LocostUSA.com

We are very lucky to have a special relationship with the folks at Tire Rack. Several of our members work for Tire Rack and are very active at the SCCA national level. The track was upgraded last year with some extensions on the outer ring providing more options for course designs. They are even allowing us to put down paint markers to locate cones for a records course we can repeat every year to track driver progress and bragging rites, etc..

If anyone is ever through South Bend when we are running, join us for the fun! Guests are welcome to run with us. We are a freindly bunch.

See our web page at http://www.sbrscca.org/

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Building a whole car from scratch is a 1,000 little tasks, done 1 task at a time, while thinking 10 tasks ahead, then redoing it anyway.
South Bend Region SCCA D-Modifed Class Autocross & Track-Day/TT. Chevrolet 1.4 L Turbo Ecotec Power


Link to my build log:
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=3356

We had 80+ racers at Tire Rack test track today for South Bend Region's Solo Event #3. This is vid of my 3rd run (quickest). This car is a hoot to drive.
http://youtu.be/_JZzgU9Ocq0

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Building a whole car from scratch is a 1,000 little tasks, done 1 task at a time, while thinking 10 tasks ahead, then redoing it anyway.
South Bend Region SCCA D-Modifed Class Autocross & Track-Day/TT. Chevrolet 1.4 L Turbo Ecotec Power


Link to my build log:
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=3356

What was your time? The car ahead did 34.412.

Looked very well planted.

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mobilito ergo sum
I drive therefore I am

I can explain it to you,
but I can't understand it for you.

rough guess around ~32 based on video?

it looks like you're *so* in control around that course. you've gotta drive it like you stole it!

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My Build thread: F20C powered Autox & track toy

Buy my car! - F20C Race car

The CSP (on Street Tire) Miata ahead was more like 44 sec. I ran a 39.6. FTD was Steve Tamandli (multi SCCA Nat Champ) in his very well prepped aluminum V8 Olds powered E Mod Fiero around 37.9. Most SM and SP cars were in the 40.xxx's.

Good day for me as I beat my co-driver William Loring on third run. William is the current (and two time) SCCA National Champ in G Stock. I'm pleased considering I'm runnig hard older (free) tires the wrong size! Car still pushes but that is partly due to running only 7" wide front tires. I need 8"-10". At least everything stayed on the car this event. The shift knob came off in our hands in Chicago last weekend!

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Building a whole car from scratch is a 1,000 little tasks, done 1 task at a time, while thinking 10 tasks ahead, then redoing it anyway.
South Bend Region SCCA D-Modifed Class Autocross & Track-Day/TT. Chevrolet 1.4 L Turbo Ecotec Power


Link to my build log:
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=3356

Well, I'm back to the builders log section for now. I had a problem at the first autocross of the season. I done blowed up my engine reeel goood. I was on the limiter at the finish lights and I think I blew out the apex seals on the rear rotor. I did a compression check and got 0 - 0- 0 psi on the rear rotor. The car would run but I was a bit (like 50%) down on power to say the least.

I'm in the planning stages for the MkII version of the Spectre Seven. I changing my power unit to old fashion pistons with a little turbo thown in for kicks. I am now shopping for this:



I'm taking the plunge into technology about 30 years newer than the 12a rotary and I'm going to adapt the GM Ecotec 1.4L turbo to a RWD configuration. This little engine holds a lot of potential. With proper tuning and a larger turbo, it should put out a very reliable 250HP/200tq. The torque curve is impressive even in stock tune climbing to full rated torque around 2,000 rpm. Plenty for a 1,300 lb track car. The engine is very compact and well designed on the bottom end to take the additional uprades. The Cruze/Sonic community are just starting to tap into the full potential this engine can offer. Aftermarket support is gaining everyday.

Also the motors are CHEAP and PLENTIFUL. The breaker yards have them with super low mileage. You can get a complete engine with less than 20K miles for about a $1,000.00.

Interesting thing is you can bolt up a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo/Amigo bellhousing form a 2.2L. They also used a Borg Warner T-5 manual tranny. Awesome indeed!
I just pick one up on ebay for $200


The fun begins........again!

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Building a whole car from scratch is a 1,000 little tasks, done 1 task at a time, while thinking 10 tasks ahead, then redoing it anyway.
South Bend Region SCCA D-Modifed Class Autocross & Track-Day/TT. Chevrolet 1.4 L Turbo Ecotec Power


Link to my build log:
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=3356

I think it's a very interesting engine family. A couple years back the GM Performance Division had a huge mobile display with a significant portion devoted to showing off the EcoTech family at the Del Mar Nationals. I had a chance to talk with some of their engineers about their plans. They were also planning performance crate engines, but had not committed to a particular set of offerings at that time. They are very compact even with all power accessories and emissions equipment. They had this very interesting setup on display. Don't quote me, but I think the HP was more like 400+ for this one (2.3L or 2.4L, I believe), which was developed as a racing type powerplant.



Here's part of the EcoTech display. This engine had all conceivable ancillaries mounted and was still compact.


Good luck with your search. I'll be real interested in seeing your re-engined Locost develop.

Cheers,

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Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

You can also take a look at Rad's build log. He runs an Ecotech and is using plenty of boost too. He uses Megasquirt and I think some of it's fancy features...

http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=6783

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Marcus Barrow - Car9 an open design community supported sports car for home builders!
SketchUp collection for LocostUSA: "Dream it, Build it, Drive it!"
Car9 Roadster information - models, drawings, resources etc.

Welcome to the club... My 5.0 gave up the ghost last month. Bummer ain't it? We can claim they were just "development engines" we were using temporarily during the shakedown of the chassis. Yeah, that's what it was...

That Eco-Tech looks pretty interesting. "Uncle Del" seems to be quite fond of them, which is a very good sign. I'll be looking forward to your updates, good luck with it!


JDK

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JD, father of Quinn, Son of a... Build Log
Quinn the Slotus:Ford 302 Powered, Mallock-Inspired, Tube Frame, Hillclimb Special
"Gonzo and friends: Last night must have been quite a night. Camelot moments, mechanical marvels, Rustoleum launches, flying squirrels, fru-fru tea cuppers, V8 envy, Ensure catch cans -- and it wasn't even a full moon." -- SeattleTom

Bummer about the rotary but you're definitely going in the right direction. A small turbo engine seems like it should be a hot ticket.

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-Andrew
Build Log
Youtube

Sorry to hear about the motor tapping out on you but the car looks great. I am looking forward to my first drive.

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2015 & 2016 EMod Florida State Autocross Champion
2013 & 2014 DSP Florida State Autocross Champion

Scrap Metal Build Log viewtopic.php?f=35&t=14558

Deconstructing and reconstruction begins. I'm going to have to do a little cutting and welding to get the 1.4L Ecotec and transmission to fit well. The Isuzu bellhousing and T-5 transmission is just a little fatter than the Mazda because I'm setting it further rearward as much as possible. I just needed a 1/2" more on the tunnel width. Dang.

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Building a whole car from scratch is a 1,000 little tasks, done 1 task at a time, while thinking 10 tasks ahead, then redoing it anyway.
South Bend Region SCCA D-Modifed Class Autocross & Track-Day/TT. Chevrolet 1.4 L Turbo Ecotec Power


Link to my build log:
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=3356

I am having a problem with the strut rod mounting. Or a vision problem.

The axis of the strut rod is significantly below the c/l of both the inner and outer pivots.

From what I can see this is going to cause the LCA to roll back under braking.

I believe the strut rod axis should be as close to the c/l through both inner and outer lower pivots as possible so as to not cause alignment shenanigans or binding in the LCA.

Mounting the strut rod to the front of the LCA in double shear would fix that I believe. Or am I missing something?

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Honey anyone?

The strut rod is at the same C/L as the LCA pivot mount point. Weird camera angle. No issues in handling at all.

I will end up revising the front upper and lower CA arrangement significantly in the future as I intend to ditch the Mustang II spindles and put in Legends race car spindles. This will allow a smaller (much lighter) diameter Wilwood brake package. This will also bring the 13"x10" dia wheels in closer giving me a narrower car and improved scrub at the same time. A win all around.

I just want to get the thing running before next season then proceed with the suspension mods.

It's just Time and Money.

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Building a whole car from scratch is a 1,000 little tasks, done 1 task at a time, while thinking 10 tasks ahead, then redoing it anyway.
South Bend Region SCCA D-Modifed Class Autocross & Track-Day/TT. Chevrolet 1.4 L Turbo Ecotec Power


Link to my build log:
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=3356

I love this car. Sorry to hear about the engine.

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30 years old, not sure what I want to be when I grow up…