chrisjb111
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 posted on 5/3/13 at 09:07 PM |
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Rather long wheelbase
Hi all.
I picked up a bit of a deal last year (or at least what I thought was a deal), it was a part built locost using an mx5 as a donor. I have been reading
up quite a bit on locost & haynes roadster's etc as I am a novice to this, I'm a lot happier with electronics .
I have had a bit of time recently to see exactly what I have bought and the frame has always looked a bit on the long side. I have measured the
wheelbase and track and the results are:
Wheelbase = 2720mm
Front Track = 1300mm
Rear Track = 1400mm
I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on what it might handle like?
I have been reading that 1.61:1 is the best ratio to have and am a bit concerned that it might handle like a bus.
It's not the end of the world if the results are that it's heading for the bus lane, just means a slight change in direction (or change in
frame).
Any help would be most appreciated.
Cheers.
Chris.
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iank
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| posted on 5/3/13 at 09:25 PM |
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The 1.6 ratio is a bit of a myth as the "best" ratio depends what you want to do and people seem to assume the golden ratio MUST mean
something for handling.
But at around 2.0 it's at the extreme end of a road car. It will be very stable at speed but not the most nimble - that's why drag racers
are long and narrow, 1.3 would be very agile in the corners but nervous at speed on the straight - like karts.
Personally I'd be thinking about chopping a bit out of the middle - presumably it's been designed around the standard prop-shaft?
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
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chrisjb111
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| posted on 5/3/13 at 11:37 PM |
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Thanks iank.
I has been designed round the standard mx5 prop-shaft / gearbox / rear diff etc. I was looking at cutting a bit out the middle or a bit off the front
but I am worried about the amount of work involved.
Was contemplating getting rid, or finding a new chassis. Not quite sure what to do, just don't want to get it finished and find out it corners
like a bag of spanners .
Thanks for the help.
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twybrow
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| posted on 6/3/13 at 07:36 AM |
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If it is based upon dimensions of a MX-5 - they are not exactly badly handling cars are they?!
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adampage
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| posted on 6/3/13 at 08:49 AM |
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But they're not...
... standard mx-5 measurements. They must've been altered, so 'based on' but not 'the same as'.
MX5 are about 1.43cm track & 2.26m wheelbase, so the ratio is more like 1.6-1.7.
Not sure why the builder would go for a big increase in length.....
Ad
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scudderfish
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| posted on 6/3/13 at 10:52 AM |
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It must have a very empty engine bay as if the prop is not modified the engine has to be pretty much the same distance from the rear axle as the MX5.
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TQ_uk
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| posted on 6/3/13 at 06:54 PM |
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I'm intrigued, can you stick some pictures up?
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