General Motors has made waves in the automotive world by bringing its massive parts catalog online. This move opens up a treasure trove of components dating back to 1982, readily available for purchase. From essential nuts and bolts to more significant assemblies, the accessibility of these parts is unprecedented. This digital parts emporium sparks an intriguing question for car enthusiasts and DIYers alike: Can You Build A Car From Parts, essentially creating a vehicle from the ground up using manufacturer-sourced components?
The concept of “parts-binning,” utilizing existing components to create something new, isn’t foreign to the automotive industry. Manufacturers frequently employ this practice to innovate and diversify their model lineups, sometimes with surprisingly successful outcomes. With a vast online catalog at our fingertips, the idea of constructing an entire car from these readily available parts becomes tantalizing. But how feasible is this ambitious project? How hard could it really be to build a car from scratch using a readily available online catalog?
While the online GM parts catalog is a significant resource, it’s not quite the same as a comprehensive engineering supply site like McMaster-Carr. Detailed CAD models for each part are not available, and a degree of custom fabrication would undoubtedly be necessary. The most significant hurdle, it seems, is the absence of complete unibody chassis available for direct purchase and delivery. These are typically tied to Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and regulated accordingly. However, this limitation doesn’t entirely derail the dream of building a car from parts. Let’s explore a hypothetical build to see what’s truly involved.
Project Blueprint: A Parts-Bin Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro, especially the sixth generation, represents a fantastic platform for a sports car, even as its production future remains uncertain. To pay homage to this iconic model and explore the “build a car from parts” concept, let’s envision creating a similar, robust sports car. For a foundation, we’ll need a chassis. Instead of a unibody, we can consider a traditional body-on-frame approach, reminiscent of classic car construction. This leads us to explore pickup truck frames as a starting point.
Pickup trucks, while typically having longer wheelbases than sports cars, offer a sturdy and readily available frame. To minimize wheelbase issues, we can opt for the shortest available option: the previous generation Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra 1500 in a single-cab, short-bed configuration. While newer single-cab short-bed models are emerging, the parts catalog primarily features components from slightly older models. Therefore, a 2016 Silverado 1500 frame becomes our foundational piece.
The specific GM part number for this frame is 84135714. Unfortunately, the online catalog doesn’t list a price, requiring a dealer inquiry. While direct online ordering for a chassis isn’t available, this frame serves as the robust backbone for our project. With the chassis selected, the next critical step is choosing the powertrain.
Powering Our Parts-Built Car: Engine and Transmission
With a substantial truck frame as the base, we have ample space to accommodate a variety of engine options. Considering GM’s extensive portfolio, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac, the possibilities are vast. Cadillac, in particular, offers high-performance engines and even individual turbochargers. While adding aftermarket turbochargers to a readily available V8, like the 6.2-liter found in SUVs such as the Tahoe, is an option, we can aim higher for a truly special build.
For a unique and potent powerplant, the Cadillac Blackwing 4.2L twin-turbo V8 engine is an exceptional choice. Despite Cadillac discontinuing its use, some of these hand-built engines are still available as spare parts. Producing an impressive 550 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, the Blackwing V8 offers exhilarating performance. The part number 12662913 unlocks this high-performance heart for our project, albeit at a significant cost of around $20,583.34, plus a core charge. While perhaps not the most economical choice for a parts-bin build, it certainly embodies the “right” way to create a truly special machine.
Selecting a transmission presents a crucial decision. Initially, the Corvette C8’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), part number 24045263, might seem appealing. However, integrating a rear-mounted transaxle into a front-engine, body-on-frame configuration introduces significant engineering complexities. To simplify the build and maintain a classic sports car feel, a manual transmission is a more practical and engaging option.
Therefore, the Corvette C7’s seven-speed manual transmission, part number 24290539, emerges as the ideal choice. Priced at a more reasonable $4,205.28, it offers a significant cost saving and aligns with the desired front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. While a custom driveshaft (part number 24719539, invented for this hypothetical build) would be required to connect the transmission to the rear end, this is a manageable custom fabrication task.
Rear End and Suspension: ZL1 Performance
For the rear end, the high-performance Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 provides an excellent donor source. The ZL1 differential, with its robust cast-iron case and electronic limited-slip functionality, is a desirable upgrade. GM part number 84173769 offers the differential carrier for $3,394.29. With options for different gear ratios, the 2.85 ratio is selected to complement the Blackwing V8’s power delivery.
To maintain simplicity and ensure compatibility, sourcing the complete ZL1 rear suspension assembly is a logical step. This includes ZL1 axles (approximately $500 each), the rear subframe (part number 84495545 at $1,908.94), and other essential components like bushings, sway bars, control arms, and shocks. Estimating around $5,000 for these additional rear suspension parts brings the ZL1 rear end assembly together.
Front Suspension, Brakes, and Steering: Corvette and Cadillac Components
For the front suspension, the Chevrolet Corvette C8 offers a low-profile and modern design, ideal for achieving a sleek front end despite the truck chassis. Utilizing the entire C8 front suspension assembly, excluding the electric power steering, allows for a high-performance setup. Switching to hydraulic power steering, sourced from a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo (steering rack part number 95918426, pump part number 95241308, totaling $568.41), provides a more traditional and potentially more communicative steering feel.
Similar to the rear, sourcing the complete C8 front suspension components from the parts catalog, including the subframe (part number 84903385, estimated at $6,331.07 based on the rear subframe cost), and other necessary parts (estimated at $5,000), completes the chassis and suspension.
Braking is a critical aspect overlooked initially but easily addressed with high-performance components. Cadillac CTS-V gold brake calipers (part number 84229177, $1,044.54 each) and performance rotors (part number 19383606, $199.62 each) provide substantial stopping power and visual appeal. Four calipers and rotors bring the braking system cost to $4,976.64.
Interior and Exterior: A Mix-and-Match Approach
Sourcing a complete interior from the parts catalog proves challenging, as entire seat assemblies and complex components like the Escalade’s curved OLED screen are not readily available. Instead, a mix-and-match approach is necessary. A Chevrolet Impala dashboard (part number 84537252) and a Chevrolet Sonic gauge cluster (part number 42539453) can form the foundation of a functional interior. A Buick Envision start/stop switch (part number 13534520) adds a touch of refinement. Estimating $10,000 for the complete interior, including seats and other trim pieces, accounts for the necessary customization and wiring work.
For the exterior, a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu hood (part number 23134824), Corvette headlights (part number 84875898), Colorado pickup third brake lights used as taillights (part number 52127100), and a Malibu windshield (part number 84184887) create a unique, albeit unconventional, aesthetic. These exterior components, totaling approximately $3,000, complete the visual outline of our parts-built car.
The Verdict: DIY Dream or Automotive Fantasy?
The estimated total cost for this ambitious project, excluding the Silverado frame (estimated at $10,000), comes to $69,895.54. Including the frame, the total investment reaches approximately $79,895.54. This figure highlights the significant expense involved in building a car from parts, even when leveraging readily available manufacturer components.
While technically can you build a car from parts using online catalogs? The answer is a qualified yes. Theoretically, with enough resources, technical expertise, and fabrication capabilities, assembling a functioning vehicle from manufacturer-sourced parts is possible. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this is a complex and costly undertaking, far exceeding the price of purchasing a comparable production vehicle.
This exploration demonstrates the fascinating potential of online parts catalogs and the allure of DIY automotive projects. While building a complete car from parts might remain a dream for most, the accessibility of these components empowers enthusiasts to undertake custom modifications, restorations, and unique builds, pushing the boundaries of automotive creativity. The dream of building a car from parts, while challenging, is now more accessible than ever thanks to the digital age of automotive parts.
