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Author: Subject: Locost inspired middy ideas
akumabito

posted on 10/2/12 at 09:44 PM Reply With Quote
Locost inspired middy ideas

Hi all!

I'm trying to figure out the simplest and most cost-effective way of building a mid engined car. Are there any problems to be expected when building a chassis in three different segments, then bolting or welding them together afterwards?

I was thinking about modifying book/McSorley plans - build the cockpit area, skip the engine compartment, build the front suspension bit and mount it to the frame. Then fabricate a subframe for the rear to fit the engine and transmission from a FWD car.

Are there any serious problems to be expected when constructing a vehicle this way?

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designer

posted on 10/2/12 at 10:14 PM Reply With Quote
As long as the joints are solid and well located, there should be no problem. Does add weight tho'.
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MakeEverything

posted on 10/2/12 at 10:17 PM Reply With Quote
I would take the front subframe and engine from a mondeo ST and build from that.





Kindest Regards,
Richard.

...You can make it foolProof, but youll never make it Idiot Proof!...

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akumabito

posted on 10/2/12 at 10:21 PM Reply With Quote
Well, it's going to be for fun and on a tight budget.. No big HP figures here.. Donor vehicle would probably be a Fiat or maybe an Alfa if I can get parts cheaply enough..
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MakeEverything

posted on 10/2/12 at 10:28 PM Reply With Quote
ok then....

I would take the front subframe and engine from an Alfa and build from that.





Kindest Regards,
Richard.

...You can make it foolProof, but youll never make it Idiot Proof!...

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JC

posted on 10/2/12 at 11:15 PM Reply With Quote
There was a chap in PPC that did something similar - think he had a longitudinal Renault engine! I used Locost front suspension but then my own stuff after that - used Locost dimensions for the cockpit though.

You could always use a Rover Metro front subframe. Oh hang on, that'd make it an MGF then....! (or a GTM)

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kb58

posted on 11/2/12 at 01:46 AM Reply With Quote
Check out Midlana





Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html

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akumabito

posted on 11/2/12 at 08:50 AM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kb58
Check out Midlana


Ooohhh, that looks pretty much exactly like what I had in mind.. Nice project! IS it also more-or-less based on the locost, or did you design the entire chassis from scratch?

[Edited on 11/2/12 by akumabito]

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MakeEverything

posted on 11/2/12 at 09:12 AM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by JC
There was a chap in PPC that did something similar - think he had a longitudinal Renault engine! I used Locost front suspension but then my own stuff after that - used Locost dimensions for the cockpit though.

You could always use a Rover Metro front subframe. Oh hang on, that'd make it an MGF then....! (or a GTM)


Mine is the same, longitudinal Renault engine and transmission.





Kindest Regards,
Richard.

...You can make it foolProof, but youll never make it Idiot Proof!...

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JoelP

posted on 11/2/12 at 10:30 AM Reply With Quote
The easiest way to make a mid engined locost is to put a bike engine in the passanger seat, and minimilise the old engine bay to just support the front wheels. You would admittedly only have one seat though.






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kb58

posted on 11/2/12 at 06:17 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by akumabito
Ooohhh, that looks pretty much exactly like what I had in mind.. Nice project! IS it also more-or-less based on the locost, or did you design the entire chassis from scratch?


It's from scratch but designed based on the Lotus Seven layout, a low-profile Locost nose, and moves the seating forward just enough to fit the drivetrain in the rear. Check out my website and forum for more info.

[Edited on 2/11/12 by kb58]





Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html

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