Time to join the masses!
I've been in various stages of building since I bought my donor on Superbowl Sunday, but finally started what I consider the build (the frame) recently.
An overview of the project:
McSorley +442 chasis
Engine/Transmission: 1989 Nissan 240SX (KA24E)
140hp @ 5600rpm
152lbs-ft @ 4400rpm
5 speed manual
Front Suspension:
Uprights, brakes etc from a 1999 Miata. Although I am thinking of doing a swap of the larger '99 brakes onto my '90 Miata and putting the smaller (lighter?) stuff on the Locost to help reduce weight.
Shocks are from a Shelby Series One, and hopefully will be pushrod activated.
Rear:
Still evaluating rear axle options. Definitely going with a solid rear axle (for reasons of reducing complexity). Leading candidate at the moment in from a Volvo. Looking for 3.73 or 4.10 ratio (the 240 was a 4.1 stock). Volvos commonly came with lockers and disc brakes, and are pretty common around these parts.
I was originally planning to use the 240SX for all of the suspension, but the Miata parts came up for sale, and the idea of travelling a well beaten path was hard to resist. The Nissan is also pretty beat, so would need a lot of updating/rebuilding etc.
Steering: Hoping to do a shortened Nissan rack. The 240SX is rear steer, so it wouldn't work, however I picked up a cheap Silvia (Japanese 240SX) rack, which should work (since when you flip it, it will be setup for LHD).
Bodywork: Hoping to do everything but the nose myself, but having never done any fiberglass, we will see.
Anyways, onto the pics:
Donor:
Shocks (we'll see if these work for my application):
Build Table:
This is pretty basic. 1 sheet of 3/4" MDF, with a wood frame. It sits on a set of legs on casters. Reasonably easy (although HEAVY) to move and disassemble.
Flipping the donor:
I'll update with some shots of the frame in progress when I take some pictures. One of the big challenges for me is that the build is taking place at my parent's house, about 45 minutes away, so finding time to work on it is a bit challenging.