Somebody tell me why this won't work:
You know how Lamborghini puts the transmission in front of the engine? (Except on the Gallardo). Why won't this work in a Locost middy? Think
about it: You can use the exact same set-up as a regular, front-engined Locost, flip it around, add a jackshaft to the diff, and put it in the back!
This would be really useful for that guy who's building the middy based on the McSorley chassis (sorry, forget your name). I can't see why
it wouldn't work.
-Andrew
Why not just use a FWD drivetrain back there. Simpler and more compact.
quote:
Originally posted by kb58
Why not just use a FWD drivetrain back there. Simpler and more compact.
I'm building a middy on the McSorley but it's a BEC middy. I don't see any reason why your idea wouldn't work but it'd be a bit expensive wouldn't it?
As I remember it from the articles I have read, this setup resulted in a high-ish mounted engine and thus a higher than ideal centre of gravity. Plus
they ran their jackshaft through a sealed tube through the engine sump. Plus, it'd do funny things to correct direction of rotation of the
various gubbins wouldn't it?
Finally, why bother? Just get an Audi engine & box, sorted!
As far as the technical stuff goes(putting the jackshaft through the engine), you all are probably right, except that a gearbox such as an Audi has
all the gears hanging of the back, so the Lamborghini way would put them closer to the CofG. And there's a direct linkage to the gearbox,
reducing play in the gearshift.
But I was thinking more on a cost standpoint, where if you started from a basic Locost kit, it would be easier to convert than a FWD drivetrain,
because everything is there, and you just need to flip it around.
Also, do I remember correctly that those Audi engines/gearboxes are more expensive than regular Locst fare?
quote:Well, with a FWD drivetrain, there's no flipping, swapping, jack-shafts, extra bits etc at all. Just take the drivetrain, add 3 or 4 engine/gearbox mounts (depending on your chosen drivetrain) and install. Suspension of your choice - I'm using struts but you could build a de Dion, double wishbone (not much room) or multi-link. The biggest thing to sort is the gearchange and, if you use a model with a cable shift, that's not hard either.
But I was thinking more on a cost standpoint, where if you started from a basic Locost kit, it would be easier to convert than a FWD drivetrain, because everything is there, and you just need to flip it around.
Well put Dominic. The Lambo approach has it's place, for a less cost-sensitive application then what we typically do here. But if anyone wants to give a go that's great. It's all about different approaches!
quote:
Originally posted by goin2fast52
.....a FWD drivetrain, because everything is there, and you just need to flip it around.....
quote:
Originally posted by goin2fast52
You know how Lamborghini puts the transmission in front of the engine? (Except on the Gallardo). -Andrew
Well, sorry 
I was referring to all Lamborghini's with butterfly doors.
Didn't Lamborghini do the engine-flip thing originally so they could use the same engine/gearbox with the front-engined Espada and
mid/rear-engined Countach?
[Edited on 16/2/05 by goin2fast52]
quote:
Didn't Lamborghini do the engine-flip thing originally so they could use the same engine/gearbox with the front-engined Espada and mid/rear-engined Countach?
