Tube Frame SA RX7 turbo 13B AutoX/Track Car

[seven13bt]

The turbo 13B that had been in the Caterham EMod car needed to go into something, so this is what I've been working on recently. A shell from a 1980 RX7 was obtained and a tube frame has been constructed for the shell to sit on. The last warm day of the year was yesterday, so the frame got painted even though it's only 90% complete. A wide body GTU fiberglass kit from rotaryengineeringsb will be used for the fenders and nose. The target is 1,700 pounds. My winter is booked.

[Jawfish]

Whoaaaa too cool!!

Im definetly going to follow your progress. This should be a captivating tread.

Are you following a ruleset or this is being built as an open car ?

Cheers
Fred

[seven13bt]

Hi Fred,
The target weight is for EMod AutoX classification (1850 with driver). Track use will be just HPDE stuff at the new facility in Emmett.

Ron

[GonzoRacer]

Hi Ron-
That looks like a very, very cool project! I'll be following along and wishing you good luck. (And makin' smart-a$$ remarks... Can't help myself...) Keep the pictures comin'!

JDK

[seven13bt]

Hi JD,
Thanks for dropping by. As reminded, Perry needs pictures (at least when he's done touring the warm South West). Today resulted in both rear suspension units getting the pickup points tacked inplace except for the upper shock mounts that are just clamped. I need to narrow each side about 1/2" and then decide where I want the mount to go, which might also be driven by which shock length works the best. Initial design was with QA1 Proma Star DS-301's.
C'mon JD, we love your wisdom and escapades.

Ron

[egoman]

If its gonna be a race car maybe consider this?

http://1speedway.com/index.php?route=pr ... duct_id=65

[seven13bt]

Egoman,
That sure is a sweet diff. It's overkill for the racing this car will be subject to. I've had good reliability with the 2nd gen RX7 parts with this engine in a previous car.
Thanks,
Ron

[horchoha]

As reminded, Perry needs pictures (at least when he's done touring the warm South West).

Nice to see folks here are learnin' pics make my day

C'mon JD, we love your wisdom and escapades.

Here now, don't be encouraging JD, well maybe just a little bit..........

[BostonWill]

Don't be sending Perry pictures! He gets all excited and messes up- Oh, this is a family site. Forget my direction!

[seven13bt]

Shortened all the rear suspension arms (within the limits of the stock half-shafts) and got the clearance needed for the tire sidewall to fender lip. There's still enough room for the coil springs to clear the wheel and sidewall flex, so I'll just get DS 303 shocks and raise the shock mount to center it on the frame member.

[Kinetic Research]

Nice work, following with great interest. How far back can you mount the engine trans combo, same as stock or more rear bias? Will be a weapon!

[seven13bt]

The engine will be moved back about one foot and offset slightly to the right. The cage (and seat) was moved as far back as was possible given the need for adequate headroom.

[seven13bt]

All of the materials for the front suspension haven't been delivered yet. So, what has been accomplished is the pedals and steering are tacked in place. The structure to support the front body panels and the radiator has been started. The shell is lowered into place to check for/make adequate clearance for upper intake manifold removal and make plans/templates for the firewall panels.

[Lonnie-S]

Man, that engine is way, way back there. Maybe you could get away with a foot-activated starter switch? You know, right next to the gas pedal - just short the solenoid contacts [WINK]

Cheers,

[seven13bt]

Hey Lonnie, that's a good one. That would even reduce the weight by a few grams.

Ron