AutoPros V8 Build - Photo Thread

[AutoPros]

We can do this build again, anytime. Turn around time should be about 4 months. The biggest hurdle is turn around time for the manufacturers.

[AutoPros]

It's black.

[AutoPros]

Heard back from the customer. Running strong!

[eternal21]

With the 5MT swap, seems like it should be possible to keep the TOD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_ktPSWsl0Y

[Leon R]

You would have to use LS4 version of 5.3 engine.

[eternal21]

You would have to use LS4 version of 5.3 engine.

You say that as if that's something detrimental *lol*.

[Leon R]

To use LS4, you have to address a starter mount. I have seen two solutions and I am not thrilled with either. Once someone address this problem with LS4, it will be a very popular LSx motor to swap!

[KILNA]

Total cost? Is the customer a member here? How's this holding up a year and a half later?

[tom4bren]

Since the VX was shipped to Africa, I doubt that the new owner is a member. I also doubt that the conversion shop gets many updates IRT the health of their little work of art.

If you have to ask how much the conversion cost ... you wouldn't be able to afford it anyway

[WormGod]

Since the VX was shipped to Africa, I doubt that the new owner is a member. I also doubt that the conversion shop gets many updates IRT the health of their little work of art.

If you have to ask how much the conversion cost ... you wouldn't be able to afford it anyway

As much as the vehicle was brand new.

[nocturnalVX]

To be "Overhauled" by Chip Foose, Independent4x, Rocky Road, StinkyFab, AutoPros, 4 Wheel Parts, etc.

V8, MT (no matter if it saves TOD or not), get rid of 14 years of snow belt rust... Just keep my VX away from those nutjobs over at West Coast Customs! I don't need 2 50" flatscreens that swing out on articulating arms...

[Cobrajet]

To be "Overhauled" by Chip Foose...

Oh, don't get me started on Overhauled/Foose... I would rather BURN my VX to the ground than let Foose Foock it up! I cringe every time they unveil one of their projects. Foose tends to remove some of the most distinctive details from his cars. He would probably remove the fangs, flatten the doors, "tighten up" the lines on the cladding, trim the "horns" off the headlights, and scrap the TOD system. I nearly died when I saw that he had removed the Dagmars from the front bumper of the '57 Chevy they did for SEMA last year. It just looks naked!

[evillecutter]

Total cost? Is the customer a member here? How's this holding up a year and a half later?

i asked them when it was all said and done how much - iirc it was about $35k not including the truck or shipping - said it was going to south africa

[RedProwler99]

i asked them when it was all said and done how much - iirc it was about $35k ...

Finally, the number we all were waiting for. As I digest the future of the VX, these sorts of conversions will save the survivors. I think a lot of VX owners know that, and a few are willing to admit it. For the mechanical equivalent of a "new" VX, the $35k pricetag is not at all alarming. Think about a generic new 2015 Jeep Rubicon at nearly the same number...Which would you rather have? I'll take the GM V8 VX...sooo cool!

What would be an ideal donor VX for the sequel here?

[WormGod]

Understand though, that $35K for conversion is NOT a restoration. No rotisserie and frame grind/paint on this bird. The key word here is "conversion". Me personally, I would consider a full resto if I were going this distance anyways. That honestly is a ton of money for a convert, so it is best to plan ahead what you want/expect.

And give or take a few grand for this convert for things like stereo system, suspension, brakes, etc. that you may not necessarily need that were done in this situation.