Edit: Actual build begins on page 4 of this thread. Everything before this is just my thoughts/ideas about what I wanted to build.
As I prepare for my build, I thought I would start a log to keep track of things.
Option #1 A standard frame, holding an Audi 10v (or possibly a 20v N/A) mated up to a Porsche 924/944 rear mounted transmission.
Option #2 Audi 5-pot, with the quattro transmission in it's standard location. I would omit the front axles and lock the "center" diff (located in the trans) thus turning it into a RWD setup. While this option would likely be cheaper, the weight would be further forward, and I would have less leg room compared to option #1.
Option #3 Building from the Vodou plans using a Miata donor. This would be straightforward without having to jump through hoops to get the mechanicals to work together. Local Miata donors pop up once in awhile, and I like the design of the rear frame on the Vodou plan.
Option #4 standard frame using an S-10 donor. Cheap and easy to find parts, but part on my soul would be sad... I've never been much of a fan of Chevy or Dodge... I could maybe do a Ranger... but I've been a Euro guy all my life.
Option #5 442E frame using a Volvo 740 donor. also cheap and easy to find parts, solid axle would make the build easier. And the Locost would fit the rest of my garage quite nicely. (I have two Volvo 850 T5's)Goal for the car is to have a fun fair weather street car, occasional Auto-X is possible, but the majority of the time it would be street driven. I am not too concerned about weight, if it's around 1500lbs I'll be very happy. I want to be able to fit everything really easily and I love the wider look, so I will go with a 442E. Also not too concerned about power, because even 100hp in such a light car will be fun. I want to be able to drive the everliving piss out of this thing, and still be within the realms of a normal speeding ticket.
If I went the route of Audi/Porsche
Quote:
The engine/trans setup will actually be almost completely bolt up. As many of you know the Porsche 924's used Audi manufactured 4-pot engines. The bell-housing will bolt up to the Audi inline 5, using a factory 11mm spacer. I can then bolt the 944 torque tube and rear trans to that. From my research so far I will need the following.
10v or 20v engine
10v or 20v flywheel
Audi 2.8 v6 clutch plate
Audi bell housing spacer Part# 01E103551C (used between Audi 2.7t and their manual trans)
924 bellhousing for cable clutch, 924 turbo bellhousing for hyro clutch - (slight grinding to clear 20v flywheel, 944 bell housing doesn't bolt up to Audi 5-cyl)
hydro clutch bearing (from some Fords and Saabs, still need direction on this) (or use the cable clutch from a N/A 924)
944 torque tube (bolts up to 924 bell housing, but will need to be shortened), trans, shift linkage
Here is a page by a guy that put an Audi 20v into his Porsche 944.
http://www.944-20v.nl/I know the Audi engine is a bit on the heavy side, but my thought it that a rear trans layout will even it out a bit. Also, my goal isn't to have a featherweight.