For the exhaust we chose Hedman Hedders. We also installed one of their X-pipes.
Engine (Buddy's Stash)
$200.00
Mounts (Schumacher Creative Services)
$135.00
Radiator (U.S. Radiator)
$385.00
Used bellhousing (Buddy's Stash)
$40.00
Driveshaft (Buddy's Stash)
$100.00
Tranny (Buddy's Stash)
$200.00
Headers (Hedman Hedders)
$294.00
Carburetor (Holley)
$580.00
While we were at it, we rebuilt the rear suspension with new spring bushings and shocks.
Disc Brake Kit (Master Power Brakes)
$795.00
Rear springs (Springs 'n' Things)
$150.00
Torsion bars (Mancini Racing)
$135.00
14-inch Rallye wheels (Buddy's Stash)
Freebies Tires (Firestone)
$224.00
Shocks (Summit Racing)
$26.95 x 4
The Cost
| 1 '67 Valiant | $700.00 |
| 1 Set floors | $284.00 |
| 1 Salvage yard engine | |
| and rearend | $200.00 |
| 1 650 cfm HP Holley carb | $580.00 |
| 1 Set headers | $294.00 |
| 1 Set motor mounts | $135.00 |
| 1 Radiator | $385.00 |
| 1 Used bellhousing | $40.00 |
| 1 Driveshaft | $100.00 |
| 1 Used tranny | $200.00 |
| Power Trax unit and gears | $510.00 |
| Steel for frame connectors | $12.50 |
| Disc brake kit | $795.00 |
| Rear springs | $150.00 |
| Shocks | $107.80 |
| Torsion bars | $135.00 |
| 14-inch Rallye wheels | FREEBIE |
| Tires | $224.00 |
| | $4,717.30 |
Costs were tallied at the time the parts were acquired. We do not guarantee that they have not changed since then. - Legal disclaimer to keep our butts out of trouble.
Well, we blew it; we are 717 big ones over the budget. I know, it usually happens this way, but it would have been nice to stay under the line. (Note to self-maybe Dulcich won't mind if I don't pay him this month). There's no doubt that we could have built this car for under $4,000, but we would have had to skimp and compromise in places where we didn't want to. The bottom line is this: It's a good idea to have a budget and to try to stay within it. I have yet to build a car without underestimating the cost. I bet I'm not alone, am I?
After a couple of months out...
After a couple of months out of the garage, Valiant Effort returned in February with a disc brake and suspension upgrade. Master Power Brakes, Just Suspensions, Springs 'n' Things, Firestone Tires, and Mancini Racing all had the parts we needed. The brakes and suspension were a time-consuming job, but worth the effort.
We all think of increasing...
We all think of increasing horsepower, but let's not forget-if you get moving, eventually you have to stop. The old drum brakes on the front of the Valiant weren't going to cut it.
Traction Action Any unibody-style...
Traction Action
Any unibody-style car will have a problem with body flex, especially if an engine is installed to increase performance. In our October '02 issue, we installed the rearend we built in September and described how we made our own subframe connectors.
If you can, install a pair...
If you can, install a pair of subframe connectors. They make a world of difference. Frame connectors (Local welding shop) $12.50
To make sure the Valiant stopped...
To make sure the Valiant stopped when it needed, we installed a disc-brake setup.
So, what's next for the Valiant?...
So, what's next for the Valiant? We plan to keep fixing 'er up like any good enthusiast would. Money is a big factor when it comes to building cars; the family will get tired of bologna sandwiches pretty soon (but Reaser has promised to bring a poke of squirrels on his next trip to Florida). Eventually we want a respectable ride that we won't be ashamed to drive anywhere . . . yeah, like we are now.