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Philippe steel diesel locost done
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=6867		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Philippe [ May 30, 2009, 9:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Philippe steel diesel locost done
I have finally arrived. I have been at this build for nearly four years and enjoyed every minute of it (almost).
My locost is a 7+ L10, +4.25W +2H made entirely out of steel except for the nosecone and the scuttle in glass bought from COLD in BC. The fairing of the sides was my idea for improving the flow and provide added rigidity to the chassis. All body components were welded in order to avoid rivets. The finishing of the body involved a good deal of body filling which I contracted out. The suspension features 4 quarter eliptic leaf springs and airbags a system remarkably adjustable. The engine is a rebuilt 1.9 L TD diesel VW with a performance injection pump and larger turbo.
What I like best about this car is the effect of a 145 lbs-ft torque @ 2000 rpm . This light car accelerates effortlessly without fuss.

I will be delighted to answer questions if any one is interested.

Thanks to this group for your support and assistance.

Philippe

ps. a few more pictures on this link
http://picasaweb.google.ca/googbrown/Lo ... 0950843714
Author:  horizenjob [ May 30, 2009, 9:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Pictures! We need pictures!
:cheers:

Just in time for a nice summer of driving.... Have fun!
Author:  KB58 [ May 30, 2009, 9:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
What's it weigh?
Author:  Philippe [ May 30, 2009, 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
KB58 wrote:
What's it weigh?


Tentatively 1600 to 1700 lbs. This will be confirmed officially next week.
Author:  chetcpo [ June 2, 2009, 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Nicely done Philippe! Very unique styling, but I find it pleasing to the eye. Congratulations on creating a true one of a kind build, you should be proud! :cheers:
Author:  Dave [ June 2, 2009, 12:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Fantastic. Congrats on finishing such a unique build - turned out great. How is the noise level of the diesel motor?
Author:  Miatav8,MstrASE,A&P,F [ June 2, 2009, 12:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Congratulations. Glad to see it finished.
What will the next build be?
Author:  Philippe [ June 2, 2009, 1:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Dave wrote:
Fantastic. Congrats on finishing such a unique build - turned out great. How is the noise level of the diesel motor?


If you don't object the sound of farm tractors this car is alright. My exhaust line is much freer than that of a production VW diesel jeta so she is a bit noisy. I am in the process of glueing sound absorbing foam from the Aircraft spruce Co under the hood. I hope it will make a difference. Thanks for your interest.

Philippe
Author:  Philippe [ June 2, 2009, 1:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Miatav8,MstrASE,A&P,F wrote:
Congratulations. Glad to see it finished.
What will the next build be?



Thanks for your interest. I have been toying with the idea of building a rear transaxle middy but I have postponed this project for a while. Curently I am building a twin fan hydrofoil craft with a steel hull frame based on the type of triangulation found in the Locost. The frame is ready. Next Winter I will sheet the hull and fit the engines.

Take care.

Philippe
Author:  Locost_Johnh [ June 2, 2009, 4:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Congratulations! It's been a long road and nice to see it end. As I recall you went through a number of design changes including moving from a 3.0L Vulcan gas to the TD diesel. Nice styling too.

Any indication of fuel mileage yet?

John
Author:  raceral [ June 2, 2009, 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Congratulations!!!, Your success gives the rest of us the inspiration to carry on.
Al
Author:  Philippe [ June 2, 2009, 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Locost_Johnh wrote:
Congratulations! It's been a long road and nice to see it end. As I recall you went through a number of design changes including moving from a 3.0L Vulcan gas to the TD diesel. Nice styling too.

Any indication of fuel mileage yet?

John


Hi John,
Yes I have been at it about four years and enjoyed the pace. You are right my original donor was a 1993 Ford aerostar with a V6 vulcan. I still think that the 3.0 L V6 was a good engine for building a Lotus 7 clone. In my case however I yielded to family pressures to make something "greener". They wanted me to build an electric car after watching "Who killed the electric car". I settled for biodiesel which my VW TD can burn. On the mileage I have not made a measurement yet. A VW TDI which is pretty close to my engine and is rated between 42 and 49 mpg. I speculate that the locost being way lighter than a VW sedan and my diff ratio being lower than the VW's I should be able to cruise at 50-53 mpg. Here is a link which discusses the TDI.

http://www.transmitmedia.com/golfTDI/

Philippe
Author:  maxlessca [ June 2, 2009, 9:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Congratulations! Remind me where in Ontario that you live?

Have you started to register your car? If you ever need help with that, let me know.
Author:  dodgedartgt [ June 2, 2009, 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Philippe wrote:
Miatav8,MstrASE,A&P,F wrote:
Curently I am building a twin fan hydrofoil craft with a steel hull frame based on the type of triangulation found in the Locost.


Pictures, we need pictures... Hey, I'm sure this is a locost inspired project as well, it just doesn't have wheels.

Mikey Bynum
Author:  dhempy [ June 3, 2009, 12:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Philippe steel diesel locost done
Suh-WEET!
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