniker in the '60s, a few years before Mitsu]

Wide wheels are in the works - I think for initial fitment I'll go cheap and get some XXR 521s in 16x8" +20 flavor, with 205/40HR16 Dunlops or something. I do intend to canyon-carve and track this car occasionally, so I'd like to stick with a moderate stretch like a 205 will give me on an 8". Eventually the budget will come for rebarrelled BBS, or some Rotiforms, though I am considering a re-drilled BMW Style-5 setup and pulled fenders.

Yes! That's what I was hoping to hear.

I remember there was a guy back home that had one just sitting in a barn he never drove. It's great to see one of them returned to their former glory.

Subbed to see where this goes. :D

Thanks man. The more I dig into the history of the Shelby-Chrysler pairing back in the day, the more I'm inclined to keep this car true to its' roots of going after the Euro cars [Shelby's initial target with the Lancer was the 5-series and the Benz 190E, oddly enough]. Sadly most of the Shelby Dodges were treated as throw-away cars [including the Shelby Dakotas!], and are ridiculously difficult to find in any worthwhile shape. I was extremely lucky to have found a SoCal/Utah garage-kept car, even if it started life as a rental. :rofl

[G-type]

Because racecar, is basically the point.

[Low Life]

Neons never had a 420A. I have a set of first gen Neon BCs if you decide to go that route.

[Daviticus]

Phase 1.5: "What Junk Bolts Up, Anyway?"

So I hit up the local U-Pull-It yard to get some suspension ideas. I had a plan in my head initially to use a Neon strut in its' entirety up front - boy was I in for some tricks and treats.

*Note- I refer to the stock strut as a K-car strut ... this is THE strut Chrysler used for almost everything FWD from 1982 to '98, from hatchbacks to Caravans, convertibles, and sedans ... only the Aries and the 600 were technically "K-cars", as everything else had a different designation albeit using the same basic designs [for the record, the Lancer and 1st Generation LeBaron were H-bodies]. For simplicity, I'm referring to them all as K-based. Also of interest to mention, is that all Neons, regardless of generation, use identical struts, top-hat mounts, and knuckle-to-strut bolt patterns. In example, a '95 Neon Highline would have the same struts as a 2006 Neon SXT.*

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/251/imag0365fr.jpg

What you see there from left to right is a stock K-car front strut off an '89 LeBaron GTC, a 2001 Neon strut, and a 2003 Neon complete assembly.

As you'll notice, the Neon stuff isn't a whole grip shorter from a glance. Although I didn't measure anything, I'd wager to say the difference is around 1/2" shorter. One check against the Neon setup, based off my original thoughts.

The real deal-sealer now for me is how short the threaded portion of the strut rod is. IDEA: I can use this to my advantage by building a custom top-hat mount that brings the threaded end further into the engine bay - I can't do this with the K-car struts, as they'd hit the hood if I moved them anything over 1" closer. Essentially I'd just be building myself a custom camber plate that also moves the strut rod mounting further up, increasing strut travel without raising the spring perch with it. So, one merit to the Neon design.

So now I started looking at bolt patterns for the strut mounts. Chrysler has always had a way with keeping things pretty close in design to reduce tooling costs, and this was no exception concerning struts and knuckles - the bolt holes between Neon and K-car struts are identically-spaced, confirmed by physically bolting a Neon strut to a '90s Caravan knuckle, using the Caravan's original bolts. Looking closer:

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/557/imag0368v.jpg

This is a bad angle, but you can just notice that the K-car strut [at bottom] has elongated bottom strut mount holes, where the Neon unit leaves no adjustment. Also of importance is how much narrower the K-car knuckle mount is compared to the Neon units - A nice bonus of having spare parts left over, are some small spacer bracket pieces originally used on the outside of the K-car strut bolt-holes, before they were equipped with camber bolts. If I sand the surfaces clean on two of these spacer brackets, I can just barely tap one on each side of the knuckle to fit the Neon's wider strut bracket. More USDM Legos FTW.

BUT, why would I be wasting all this time and effort for a strut that's only 1/2" shorter, that requires mods to even fit in a stock application? Friends, that is an excellent question. While romping around the intarwebs for Neon strut options, I found this little gem of awesome:

http://www.modernperformance.com/images/uploads/Neon_0305Srtkoni.jpg

That, is an image of Koni Sport adjustable strut cartridges for the Dodge SRT4. You're probably thinking right now, "Okay, cool, so what's the big deal then?"

The Neon uses a McPherson strut design at BOTH ENDS of the car. Since my Lancer uses a separate spring and shock in the rear with a beam rear axle, I can't use inserts in the rear. So, look at the pic above one more time. See the shorter inserts? Those are for the rear of the car. Now, judging by the pic alone, I'm assuming those rear struts are about 1-1/2" shorter than the fronts, and the exact same diameter, which would be AWESOME for a front setup in shortened housings. Summit sells Neon Koni rear inserts for $161 each. Cha-CHING. Budget custom coil-overs FTMFW.

So that's where I'm at, folks. I'll probably be picking up a pair of front Neon struts at the junkyard this week and start cutting them apart. Hopefully with next week's paycheck, I can order the rear Koni's for the front, and pick up an AFCO coil-over sleeve kit from Summit as well. Then its' time to start drawing up templates for the camber plates.

So that's it for this update, until next time Stancers! :eyebrows

[Daviticus]

Neons never had a 420A. I have a set of first gen Neon BCs if you decide to go that route.

You're correct, I'm mixing my engine information now, my bad. Thanks for the correction.

Just out of curiosity, even though I probably won't go that route, what do you want for the BCs? I know a Neon guy in Salt Lake City that may be interested.

[justaneffer]

why do i love this so much? in for a wide and low lancer.

[NudeLobster]

how did i know it was you just by the title? Looks good :)

-Justin

[Daviticus]

Haha, sup Nudie. I was wondering earlier how many StarQuest owners would recognize me.

I also just realized I'm doing essentially the same thing with these Neon inserts as us SQ guys do with MR2 rear inserts. This is getting too-awesome.

[Daviticus]

So, I've been doing a bit more homework on the rear suspension for the Lancer, and came upon Rich Bryant from Phoenix, who builds custom and retrofit parts for the old Turbo Dodges. He has been working with Jeremy Mitchell from Gillette, Wyoming to get the rear spring adjusters properly built for BC springs [I'm looking into other options currently as well, including building my own threaded perches or possibly converting the rear shock to a coil-over]. This is as low as Jeremy's Lancer goes out back on the BC springs with adjusters:

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/3282/reallylowjeremymitchell.jpg

And a quick shot of the adjuster, spring, separate stock shock:

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/6509/adjuster2jeremymitchell.jpg

That makes things a bit easier for me. I'm going to contact Mr. Bryant soon and see if he'll sell these adjusters, sans springs, separate from a BC coil-over kit.

[ullyeus]

I like where this is going. Retrofitting parts to go low FTW!

[Dr.AK]

Very interesting project, can't wait to see more!

[Earl]

You selling whys?

[lyonsroar]

Went to car's and coffee a few weeks back and this thing showed up. Mountains and mountains of awesome! Your build reminded me of it...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/7151084711_3c7fa3d889_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/0-60photography/7151084711/)
IMG_1127_wm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/0-60photography/7151084711/) by Lyonsroar91 (http://www.flickr.com/people/0-60photography/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7005005332_f031346d94_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/0-60photography/7005005332/)
IMG_1193_wm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/0-60photography/7005005332/) by Lyonsroar91 (http://www.flickr.com/people/0-60photography/), on Flickr

[projecthoarder]

Neons never had a 420A. I have a set of first gen Neon BCs if you decide to go that route.

Pretty darn sure they did, its the same 420a that came in the non-turbo 2g eclipses.

[projecthoarder]

Sorry, same block, different head, my bad.

[slowstefan]

I'm not sure how I feel about the car's "looks" but other than that.. I totally respect the uniqueness going on here and you can sense the love you have for the car lol and I love old school!! I can't wait to see the progress!

[Da_Ollies]

Where do you find all your parts for this thang?

[KekeCav]

Glad to see another build that stands out from the rest, from my eyes it seems like you've got a good steal, solid body on the outside from my understandings,

I love pictures sorry if you didn't mention them but whats the specs on your wheels?
I'd say go a bit smaller on the tire walls & some spacers, its your build but that's just my imagination:)

I love the work you've done so far, I'll be tuning in for some more progress :cool

[Miroteknik]

When I read the first entry, I thought you were going to religiously keep the car like it looked on the dealer brochures when it came out. Then you posted THIS:

Phase One: "How Low Will It Go?"

http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/6573/imag0356y.jpg



Hell yeah. Your knowledge on these cars (and other dodge, chrysler, mitsubishi etc.) makes me confident that you will make good things here. Way to go, looking forward to more pictures of progress (and maybe the opportunity to learn more about USDM lego compatabilities!)

[Daviticus]

Holy shit, people actually like this car still haha.

Good news fellas, I've decided [months ago, in fact] that I'm keeping the car. My only issue is that I live back in Utah, and the car is 600 miles away in New Mexico. I should hopefully be bringing her back in the next couple months, as she's been in the way at a friend's shop since May.

I've decided to go along the OEM+ route and clean the car up as much as possible. I have a line on some BBS CHs, but I'm also considering keeping with the black mesh/polished lip theme that Shelby had with the car originally. I've found a couple companies that can reproduce the original decal package so a full respray and all bodywork needed will be in order. I intend on tucking the engine bay wiring, and cleaning up the bay in general, not sure if I'll go with a full shave or not.

I'm really happy to see that there's some love for this car, I figured I was digging a very unpopular hole with this project.

Someone asked about the wheels - they are cast one-piece Shelby mesh, 15x6.5" +35. It is VERY hard to find a set of these in good shape, much less with centercaps which I have all of.

As for finding parts, its' actually quite easy - the Lancer and LeBaron are essentially the same chassis, and share MANY parts with the Caravan, Neon, and other K-car based Chrysler products. As example, the 1987-only disc brake setup is standard equipment on the Lebaron GTC for 1990. Save for Shelby-specific parts, I can find almost anything I need in a junkyard. Which is pretty convenient, since I work at a junkyard. :eyebrows

With any luck I can update this thread by spring, once I have the car back in my posession. Thanks for the support and kind words fellas, it really drives me to work more on this build.

[OptimalRyhme]

I dont know wether this will help you or not, but first gen neon struts are thinner where they mount to the knuckle by 5mm or so.

[scweet14]

damn, very original, looking forward to the build man!

since its usdm you should do a huge coyote engine swap, maybe a cobra motor?? :alright

[StanceswithWolves]

My lady had a 93 Plymouth Sundance Duster, her brother had an 86ish Laser. The Sundance had the mitsu 3.0 SOHC. Love those cars for some weird reason. When I was a teenager I saw a Shelby badged daytona and I had to do a double take. Up until that point I didn't know Shelby did Chryslers. I always wanted a Lancer or a Spirit RT with the Lotus head. I have much respect for the turbo K car variants.

[StanceswithWolves]

The CSX'x had composite plastic wheels "fiberide's" truly awesome strangeness going on back then. The one in the picture lyonsroar posted is sporting a set.

[rice4life]

:D

So glad that he responded. I cannot wait to see when this car is fixed up some more! Some wide enkei 92's or Riken mesh's would really set this car off.

[Daviticus]

Yes that CSX posted above is absolutely amazing. I would LOVE to find that Shelby print cloth.

What do you guys think about air ride on this car? I've been contemplating it, I already have one Viair 444C and a 5-gallon tank, as well as a handful of 1/2" and 3/8" solenoids, and some miscellaneous fittings - bags, lines, and a few more solenoids are all I think I really need to finish the setup.

[crxmarc]

do up some air! i think this car would look stellar with some nue's on it.
nice to see something different!

[Tubaman]

Sweet car bro. reminds me of this car i saw at a cars and coffee meet.
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/33866_4213923159785_1517505299_n.jpg

[Daviticus]

Whoa, an ASC McLaren Capri CONVERTIBLE?! That is intense, I didn't know those existed.

I like how this thread is slowly attracting random rare shit lol.

I do also like the idea of NUEs.

[wickedsnake00]

damn, very original, looking forward to the build man!

since its usdm you should do a huge coyote engine swap, maybe a cobra motor?? :alright

As awesome as the coyote and temi engines are, I still think he should keep it at least a Chrysler turbo I4. Whether that means building the factory engine or going with an SRT4 engine is up to him.

Can't wait for more updates though. Something this unique is so much better than all the cookie cutter BMW/Merc/240 builds.

[Daviticus]

Yeah it's definitely staying with a Chrysler 8-valve. I've got to proudly rock the Shelby valve cover, haha.

Here's a set of wheels that popped into my head just a minute ago ... MemoryFab M Technica Turbos.

http://www.memoryfab.com/images/wheels/used/cache/20120604142858/P1010044bb_l.jpg

5x100, 16x8.5 +15. That would fit quite nicely with minimal effort.

[Chuckdee]

Yeah it's definitely staying with a Chrysler 8-valve. I've got to proudly rock the Shelby valve cover, haha.

Here's a set of wheels that popped into my head just a minute ago ... MemoryFab M Technica Turbos.

http://www.memoryfab.com/images/wheels/used/cache/20120604142858/P1010044bb_l.jpg

5x100, 16x8.5 +15. That would fit quite nicely with minimal effort.

those wheels will fit with the theme of the car. Good job so far op, glad to see you've decided to keep the car.

[crxmarc]

YES!!! Those wheels scream WIN! imo that would be the crowning jewel to an rarely stanced beast of awesomeness!

[Sgt Savage]

I like where this is going. Please for the love of everything that is awesome, drop a srt4 motor in this.

[Dwob]

those wheels work so much better than nue's. in for it

[B Rod]

This is too cool man. I'll definitely be following this build.

[badbeej]

yesyesyesyesyes.

this is good. i will be watching