Hi all, I'm new here (first post) so please be gentle with me!

OK, I've just bought the "book" and intend to embark on my project in the next week or so, obviously starting with the chassis (book hasn't been delivered just yet).

My reason for posting on here is this..... I am intending on building a BEC, more than likely powered by the ZX9R engine, and was wondering what kind of modifications should I be looking at to the chassis at this stage to allow this engine to be successfully installed? If anyone has done this, have any plans etc it would be very much appreciated for any help or advice that might be available! (also any potential problems that I should be thinking about).

No doubt you will be seeing my name about quite a lot now, I have the ambition and time, and really want to get started soon!

Many thanks in advance.

Chris

hi mate. welcome to the fun!

there are a few errors in the book to watch out for, FU1 and 2 are wrong and a few others that slip my mind.

Best start is to search the archives, and anything you get stuck on just post a question.

basic mods to use a bike engine include making a cradle for the engine, and using a 2 piece prop. Stuff like sprocket adapters is covered loads in other threads.

Hi Joel

Many thanks for the quick reply! I have indeed started working my way through the forum, and a lot of questions been answered already, even before I have started work!!!

I think it's probably best for me to get the book, have a look through and post again once I have made a shortlist - the main question I have at the moment I guess is about engine mounting within the chassis, I would assume the "book" refers any welded areas for fixing a car engine, rather than bike?

Many thanks for welcoming me, already got a massive selection of "favourite" links which should hopefully help me out!

No doubt I will speak to you (and others) again soon!

Thanks again

Chris

have you got your engine yet? zx9s can be mounted by a bar thru the bit over the gearbox, and a couple of bolts on the other side to hold it up. You could weld the brackets straight to the chassis, or you could make an engine cradle to put the engine in, which itself would mount in a more normal fashion, like a car engine. just ask if you need a piccy of the zx9.

hi joel

thanks for the prompt response again, I have not got my engine as yet, and I am totally open to suggestion as to what engine to use, from browsing the site I have come to the conclusion that the 9r would probably be the best bet for me. Obviously cost is an issue (trying to keep this as low as poss!) so if there is another engine that will give the same(ish) performance, and sound pretty much the same then any suggestions are welcome. I think in the long run, a bike engine that is easier to install is better suited for me, as this is my first ever project!

Can I just comment how nice it is to join such a friendly community? from reading both your own, and others posts I am happy and feel confident that I should be able to complete what I am about to embark on!

Many thanks again, hitting the sack now so will probably post again in the next day or so!

Chris

Chris,

Welcome to the madhouse!

Download the correct chassis plans from Jim McSorley's brilliant site: http://www.mcsorley.net . He's corrected the chassis plan mistakes here.

Hope that helps,

James

I'm planning the next bit of my chassis at the moment. I'm working a route for the propshaft to the axle instead of making it fit after. I've got five joints in it so far Does anybody do a really strong flexible drill shaft, fit a chuck to the sprocket shaft and a bit to the prop joint to grip with the flexy shaft chuck, job done. Just tiewrap the outer to the frame and away.

Pete,

are you having problems lining it all up down the tunnel? is it because your engine cant be offset as much as you would like?

pete - when you get a supplier let me know - I can use em for the halfshafts on my IRS too.
Bob
PS don't make my mistake & use a keyless chuck - the transmission tunnels too small to get your hands in...

I'll get an extended chuck key as well... I think I'm o.k. for position Col just having a think outside the box . I'll figure out where the other engine will fit after I've got one connected up Joel.

[Edited on 5/10/04 by Peteff]
Rescued attachment cradle.jpg

For me, the big chassis modification was leaving off the lower chassis tubes in the engine bay. Have a look at Pete's. It looks like he waited to put his tubes in place until engine mounting time. This is what I did.

As for engine mounting, I basically stole my idea from the Westfield mount I have. IMHO, it is the best way to mount the blade engine.

Just got in from work and checked the thread, just wanna say a big thanks to everyone for their advice, I'm still waiting for the "book" to turn up. However I have managed to source someone to do the welding of the chassis for me (I am not 100% confident welding the main structural element of the vehicle!) - I'll post once work has commenced (with problems that have arised!) hopefully then I will know slightly more what I am talking about!

Once again, many thanks, looks like I have a few hours reading ahead of me! (anyone know of any PDFs that can be downloaded and printed off???)

Chris