I would like to understand all of the implications of building a chassis with 4" extra width before I start so that I can weigh up the pros and
cons. Other than adding 4" to the dimensions of the tubes running the width of the car what else do I need to do? For example, can I run a
standard axel with 2" wheel spacers or will the suspension pick up points not work?
Cheers
Steve
You can use a Capri/Cortina axle if you want to stay with a live rear rear axle.
The main issue is bodywork, there's not really any commercial stuff around AFAIK although GTS tuning were going to make some. Fibreglass stuff
can be widened to fit though.
If you are making the chassis taller (which most +4 cars seem to be) then it throws out the angles of the front suspension structure. Not a big
problem to resolve this however.
You would be much better using the McSorley plans ( http://www.mcsorley.net/locost/ )rather than simply modifiying the book design complete with
it's mistakes.
the suspension pickups on the axle will move out too, of course.
also there are some diagonal tubes affected by widening the chassis - S and T off the top of my head, O2 and O3 as well maybe? the ones in the back
wall of the passenger compartment. lengths and angles change.
I just used the McSorley 7+4 plans as these have most of the book errors corrected and come complete with angles for the cuts. These plans are very
good in my opinion.
Bodywork is a fairly big issue and as mentioned, GTS Tuning did recently try to get enough interest together to start a production run. Unfortunately,
although there is always "interest", not enough people were prepared to put their money where their mouths were and place an order (except
me it seems!) The problem is that we +4" builders are all at different stages and so it is difficult to find 5 or 6 people who need bodywork at
any given moment.
Axle choices are fairly limited for live axle but IRS or de-dion are not a problem. De-dion is much easier to build into the McSorley 7+4 design
without any major changes but IRS could be done as well. GTS tuning can supply a de-dion axle kit and there was talk of them supplying this as a
partially assembled kit to allow width variations because as it stands the standard kit is for standard width chassis'
Apart from the bodywork and axle there are no real issues and you gain flexibility in engine choice (V8's etc) and more seating and pedal space.
I suppose you might need a wider rollbar but many companies make these to order anyway or you can make it yourself like I did.
Check out my website for details of my build in diary format. Use the "www" button below.
Cheers,
Craig.
I choose to go +4 by "laying out" the book chasis outline on my jig table and
comparing it to my ample arse. I dont know if I've limited myself to a few rear ends, but having more engine options is nice. I wish I had given
more consideration to such issues.......
Fletch.
As Craig says, bodywork is a bit of a pain.
It's something I'm having trouble with now as my chassis is wider but just to compound the problems it's not a true +4incher.
If you're making your own scuttle then one problem is solved- just make it wider. When it comes to the nosecone- has anybody tried just mounting
a standard one a bit further forwards? My chassis is just 1.5" wider at the nosecone so this may be what I'll do.
Cheers,
James
quote:
Originally posted by craig1410
Bodywork is a fairly big issue and as mentioned, GTS Tuning did recently try to get enough interest together to start a production run. Unfortunately, although there is always "interest", not enough people were prepared to put their money where their mouths were and place an order (except me it seems!)
James - Hicosts nose cone was further forward, and to fit 1.5 inch won't take much.
BTW - sounds like a great day out at the McLaren production line - lucky bastard
Hi,
GTS didn't to my knowledge give a firm price but they were predicting a fairly minor increase over the cost of the standard bodywork which last
time I looked was £395 for a 7 piece kit. This includes nosecone, bonnet, scuttle, front wings and rear wings and includes vat.
I must say that I was well pi$$ed off that not enough people came forward and placed orders as I now face the prospect of cutting my standard width
bit in half and extending them. I am certain that there are enough people out there who will need +4" bodywork in the next few months although I
understand the commercial reasons why GTS need firm orders up front. Maybe I should use my extended bodywork to make up a mould and sell a few
+4" bits myself??? I can do without the hassle to be honest but once I've gone through the work of extending the bodywork it would not
require much additional work to make a mould. I could then make myself new bits in the event of any trackday damage and could experiment with
different bonnet bulges etc.
Cheers,
Craig.
Mmm, that's not a bad price (i'll bet P&P isn't cheap though!). I'd be up for a kit, I think it would give me some motivation
just to make the chassis look a little more car like!
Wonder if Darren could take deposits of say £100, that would mean people wouldn't back out. There certainly seems to be a fair number of
+4" chassis on the forums.
Mike,
When I bought my bodywork I think the price was £365 and delivery was just £20 which seemed quite fair. I expect that it will now be £395 +£20 = £415
but you'd be best to confirm this with GTS.
When Darren spoke about the +4" stuff I think he said he needed firm order (ie. All money up front) and was quoting a 6 week lead time after all
6 orders were in place. I think that it might be fairer if he took a nominal £20 deposit from all "interested" parties and then only once 6
people have paid their deposits should the full amount be payable by all. That way the first couple of people aren't out of pocket while the
other 4 or 5 people are found.
Why not ask him? He's a very approachable chap. Although I've not yet received the rest of my order I think I'll be too late now to go
back to a +4" order as I think my bits will have been made by now.
Cheers,
Craig.