I am thinking about building a Locost out of the book. I am considering what donor to use for the first one, and a possible follow-up with something abit more lively.
The first one I am thinking of is a Datsun 120Y. They are cheap, reliable, and about the same size as an Escort. Has anyone used one of these? Any problems? Could I use the front hubs, diff etc?

The second one I want to build is using a Peugeot 504/505 donor. It would use a shortened torque tube and the Peugeot engine/box/diff etc. Has this been done? and if so Any probs?
Would it be better to modify the Pug trailing arms or made rear wishbones?
Is 14" too big for Locost wheels?

I cannot remember when I last saw a Datsun 120Y, i think I was still at school (my daughter is now at university - so a looooong time ago!)
Is there a newer 120Y in australia or do the last more than the 4 year average they seem to survive in britains salted roads?
I imagine the one I can remember would be OK but I don't know the front suspension arrangement, even if it is maccy strut, you should be able to do something with it

Weren't the Dat motors like a 5 bearing A-series? They deleveloped the A series from the Austin Seven, built in knock-down-kit form after the war. I think.

I believe a fair few Antipodean Morris Minors had the old 1200 Dat motor swap in to replace the A-Series with very few mods.

Sounds like a go-er to me, but you might get lynched for breaking a Dat instead of cramming in a CA18DET!

Good luck,

Neil.

HRU C.1100
I reckon it is a possible donor, but check for ADR problems before you get started. Most builders in OZ seem to use more recent engines due to the emission req. So you might have to use an engine which meet s the current test.
Check with some local builders to be sure as each state seem to have slightly different rules.

The Datsun A series engine was fitted to the 1000, 1200, 120Y, and Sunny here.
They have been stuck into A series engined cars here for ages. I will be stickeng one in a Minor van soon, as it came without an engine.
120Ys last forever out here, and every wrecker has a few. Sunnys are still common as well.
The reason that most people here use newer engines is not for the emissions, as that is usually not a problem if the car is built from components that predate the regulations. Likewise, if a new engine is fitted, the car has to pass the regs.
Also, Toyota 4AGE 1.6l twincam engines from MR2 and Corrolla Seca are under $1000 (400 pounds) and are quite powerful.
The other part of my question was if anyonoe had done a Peugeot 504/505 powered Locost.
I think this would be a great car, as I am a Pug fanatic (I have a 403, 404, and 604, but they all need work). The biggest problem I can see is the slant engine. The torque tube can be shortened without too much trouble, but the rear suspension needs a little puzzling.
The Pug setup uses offset trailing arms. Is this feasible on a Locost, or would I be better off making wishbones. There is nothing about IRS in the book, but it does say that people have done it. Where would I get the required info to make rear wishbones?

I also have pug 505 and always think about making locost using it. if possible can i use all of the part of the car? to minimize the expense. sorry for bad English

Carnutt, are you on the local Australian clubbie site, OzClubbies? The site address is http://www.ozclubbies.com.au/ and you'll have to register to get in.

You'll get a wealth of good local advice there.

If you want to register it, the 120Y is a no no [too old] and many of the current builds seem to be using the Ford / Mazda 2000 Duratec or S2000 Hondas.

Easiest route at the moment is to buy pre-loved and tinker with it as prices are down a bit right now. There's a good "For Sale" section on that site as well.

This must take the prize for the oldest resurrected thread......10 years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i didn't see the post date , i just search the information about peugeot 505 based locost

quote:

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Originally posted by NigeEss


This must take the prize for the oldest resurrected thread......10 years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Well, I feel like a bit of a dill!!

Didn't check the date either, though the reference to 120Y should have been a clue!