It's sounding like the Subaru transaxle is good for behind a Subaru engine, but not always in other places...
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Well, I should keep my mouth shut, since I'm the Hewland owner,
If my ideas for the Locost are senseless, I still have a FF frame in the basement which need a new front bulkhead and a transaxle, so not all is lost...
This is for a Seven/Locost type car. My original thought was putting in the transaxle and also moving the flywheel, clutch and starter motor to the rear for space and weight distribution reasons. More room in the footwell and a more rear mounted motor, probably an xflow with a dry sump. I think now though that moving the flywheel etc. back is probably too much of a reach for me. There could be some downsides to getting that stuff wrong. It seems doable, but...
I would like the car to be fast on the track, for time trials with a local club. Street use too, so long as it's safe I don't mind if the suspension is non-optimal on the street. Figuring 13" rims with slicks for the track 15" for the street, hoping to work the offsets on the rims to be useable both places.
With the xflow maybe about 140 - 150 HP. Someday maybe a Duratech 180HP, but I don't see how people fit them. With the xflow I am thinking a really low hood and nose, no windshield on the track, a seating position a little more reclined, formula car style. Cycle fenders in the rear, smaller, tapered tail. Floor pan raised in the back a bit.
I wondered about the Subaru transaxle, because I wanted a low cost Hewland alternative if I got tired of using the dog box on the street, and in case anyone thought what I was doing was a good idea. It would solve some issues people have matching engines and transmissions, even including items like snowmobile engines...
I really miss using the Hewland. Maybe I will get tired of using it on the street after a couple of years, but my work commute is mostly highway and I can avoid driving it in city traffic in general. It's just a rewarding experience when you get it right, and I like the sound of the straight cut gears. Again maybe not as much a plus as I imagine in daily use.
If I give up on moving the flywheel etc. an LD200 might be better, Westfield used one on the FW400, I think.
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you may also want to put some thought into the rear uprights and axles
I remember your advice on "Micro Stub axles". This week I'll visit my mechanic friend and ask about building uprights with them...
Thanks