What did you american builders use for donor cars? Im pretty sure the escort never came in RWD over here and im looking for other possible cars that will allow me to follow the plans as closely as possible. I plan on using a bike engine so im really only looking for hubs, rear axle, steering rack ect. Any advice/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

volvo 240 / 740

you got poo loads over there - but it may be a bit over engineered for a bike engine .

you may be looking at a domestic to source cheaper lighter parts .

anyway , the volvo comes with live axle and IRS so youve got plenty to choose from .

I'm using an RX-7. the Miata is another popular choice. also S10, Nissan 240, 300, etc.

I'm building a locost Fireblade using the Miata as a donor. The toughest thing about building a BEC in North America is finding an appropriate rear diff. I used one from a Merkur, which is 7.5" version of what the UK boys use. You can see pics of what I did on my website.

--HTH, Chris

In Canada you can do very close to a "book" build with a 1986 Hyundai Stellar spindles (copy of the Ford Cortina with new body and a Mitsu 4G32 engine) and a Hyundai Pony rear axle (very close to Escort size - Stellar is 4" wider) which has a 4.222:1 ratio. Bolt pattern is 4x4.25". The steering racks are no good though - maybe an early Tercel or something.

I'm using a '86 Stellar as a one donor car (well close to).

Falkolocost

http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=83

An ongoing discussion of american locost solutions....

Locostusa.com is a forum similar to this one but US based.

I'm using a combination of GM's

S10 Pick for the Trans, Rear End, Spindles

Lumina Z34 for the Engine (3.4DOHC)

You can pick up all those parts for next to nothing, since they are domestic and plentiful.

What is the length of the s10 rear? I would think that rear would be a little heavy for a locost application. One more question: when looking for front spindles is the most important detail the distance between the two mounting points for the wishbones? whats the desirable length?

I ask because i think the angles of the wishbones would have an effect on handling?
Thanks for the replys

Dave f

I think the rear axle was 48" wide backing plate to backing plate, but thats just from my memorey. It fits fine in the +4" frame, its a lil tight though width wise. As far as being to heavy, its not really, its not much different in size then that of a corolla or what not, its a 7.625" rear.

here's a pic of the axle by my +4" chassis, its not sitting the proper place, but its good enough that you'll get the idea

more pics over here

[Edited on 22/9/05 by RebelGT]

Thats going to be a beast when its done. What are you planing on running for fuel management? did you also pull that steering box from the s10? Looks like ill add s10 to my list of vehicles to look for.

Engine Managment is going to be handled by the stock Computer and wiring harness, being that its GM, they have a configuration for everything, there was a McLarren Turbo version of the 60degree v6, i'm just going to run that in my stock Computer with a 3 bar map, and i'm good to go. For the steering, my friend had an AE86 rack and column laying around so he gave it to me. Thats the only non GM bit in the car, just because i got it for free.