Hey guys!! Just joined this group after looking at web resources for the Locost roadsters.
I'm about 2 weeks into my first build here. Have had lots of experience with drivetrain swaps and custom offroad suspensions, so this is something that is both new and familiar to me.
My Locost chassis is a McSorley 442. I am using a Nissan 240sx as the donor and so am adapting the chassis for IRS. I am using an IRS setup similar to the Tiger Avon, but with suspension geometry measurements pulled from the uk locost site.
Engine will be a Nissan KA24DE 2.4L dohc 4 cylinder w/ 5 speed transmission. Stock hp for this engine is around 150hp. The rear IRS will be constructed using the Nissan 240sx hubs, halfshafts, and a 4.0:1 differential from the donor car. Rear WMS-WMS width measures out to approx 61.5", which will work well for fwd offset wheels.
Here are some early photos:
Basic chassis coming together:
One choice of wheels I had.. they were free! But, it looks like i will be going with 4 lug hubs, so I cant use these.
Next stage of the chassis construction.. IRS subframe. You can also see the nifty hub flanges that the 240sx uses. I will construct an upright that these will bolt to similar to the Tiger Avon design. Mine will also position the rear disc brake caliper though.
Starting to look like a car chassis!
Last night, I got almost the entire trans tunnel welded in. I'll post up some photos of that tonight.
A friend of mine is donating a set of Porsche 914 seats and seat adjustment rails for the project. They measure 18.5" wide at the bolster, so will work very will with the 19" width of the interior seating space.
One question I had for you all.. has anyone gone with a steering rack mounted aft of the front wheel centerline? The reason I'm asking is that the 240sx knuckles have the steering arms on the rear and the factory rack sits behind the front wheels. besides the positioning, is there any inherant disadvantage of going with this sort of rack positioning?