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Author: Subject: At long, long, long last... new, locost middie concept...
kb58

posted on 3/1/05 at 09:06 PM Reply With Quote
After seeing the Arial Atom reviewed on Top Gear... the one with the 300hp supercharged Honda engine, I'm very interested. I'd like to maintain the 60's retro look, but to have it all modern where it counts.

After dealing with doors, weatherstriping, bulkheads, and such in the Mini, I'd like a simpler project for next time! That means no doors, no roof, small windscreen. Simple is good.





Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html

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sgraber

posted on 3/1/05 at 09:16 PM Reply With Quote
FYI, my next build will source the engine/drivetrain separate from the hubs/uprights/steering/etc.

My I am hoping to try Geo Metro, Suzuki Swift parts...





Steve Graber
http://www.grabercars.com/

"Quickness through lightness"

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kb58

posted on 3/1/05 at 09:32 PM Reply With Quote
Thanks for reminding me... I keep meaning to have a look at a Suzuki Swift as a possible steering and upright donor. I want to stick to Honda or Toyota for the drivetrain since they're so well supported, put out great power, and have a good aftermarket.





Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html

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ERP

posted on 4/1/05 at 12:24 AM Reply With Quote
I was seriously considering using an imported JDM engine for a project.

In the States at least you can buy an entire front clip with low mileage for very reasonable prices.

What put me off was the registration process in Ca, having talked to a lot of people about it, nobody seemed sure that you could get away with it even using SB100. The general consensus was probably but your at the mercy of the inspector.

I ruled out Motorcycle engines for the same reason.

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sgraber

posted on 4/1/05 at 12:36 AM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kb58
Thanks for reminding me... I keep meaning to have a look at a Suzuki Swift as a possible steering and upright donor. I want to stick to Honda or Toyota for the drivetrain since they're so well supported, put out great power, and have a good aftermarket.


I think the Swift/Metro uses the same PCD as Toyota/Honda 4x100 ... I'll have to look that up.

Sorry - 4x114mm - however, a lot of tuner wheels come with dual bolt patterns, so running different hubs wouldn't be too much hassle as long as the # of studs was the same.



[Edited on 1/4/05 by sgraber]





Steve Graber
http://www.grabercars.com/

"Quickness through lightness"

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kb58

posted on 4/1/05 at 01:29 AM Reply With Quote
Here's one fellow's attempt, I don't know if this is "old news" here or not.

http://locost7.info/files/other/ox7.zip

Now imagine substituting a modern transverse FWD drivetrain in it. It would *greatly* shorten the rear section and could end up looking practically like a normal Super-7.

Doing a Google search on mid-engine Super-7 turned up an interesting comment, that someone "heard" that Ron Champion and company is working on just such a car. Anyone know about that?


[Edited on 1/4/05 by kb58]





Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html

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krlthms

posted on 4/1/05 at 03:01 AM Reply With Quote
For a universally cheap FWD donor for a midi-locost (milctost?), I suggest something Korean, likely to be cheap everywhere.
KT

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krlthms

posted on 4/1/05 at 03:16 AM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kb58
After seeing the Arial Atom reviewed on Top Gear... the one with the 300hp supercharged Honda engine, I'm very interested. I'd like to maintain the 60's retro look, but to have it all modern where it counts.

After dealing with doors, weatherstriping, bulkheads, and such in the Mini, I'd like a simpler project for next time! That means no doors, no roof, small windscreen. Simple is good.


Kurt,
You may want to look at the Rocket designed by Gordon Murray of MB SLR fame, and built by the Light Car Co, for a midi inspiration. It a BEC that looks like a 60's GP car, and has two tandem seats.
Cheers
KT

Here are a couple of WS's for pics:
http://www.na.rim.or.jp/~doshir/auto/rocket/rocket.html
http://www.weismann.net/rocket.html
http://www.supercars.net/garages/Drivevm/9v2.html

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kb58

posted on 4/1/05 at 05:01 AM Reply With Quote
Thanks for the links; I've seen that car someplace before...

The trouble with it here in California is there's no way to get it on the street. It has to pass emissions by either the engine (motorcycle in this "car" will fail) or as what it appears to be... which is nothing that was ever on the street.

I think a Super-7 type car is about as close as I can get, or a Mini, but I'm already working on one of those!





Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html

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TheGecko

posted on 4/1/05 at 07:40 AM Reply With Quote
What you want Kurt is a mid-engined Super 7, yes?

How's this: Gecko model with silver sides
Gecko model with silver sides


I will finish it eventually, when my life stops hitting me with bigger problems

D.



[Edited on 4/1/2005 by TheGecko]

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kb58

posted on 4/1/05 at 03:37 PM Reply With Quote
A bit bigger, with seats would be nice. Just kidding. I forgot someone here is working on just this sort of thing. Yes, one like that! Has it progressed past the model stage?





Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html

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kb58

posted on 4/1/05 at 03:41 PM Reply With Quote
BTW, another perk of using one of the newest Honda FWD setups is that they revised the cylinder head layout so the exhaust is now on the rear side of the head. For a mid-engine Super-7 type car it means the exhaust system is simplier, shorter, lighter, and quieter for the driver

[Edited on 1/4/05 by kb58]





Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html

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ERP

posted on 4/1/05 at 04:29 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kb58
Thanks for the links; I've seen that car someplace before...

The trouble with it here in California is there's no way to get it on the street. It has to pass emissions by either the engine (motorcycle in this "car" will fail) or as what it appears to be... which is nothing that was ever on the street.

I think a Super-7 type car is about as close as I can get, or a Mini, but I'm already working on one of those!


I can't find a copy of SB100 right now, but there is a clause that states if it doesn't ressemble an existing vehicle then you have the option to register it as a 1960 vehicle.

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kb58

posted on 4/1/05 at 05:56 PM Reply With Quote
You are correct, it can be treated as a 1960 car. Good! So on with the designs!





Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html

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ERP

posted on 4/1/05 at 07:32 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kb58
You are correct, it can be treated as a 1960 car. Good! So on with the designs!


Just remember to get up early on the first of the year. Looks like all the SB100 numbers for the year will be gone sometime today. :/

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tadltd

posted on 31/8/05 at 11:16 PM Reply With Quote
bttt - since the middie body style discussion was re-ignited.

Most of the panels on this design were intentionally 'flat' so that it would be possible to manufacture the body from ally quite simply.





Best Regards,

Steve.
www.turnerautosport.com

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Sven

posted on 2/9/05 at 12:59 AM Reply With Quote
Nice, very nice. I particularily like the muscular look and that the body panels are mostly flat.

You'll have plans out next week then?

-Steve

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Sven

posted on 2/9/05 at 01:03 AM Reply With Quote
quote:
Suggestions would be welcome, but try to include cars that our friends on the other side of the pond (and indeed the world!) can get access to. This would normally mean a Japanese or German car.


I'd lean towards a Japanese donor. Honda and Toyota being favourites due to their availability worldwide and the plethora of internet information about both, particularily the Honda.

VW is also an option, of course, and they are sold just about everywhere too.

-Steve

[Edited on 9/2/2005 by Sven]

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