Pete's Porsche/VW Based Build

[Mandurath]

Hehe I did, but i was hoping it wasn't a permanent end to the thread I had read it earlier but hadn't said much as was looking at 300zx at the time, but they were alot more than the Porsche.

[DavidFE]

Curious as to how much the "original" 924 engine weighed. I am looking at a 1980 924. Though in a bit better shape, so much less custom work hopefully. Also curious if that is the porsche trans or the audi one you have?

Note the "The end" above. Sorry but Pete threw in the towel a long time ago. He sold this build but I'm not sure to whom.

It is s a mistaken announcement.

Pete sold the project to me in September. Pete had too many irons in the fire with a new wife and family and kept an enclosed VW as his project.

I bought it with a long block of a small VW I4. I previously made mention of the purchase but did not elaborate in any detail.

I think the Porsche 924 makes an excellent (at my current vantage point) basis for a Locost. With that said, it would most likely be underpowered with about 80 to 100 BHP.

The VW long block is incomplete and will need a complete rebuild. NO decision made at this point to ascertain what power plant would be used.

This week I discovered a Turbo Audi I5. This I understand is a direct bolt in. Waiting on email reply with further details.

Pete appears to have done an excellent job on the frame constructions and acquisition of the components. Lot of stuff there.

Driving back from Pete's house in Sept. 2006, my Safari van's motor gave up the ghost. I had the van towed back to Granite City. It must have been quite a sight seeing a Locost / race car strapped to the top of the van and all remaining pieces inside the van on a car trailer.

It sat that way until late December when I had to move my stored 'treasures' to two other storage locations.

At that same time I bought a replacement van. I really was tired of driving my motor home everywhere for everything.

It is on my spring list to get a workshop started and continue / complete the Locost. With luck I will be able to find some property and build a proper garage / workshop. A house will follow. I have my priorities in order for this venture.

Mandurath, the engine for the Porsche I have never seen and do not know the weight.

The transaxle is Porsche not Audi.

If there is anything specific I can answer, I will do the best I can.

DFE

[chetcpo]

Well that's good to know. Sorry about the premature burial.

[Andy Bro]

Its really good to hear that Pete's build is in good hands.

The note about the transaxle, I had heard that the 944's accept 5k transaxles because the torque tube has a bellhousing-esque flange on it that will accept the transaxle. I am interested to see how well the adapter plate accepts the torque tube as I now have a running 1.8 16v in my garage, waiting for a fun project to pop up.

[Mandurath]

only 80 to 100 bph? This is a 1980 924 turbo, its supposed to have around 170 i heard. I hope. With minor mods and better cooling 220 is supposed to be pretty simple and cheap. But, I have heard that the porsche rear was much lighter than the audi, more of a race part, though not as durable. But, as a locost is lighter by far, perhaps it will make the life of the trans a bit easier. Not haivng crawled under te one i am looking at yet i have no idea which it has. Though it does have the 4 wheel disks. Heh, though, if it only has 80 hp I guess its still worth it just for the other assorted parts. And will figure out another engine.

[DavidFE]

Mandurath,

My off the cuff - subject to CRS (can't remember squat) was from memory regarding the VW lump’s power.

No clue with regard to the Porsche Turbo power.

I would sure go for the Porsche as a donor.

Recalling what I have, there is really very little of the bigger stuff to source. I'd make sure to get all the wiring harness and purchase it only after hearing it run and driving it.

That way you can focus on the ground up build and complete a running Locost in a fairly straight line.

Next, you could upgrade the power plant if that is what you want. Easier to minimize the multitude of variables involved in the build up front.

DFE