LocostUSA.com

hello,
this is my first post so dont but I have a few questions that I could not find in the FAQ. I would like to start a build in a couple of years.
1.What is the Wight of a locost 7 without engine and fuel tank and all the other ICE stuff?
2.How much power (rwhp) does a Locost need to be able to achieve 100mph and 0-60mph in 5 sec?
3.Wouldn't a roof+front wing+inboard shocks and headlight improve aero a lot?
4.How much power would a locost 7 need to get 200mph and 0-60 5 sec with the above aero mods?
6.what is the fastest traditional locost on this forum? (I am gussing robs 5.0 build?)
7.has anyone build thier frame out of something lither like aluminium?
thanks guys,
Jacob R

1) BEC's can run sub 1000#'s. CEC's for the road seem to run 1300-1400#'s Subtract xx#'s for fuel and engine to get where you want.

2) a 1500# car 9wet with driver) takes only 140HP to get sub 5 second 0-60 times See http://www.060calculator.com/

3) Don't know; don't care. It wouldn't be a streetable sevenesque car here in Illinois.

4) Again, don't know. Highly dependent on Cd and frontal area. Cd of a typical Seven is around .7 to .8. Any changes you suggest only make small changes. 200MPH is quite a stretch for our builds. As you need more HP, the frontal area will undoubetly increase. See http://www.wallaceracing.com/Calculate%20HP%20For%20Speed.php Might want to search out the supercharged Stalkers.

5) Oh wait. There is no #5

6) Don't know unless we all get together and race. Theoretically, my car will get to 174MPH at red line. If I only had enough power (and cajones) to get there. If I ever get there (not), I'll just tweak up the RPM limiter a bit.

7) been discussed - search the site.

Based on your questions, what you are looking for , is not in the spirit of Sevenesque cars. The Seven gets its advantage from being quick, not fast. That is not meant to discourage you from dreaming.

Moderators, I believe this post belongs in "In theory it could work...."

_________________
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

thanks!!! and by fastest I mean by top speed, it just seems that with the low wigth of the seven it would be easy..... but aero comes into play

Sevens are about as aerodynamic as houses... in theory once again with enough power anything is possible. Quick question though, do you actually have any intent on driving something made out of 1x1 square tubing 200mph??? About the fastest I've ever driven is about 155mph and that's pretty fast and I had a roof and roll up windows.
Just about every build material has been discussed at one point or another, most people go with steel because its cheap and easier to work with than pretty much every other readily available material other than this...

This is a Donkervoort, you may notice some family resemblance, if you've got skills than perhaps this is more what you may want to build. If you make up some nice body molds that resemble the Donk LMK I might want some for a second build.


Cheers,
Ted

_________________
86 BMW 325 coupe powered by Ford. http://www.e30v8.com

My first post as well, so forgive my ignorance. Along the same lines as jacobry's 2nd question:

What kind of power SHOULD I be looking for in an engine? I don't need to be setting any land-speed records, but I WOULD like a car with some pep in its step. What type of power output (hp and torque) should I be looking for in an engine for one of these cars?

Along the same lines as jacobry's original post...

What kind of power output (horsepower and torque) should I generally be looking for to power a Locost? I'm not trying to set any land-speed records, but I WOULD like my car to have a little pep in its step. I'm a... umm... "larger" person, so above-average power might be necessary. Would a larger (750cc or more) motorcycle motor suffice? or should I be looking for something like a Civic motor? more?

Thanks for the help, and sorry for my ignorance. This, too, it my first post.

thanks but 200mph is just me day dreaming dont
cheers,
Jacob R

Remember that high speed is far more about aerodynamics and horsepower than lightweight. Really not the forté of a Locost of course. I'd be curious as to what the world speed record for a Lotus Sevenesque car is though. Obviously aero mods would affect that a LOT.

Whoops. Double-posted. See above for my question(s) regarding engines as well.

What do you mean by a little pep? If you mean the ~5s to 60MPH mark then it was already answered above by rx7locost:

You need to think power to weight ratio rather than just power with these cars, a regular car with about 10lbs per hp will run high 12's to low 13's, a crotch rocket is about 5lbs per hp and will run low 10's. A basic 1300lb street locost with a 130hp (attach engine preference here) set up properly will run high 12's or low 13's all day long. A 260hp Locost will hunt down R6's all day long.
You tube some variant locost racing and you'll get the idea.

Cheers,
Ted

_________________
86 BMW 325 coupe powered by Ford. http://www.e30v8.com

I have nothing really to add, but was that title supposed to be

Stupid questions FROM a noob? In the current state it is true though...

Yeah I prefer it as-is

200 MPH!! in a Seven?? Are you nuts? Anything over 120 is going to be hairy.
Believe me. 200mph in anything without downforce would be scary! ( Other than a bike) Fastet Ive' seen is 165 in an F430(passenger) and it seemed solid but it does
have downforce. Been 170+ on a bike ( more than a few times) but that doesn't count. I'm guessing Sevens have a little lift

My car: 1380 wet, Me 220 dressed dry.
115ish WHP about 140 crank.
1600lbs 120WHP 0-60 average 5.7s with a very slow/crunchy third gear.
probably another 0.3-0.5 with a new syncro

Will get another 15 with megasquirt and 530 head ( much better driveability too)

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

I think the consensus is...If you want fast, 130+ you might want to look for something besides a seven. If you want something quick, 0-60 in 5 or better, or neck wrenching agile, you're in the right place.

_________________
RacerDan
+442 Chevy 2.8
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the
Ark, professionals built the Titanic.