New from California

[john chesnut]

Hello Bob, Very nice looking T! I love high performance, great handling cars. I built my own version of a T. I used the drivetrain, suspension from a 2003 Z06 C5 vette. I built an all aluminum semi-monoque chassis that had the stock C5 wheelbase. The stock C5 suspension cradles bolted into my chassis. I shortened the torque tube and moved the engine rearward by about 23 inches. I then made my own T inspired body. The result is the fastest, best handling car that i have ever driven. With the stock run flat C5 tires I blew away the competition at an event called Run n Gun. My engine is a stock LS6. I have recently finished a second body for the car, which was inspired by the 58 Lister Knobbly. I can change the bodies in about 30 minutes! Hot rod T for hot rod events, Old looking sports car for other days! (I recently installed a new engine in the car with about 100 more hp. The car weighs 1860lbs wtih the T body)

I also have built my own Cobra. I kept the stock wheelbase and track, built my style of chassis and used all C5 Z06 parts. The C5 transaxle won't work in the Cobra because of the width of the car. So, I converted the C5 diff to taking a driveshaft. I used an LS6 engine with a T56 6 speed trans. I took this car to Run n Gun. I actually spent 2 days at the event finishing the car. I started it for the first time and went on the road course. In my first session I set the fast time for all Street legal cars, (mostly Cobras). I put it in the trailer and took it home to finish. I have been driving it quite a bit and loving it. I believe that it is one of the best handling Cobras on the road. Far superior to any live axle, mustang parts combination. (not that there is anything wrong with that!) It's just that the current Vette parts and technology are far superior to previous technology.

So, I have 2 cars built with the same C5 parts. The Cobra is narrower, shorter, and has a higher center of gravity. It is a great handling car but it can not compete with my T/Lister. The difference is dramatic. On the same 1.6 mile road course 1.6 my T is 5 seconds faster per lap!!

I have just started another project. It is a J5 Kellison coupe. I will be building one of my frames and using all C5 parts. As a result I am selling my Cobra. It has a few thousand miles on it. The engine I bought brand new in the crate. It is finished to a high quality and painted Vette Atomic Orange Effect. It has a soft top. My frame design is unique and lets me have incredible cockpit and leg room while keeping the stock Cobra dimensions. I am 6'2 and am extremely comfortable in the car. If interested the price is $39,900.

I love all cool cars and respect anyone that build there own. Have fun and be safe, John