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I started a thread a year or so ago about wanting to build a Monzamino, but after some thinking about what I really want, I've decided to do the notchback. I've also discovered the C4 chassis is very close in wheelbase (and I happen to have one), but is several inches wider than will fit, plus the engine setback issue. I think I can solve the engine setback moving the firewall, dash, seats and a big tunnel hole, etc., depending on where my feet will land inside the well. Some flares can solve the wider track issue, but I just want the car to look GM, with a twist.

Only two changes on this profile, the shoulder line at the windows has a complimentary curve to the front fenders and wiping the gas fill door. Makes the car look slightly chopped, but retains the stock cab height. I couldn't find a quad headlight profile image to play with (unaltered is on top), which would be the way I'd go, but this offers an idea of the significant changes. Kind of has a mini G body look to her. Opinions?

I'm also debating if the C2 - C3 chassis is a better fit. The engine isn't as far back and the track is much closer. I'm showing a C2 or 3 (same one I think) is 58.7" front and rear on a 98" wheelbase, while the C4 is 61.5" - 60.4" on a 96.2" wheelbase. With the H body being 58.5 by 57.5 on a 97" wheelbase the second/third gen seems a better fit. Has anyone tried this previously? The goal is a lightweight, well handling street car, not a racer.

I would suspect that starting with an older Corvette chassis would make it a bunch easier due to the similar wheelbase and track width. Jegs sells a complete "Jegster" chassis kit for a drag car, complete with pre-cut frame rails and pre-bent cage bars, and the same part # kit is listed for C2 , C3 and all H-bodies.

I believe Art Morrison makes a chassis to fit.

The Jegster kit is fine for straight line work, but a lousy street front end, especially if you want to handle well. I too think the C-2 or 3 is a better fit, but I do happen to have a complete front and rear C-4 setup, so I'm thinking about how to incorporate it into the project. I don't have much into it, so I could sell it on EBay I suppose.

I haven't seen a Morrison rig for an H body, though I'm sure they'll be happy to make one. I haven't priced one, but have a buddy that put one under his tri 5 and damn it ain't cheap, but does bring the car into the 21st century. He paid a little over $10k for it, with few bells and whistles. It seems like they could do one (H body) with a live rear, instead of IRS for about $7k - 8k. They also have a nice "narrow track" front end clip in kit and fully welded.

This are options for those that have this level of cash I suppose. I was just wondering if anyone has made similar conversions and what the you thought of the "look" changes to the notchback above.

I wasn't suggesting the Jegster kit, especially for street use. I agree it's much better suited to drag racing. What I was trying to get across was the fact that the same kit is offered for both Vega and C2-C3 Corvette would lead you to believe that the two vehicles are similar in wheelbase and track width.

I've considered using a IRS assembly from a Subaru. Whichever variant is closest to the h-body track width. The whole unit has its own subframe and mounts with 4 bolts.

However I don't plan on using a V8 either.

I've looked at a few different arrangements, such as the early 90's Ford setup in the TBird, which can take some power and has a self contained cradle, making mounting easier. I think the RX7 had one that would do too, though I doubt it can handle the amount of torque a small block can dump on it. I also like all GM and finding parts for the C 2-3 is fairly easy, if costly, compairtivly. It seems parts for the Corvette assume you have lots of money and are marked accordingly.

I've also pondered a Cadillac Catera IRS.