Hmm, with the way fuel prices keep going up, I thought it'd be a good idea to look at vehicles that are a bit more fuel efficient, but still fun to drive. The Carver seems like a pretty good bet, but it's silly expensive. A DIY locost version would be ideal for commuting to work. Has anyone given this some thought already? Particularly the tilting mechanism, and the odd gear linkages to the engine out in the back?

i dont think the gear linkage is you main problem. Use a small capacity (for the efficiency) bike engine and box and its a very simple gear linkage. I think your biggest problem is going to be getting the tilt.

I dont see why the tilt mechanism cant be relativley simple...

Just use some big bearings to pivot the front from the back, and then use some hydraulic/pnemuatic cylinders to control what the tilt is doing..

Unless you can get clever and use the natural tilt of the suspension at the back to lean the front section...hmm...

Read somewhere that the Carver gets REALLY interesting in oversteer - don't suppose it knows what way to lean then

Well, those vehicles use an automated tilt system dependent on driver input (turn the wheel faster and it banks more). Perhaps it would be easier to just make the tilting dependent on how far you turn the wheel. A different approach would be having tilt being dependent on speed.. I think th Carver and Venture One nailed it though.. just wondering how you could replicate that..

As for powering it.. I wouldn't be looking to set any speed records. I'm thinking perhaps a small engine with CVT 'box. Perhaps a FIAT 1.1 or 1.2 engine. Should get decent mileage that way.

I have this vision of a 'vertical jack-knife" effect if you don't get the lean right, or the base decides to flip.

Could be exciting...

No idea what it would take to convince the base to do a spontaneous flip.. at least nothing that wouldn't also be a factor in a normal light car. How often do you find a locost parked upside down? Or a Mini or Smart?

I'd be more worried about hydraulic lockup, or loss of pressure, causing the thing to lean over with no way of getting her up again. Should be interesting when cornering..

quote:

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Originally posted by Ivan
Read somewhere that the Carver gets REALLY interesting in oversteer - don't suppose it knows what way to lean then

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Any ideas on the tilt control system?