oddsaabs
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| posted on 30/11/06 at 01:20 PM |
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cradle material
I'm sure this has been discussed over and over again (a search turned up little however) but what is the square tubing size and wall thickness
recommended for building engine cradles. I'd like to keep weight down but don't want to under build it just to redo with bigger stuff
later.
I'm using a zx14 motor and building what can best be described as a sub-frame to hold the lump and chain driven diff securely together. That
frame gets dropped into and attached to the engine bay of our vintage Saab racer. (I know what your thinking, but someone has to do it!)
All suggestions and experience appreciated.
Jonathan
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russbost
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| posted on 30/11/06 at 01:50 PM |
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Jonathan
I'll be interested to hear how this progresses, as I'm looking at doing something similar in the back of the new Furore F1 chassis.
I'm using 50 x25mm with 1.5mm wall thickness for the "diff end" of the cradle with the rest done in 25mm sq 1.5mm wall thickness.
This is for the ZZR1100 engine - the first cradle is made, but haven't decided on diff yet so that side is unfinished, hoping to try it in the
new chassis next week to finalise mountings etc.
The existing car has the engines bolted direct to the chassis on 25 x 25mm extensions, these are 12guage which IIRC is around 2mm wall thickness (no
doubt someone will correct me if I'm wrong) - I feel this was overkill, hence why I've gone for 1.5mm this time. The cars done around 800
miles of (sometimes) total hooligan use & the mounts have given no problem whatsoever.
If I can help with any pics etc just u2u me.
Sounds like an interesting project - good luck with it!
Russ
[Edited on 30/11/06 by russbost]
I no longer run Furore Products or Furore Cars Ltd, but would still highly recommend them for Acewell dashes, projector headlights, dominator
headlights, indicators, mirrors etc, best prices in the UK! Take a look at http://www.furoreproducts.co.uk/ or find more parts on Ebay, user names
furoreltd & furoreproducts, discounts available for LCB users.
Don't forget Stainless Steel Braided brake hoses, made to your exact requirements in any of around 16 colours.
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/furoreproducts/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1
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NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
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oddsaabs
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| posted on 30/11/06 at 05:43 PM |
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Russ,
Thanks for the info. That’s helpful because 25mm square stock tubing (1 inch over here) was what I've been eyeing at the steel shop. Are you
sure 1.5mm isn't sort of thin? I was looking at 1/8 inch wall which converts to over 3mm thick. Is that over kill?
I'm planning on using the Ford 7" LSD diff converted to chain drive by Douglas at Westgarage for this project. Seems like a very well
made unit and a very good value. If you haven't seen it you should check it out. http://www.westgarage.co.uk/
Jonathan
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DIY Si
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| posted on 30/11/06 at 05:50 PM |
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Most chassis are 1.5mm, or more likely 1.6 (16 swg), so should be fine for the cradle, as it's only got to react to the engine twist, which
isn't much in a bec.
“Let your plans be dark and as impenetratable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
Sun Tzu, The Art of War
My new blog: http://spritecave.blogspot.co.uk/
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russbost
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| posted on 1/12/06 at 12:58 PM |
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3mm thick is massive overkill & will be heavy, as said above most chassis are 1.5 (1.6) mm & that doesn't seem to provide any problems
even with "big" engines like the 'Busa & ZX12
I no longer run Furore Products or Furore Cars Ltd, but would still highly recommend them for Acewell dashes, projector headlights, dominator
headlights, indicators, mirrors etc, best prices in the UK! Take a look at http://www.furoreproducts.co.uk/ or find more parts on Ebay, user names
furoreltd & furoreproducts, discounts available for LCB users.
Don't forget Stainless Steel Braided brake hoses, made to your exact requirements in any of around 16 colours.
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/furoreproducts/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1
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NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
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JoelP
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| posted on 1/12/06 at 07:26 PM |
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my engine is (was) a little lighter and less powerful (zx9), i held it in place with 1" 16g, and never bothered to weld the bottom of any tubes.
It was also untriangulated, and held up just fine over 2 trackdays and lots of road miles. Id say that with the extra weight of the zx14, you will be
ok if you weld it well and design it properly. 
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oddsaabs
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| posted on 1/12/06 at 11:17 PM |
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Thanks all for the advise. 1" 16g it is. I'll let you know how it turns out.
J
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