Hi all. I've been reading through the site for some time now and decided to finally register. I've always loved the super7 and then when i learned about the locost, I was hooked completely.
Well, recently I came across a deal on a donor car that I just couldn't pass up. It wasn't anything like I was looking for, for a locost build, but like i said, i just couldn't pass it up.
It's a 2002 maserati cambiocorsa ... 4.2Lv8, dry sump, f1 style (6sp-paddle) IRS setup. initial appraisal of it showed that the body was twisted a bit, some broken suspension parts and a shattered disc/caliper. i figured on going to a smaller disk brake setup anyways so no big deal. i later found that a minor member on the front sub frame was broke as well as one of the engine mounts. this probably turned out to be a good thing as it probably saved the torque tube from any damage.
so, the plan is to build a bit of a retro 'birdcage' / locost ... I'm still very early in this. to keep costs down, (and to save up for replacement clutches) I'll keep the front engine-rear drive setup. I will ditch the front and rear sub frames in lieu of my own chassis. it's got a pair of beautiful seats but I'm not sure if i will use them. if i sell them and a few other maserati parts i might just be able to fund this project
the only mods to the drive train will be on the exhaust side of it. i figure 400hp is plenty. suspension and chassis still to be designed.
anyways ... great forum you guys have here! i hope i can contribute in some way.