crazyswede wrote:
I have never seen someone build a frame around an as is subaru awd drivetrain.
Oddly enough, I was just thinking about that...
What I was visualizing was something like one of the old cycle-engine cars that had a motorcycle V-twin stuck out in front of the radiator shell, but instead with a Locost-type snout cut away or reshaped to clear the Subaru engine, which would stick out in front of the car all by itself.
Given the relatively light weight of the Subaru engine, and that the occupants are sitting at the rear wheels, I think the weight distribution would be reasonable... and not too far off to hose the stock Subaru F/R torque split.
Also, the only thing running through the cockpit would be the driveshaft; the transmission would under the hood. So the tunnel could be narrower, particularly at the front, where it would provide more footroom.
Ducting air to a radiator would require a little thought, but at the very least you could mount it vertically behind the engine and vent exhaust air out the sides.
I'd give reasonably serious consideration to building something like that, except Subarus are rare where I live.