I've got a project this winter and I toss this question out to my racing buddies.
First the details:
I'm going to retire my current ride. An 86 IROC-Z I've manged to get into the 12's. A little too much rust for my liking and too many body/fit/finish details to take care of.
As a replacement shell, I bought a very clean 87 Sport Coupe with a munched V6 although the balance of the drivetrain is as clean as the body.
Now the question:
What are the time estimates to i) completely strip the 87 down to the basic steel. All of the drive train, steering components (inc. steering gear box), suspension and interior (except maybe the dash and dash controls). No body work or panel replacement.
ii) do the same to the 86.
iii) assemble the 87 using all the good parts from the 86. That's just about everything from front to back. Cooling system, complete drivetrain, current custom exhaust, all the suspension and steering components (inc. quick ratio steering gear box, OEM wonder bar, bushed control arms etc.) I'm also swapping in my full black interior (maybe with upgraded seats).
I think I'll be at it a couple of months part time. Sooner if I can have a go at it for a week non stop. All the parts are new or nearly new including the donor so I don't anticipate too many glitches taking things apart.
Lots of you have done more or less (some considerably more!) the same thing. I've got a fairly well equipped shop although I could use a hoist. What are your experiences and/or estimates?

 

it's hard to estimate since it's all based on experience and personal ability. Some people could probably get it done in a weekend, others it will take months. The first time I did a project like that, it took me months. If I were to do that again now, I could have it done in a week. The best thing you can do for yourself is plan it out meticulously. One piece of specific advise... swap the dash over along with the engine so all the wiring matches up. You'll also want to use the fuel lines and most likely the fuel pump from your V8 car. I don't think the V6 versions will match up or be up to the task.

 

All the existing fuel lines will be removed. The 86 Iroc is already converted from TPI to carb so the fuel lines are in the right spot. I may swap them over or up the ante with some braided stuff.
I can't imagine stripping 2 cars down to nothing and assembling one complete in a week. That would be a full time job plus overtime!
I think what will help will be having the new Sport Coupe taken apart to the last piece and then choosing and assembling all the components from a clean sheet so to speak.

 

The one week would be with no distractions and other obligations outside of a 40 hr work week... and lots of beer and dedication. That also assumes that you aren't worried about getting things dirty. Unforunately, I am somewhat of a perfectionist so I find it hard to operate that way. But if really pressed, I think i could do it in a week. If your goal is to not have the car down for too long, I would plan out as much as possible regarding what parts you plan to use and what, if any, parts you need to purchase. There's nothing worse than having a car (or two!) taken apart and have the project stalled due to budget problems or waiting on parts to arrive.

 

i agree depends lots on personal skill and time allowed for the job, i work at a body shop and we can do frame swaps on denali's in 2 days

 

I'm fortunate in that I have all the parts I need save for a couple of upgrades.
The IROC becomes the winter beater and some parts will stay like steering gear and a-arms (I'm taking the gear box). All that stuff will be new on the Coupe.
There's no problem with down time at this time of year. We're up to our *** in snow (so much for a green Christmas) and the season usually begins in April.
I'm pretty sure I can have the Coupe stripped down to the sheet metal in a day, maybe two. Then another day to strip the IROC. From there I can take my time.
I'd like this to be the final assembly so now's the time for detailing although I'm sure I'll have to take it apart again for repairs and upgrades.