This is my first build log, which I think is in the spirit of the non-traditional build logs. I am retired and living on a modest fixed income so low cost is in my vocabulary but is not the end all be all of this project.
My current project is to build a single seat mid engine track car. I expect it to have modest recurring costs for the level of performance achieved. Until two months ago I was flirting with the idea of locating the engine beside the driver , as that potentially reduces the wheel base about 20 inches and has very roomy packaging space, but the frontal area penalty was the deciding factor for me in choosing to locate it behind the driver. Once I started welding tubing a decision was made, a traditional longitudinal driver and engine configuration. The base material for the frame skeleton and bulkheads is ASTM A513 1 ¼” X 16GA square tubing (120’ was the initial purchase), and stiffness to be augmented by bonded aluminum skin (6061 T6 16GA). The roll bar is to be 1 3/8 X 0.95” DOM tubing.
I am a build to fit kind of guy, so I have been making purchases for about a year.
Wheels: (4) 13 X 8” magnesium center lock rims; (4) 13 X 10” Kodiac 3 piece center lock rims
Drive line: Quaife ATB Differential from Dodge Neon 2.4L Turbo (SRT), halfshafts (2) left side, differential oil seals (automatic). Dodge Neon (PT cruiser ) front hubs (4) 5 on 100mm
Engine(s) 3 2009- 2011 Yamaha R1s, a 2009 that was misrepresented as a never been raced motor, was gutted and is being used as a mock up to: 1)weld up Titainium headers routed out lower right side of engine, 2) Modify the oil pan for dry sump operation and eventually 3) to be a fixture for motor mounts. When I bought the first engine I bought it at a breaker as a kit car package, but all the components I wanted were not supplied, I did get the ECU and wire harness, but the gauge cluster was not supplied ($450) as well as a bunch of sensors relays and tip over detector. Next time I’ll start with a complete wrecked bike.
Fuel pump: Purchased off ebay ($90) built a housing to mount in position similar to stock gas tank so I can utilize stock gas lines and not have to figure out the supply pressure for the motor and it will retain the low fuel indicator (pics at a later date).
I have plenty of ideas but no plans, just going to build it to fit me. I have been in a number of formula cars which ranged from uncomfortable to painful to drive, that is not to be the case for this build. I am a driving instructor for several organizations providing HPDE events and want a toy that can be driven for 4 hours in a day and at the end of the day you look forward to day two’s fun to begin.
So here’s my start the drivers compartment size: The chalk lines don’t show to well, but this is how I selected the length, width and height for the drivers compartment. I plan to build the driver compartment ,first to fit me, then add the engine bay with the rear bulkhead containing the lateral suspension pickups, the longitudinal loads to be fed into the front bulkhead of the engine bay structure. A similar structural bay for mounting the front suspension attached to the front of the drivers compartment.
Attachment:
driver1.jpg
The chalk lines don't show to well but were recorded for implementation.
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