LocostUSA.com

January 19, 2013: I merged these first 18 posts into the beginning of Dave's build log, so as not to duplicate the topic.

Inspired by bremms' project...
http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.p ... cc#p144364
...we got an JDM Kei F6a engine and trans, and my friend and neighbor Dave is building himself a high mileage Locost in the style of my MAX--but gasoline powered, hence the name (wait for it) MAXine.

Imagine a scaled down Geo Metro three-banger with a turbo and an intercooler, and a Samurai five speed behind it. It has 62 horsepower and it's quite light, so even with Dave at the wheel (he's a big guy) it'll have better power to weight than an original Lotus Seven. This car is going to be fun and frugal.

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Locost builder and adventurer, and founder (but no longer owner) of Kinetic Vehicles

Very nice!

I would like to think that a small engine like that would be a blast in one of these cars.

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-Andrew
Build Log
Youtube

Hmmm... nifty! Watching with interest....

Way cool!

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Larry in Seattle

Very interesting.....

Ask him to start a build log over here. Or are we not worthy?

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766

Fun. I have a Daihatsu Kei truck that I use around our property and it has, like all the other Kei vehicles, a similar 660cc engine. While mine is not turbocharged, I'm always amused that given a light weight vehicle and low gearing, you can have a lot of fun with a tiny motor. On top of that, I'd be willing to bet there is some tuning potential in that Suzuki motor.

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-Keith

They say that a picture speaks one thousand words.



How's the overall fitment? Pic's? Pleeeeeease!!

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"There are times when a broken tool is better than a sound one, or a twisted personality more useful than a whole one.
For instance, a whole beer bottle isn't half the weapon that half a beer bottle is ..." Randall Garrett

I've started this build log on his behalf, and I'm encouraging him to come aboard and post on it--I think the problem is he's so fixated on getting his car on the road. I took that photo of Dave and his car mid-day Thursday, and Sunday he took his first drive. It was just around the parking lot, but still it shows he's staying focused.

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Locost builder and adventurer, and founder (but no longer owner) of Kinetic Vehicles

My 660 turbo is sitting in the garage. I might get around to doing something with it at some point.
I cleaned mine up a little and sprayed the cylinders for storage. Probably would sell the motor+ trans if it was picked up. too many projects right now.

The motor and trans weighs about 230-240 lbs together.

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Volvo 240/P1800 Based Locost
2004 Aprilia Mille Factory
1988 Volvo 240 5 Speed ( For Sale)
2002 Toyota Tacoma
1999 BMW M3

Hello. I'm Dave, MAXine's builder. Sorry for not joining in with daily updates, but aside from MAXine's construction, I'm fairly busy with income projects. To date, I have close to 600 images of the construction, from de-rusting the frame out of storage to the day I drove it (over 50 ft.) around the parking lot of the shop. I will try (once I figure out how to post things) to answer any questions and post images. Once the car is done, I would be glad to provide a photo history to anyone willing to mail off a 1gb+ thumb drive.

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Serendipity by Design.

Still a few things to work out.

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Serendipity by Design.

I feel like I'm at an AA meeting....(or at least the version I see on TV)

Hi Dave!

Feel free to start at the beginning and post lots of photos. Best to uplaod the photos rather than link them to some other photo storage site. They load quicker for our users and the photos stay with the log forever.

I'm looking forward to seeing this thing.

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766

Well dang! And here Dave has the engine mounts and lots of other stuff figured out. For example (I'll post photos) a laser-cut downstream-of-the-turbo exhaust flange suitable for 1-1/2" tailpipe tubing.

I'm pretty sure we'll only make two of them since I doubt the F6a will be a common powerplant in the Locost world, though......it seems like a wonderful choice, with weight and power much like the Coventry Climax FWC that Lotus used for their Index of Performance victories at Le Mans. I think this car is going to be a hoot.

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Locost builder and adventurer, and founder (but no longer owner) of Kinetic Vehicles

To maintain or possibly improve stock flow characteristics, you may want to match your elbow to to the oblong flange on the exhaust turbine housing. You're creating quite a bit of turbulence and restriction in the exhaust stream...

Jack and Dave, Why stop at two? I would do it in a haert beat were it not for the fact that I will soon hit my 80th birthday and with wet macular degeneration in my left (means I am blind in that eye).If that engine cranks out 60+ HP it exceeds the 40 HP that the original Lotus 7 had withe 948cc BMC engine!!

In 1964 I was Bill Ticktons crew chief when he won the SCCA SE Division CP and was invited to the initial Riverside runoff in his Lotus Super 7. We ran 10 races won 1st in class in 8, dnfd 1 and didn't start at Daytona as there wa only one other Cp entry so we would have had to move up to Bp!!
Any way I now live in Naples FL but in late April I am moving back to Bellevue Wa and I I can I will venture down to Cave Junction to see you guys!!

Bob Boone