Say I want to build a mid-engined tube chassis car

on the fiero idea, the trans was normal GM FWD. so ANY FWD GM setup can be used, you just need the fiero linkages I assume.

VW VR6 would make a nice motor for such an car. Heavy but its sitting midship and puts the weight where it matters least. I also like VW transmissions as they tend to hold with lots of HP without crazy upgrades.

Wow, this thread moved fast. I've been playing around with this idea for a few years now. FWD platforms are everywhere, and more interesting engines are coming out every year.

I like the idea of starting with a Rabbit or MK2 Golf/GTI. Peeling the bodywork off, and stuffing in a 2L 16v engine mated with a cable shift VW tranny. You could use the VR6 as someone else mentioned. I don't think those are too much heavier, and they have an awesome rev range/torque curve.

If you're not worried/thinking about keeping it in the marque family, the 3.4L GM V6 makes interesting power. Can those be had with a manual transaxle?

The guys who make the MK Indy Locost 7 kits now have a rear/mid motorcycle engine thing that's pretty cool looking:

MK Midi

I'd get this book: How to Build Motorcycle-engined Racing Cars

This made me go look at old photos of the Renault Sport Spyder. I wish there was a kit in the spirit of the original 7 to build a car like this.

MGB gt has about 22" from the rear axle centerline forward to the door opening.

The Ford Probe with a SHO engine and trans...

J-32 from a 2004-2008 Acura TL, 260hp and available with a 6 speed manual with Torsen LSD.

Buy a crashed donor car, re-coupe the purchase by parting the chassis/interior, enjoy great sounding V6 power.

oldtin wrote: MGB gt has about 22" from the rear axle centerline forward to the door opening.

Is that good or bad? I am trying to put it in perspective of what I perceive as enough room to squeeze in a FWD engine.

NOHOME wrote:

oldtin wrote: MGB gt has about 22" from the rear axle centerline forward to the door opening.

Is that good or bad? I am trying to put it in perspective of what I perceive as enough room to squeeze in a FWD engine.

That is tiny!

NOHOME wrote:

oldtin wrote: MGB gt has about 22" from the rear axle centerline forward to the door opening.

Is that good or bad? I am trying to put it in perspective of what I perceive as enough room to squeeze in a FWD engine.

I think since the engine will be out of the way, the tunnel can be narrowed down to just room for fuel and wiring. The front bulkhead can move forward to shift the driver a few inches forward too so there should be enough to make room.

Edit: Rotary!?!

I vote for mini and happen to have a body that is perfect for this project as I planned to do this myself. Even have a drivetrain. Though I'd suggest going with honda k-series instead of the b -series as it will package better in a mid engine rear drive setup. Seriously have all this stuff for sale in the classifieds. I need to sell it to fix my rally car. If I raise the money elsewhere and can manage not to sell it, it will be a mid engined mini in my lifetime.

sachilles wrote: I vote for mini and happen to have a body that is perfect for this project as I planned to do this myself. Even have a drivetrain. Though I'd suggest going with honda k-series instead of the b -series as it will package better in a mid engine rear drive setup. Seriously have all this stuff for sale in the classifieds. I need to sell it to fix my rally car. If I raise the money elsewhere and can manage not to sell it, it will be a mid engined mini in my lifetime.

$2010 or the racingjunk.com stuff? Got a link to them?

Drivetrain donor

I'm rolling a auto TL of that vintage and the motor is maybe the best part of the car. Plenty strong and a nice gutty sound. With a 6 speed in a light car it would in fact be a proper hoot!

In reply to Giant Purple Snorklewacker:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/200x-classifieds/61-morris-mini-shell-plus/27694/page1/

In reply to Giant Purple Snorklewacker:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/200x-classifieds/61-morris-mini-shell-plus/27694/page1/

If you can find one.

I've always wanted to build a tubular chassis that would fit under a TR6 shell. If you designed the frame specifically for a TR6, you could bolt up the outer panels directly to the chassis. I was originally thinking BMW drivetrain. With a mid-engine layout, you'd be limited a bit by the narrow body. My TR6 has a 14 gallon fuel tank above the diff, and you could always push back into the trunk a bit. There'd be plenty of empty space left under the hood for battery and fuel cell if you could make an engine fit behind the seats.

If you didn't want to chop up a good shell, fiberglass panels are available (though not necessarily cheap). We've picked up older unused fiberglass fenders and hoods for much less than they sell for new.

Check out this old thread on the same topic:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/crazy-mid-engine-hatchback-ideas/7972/page1/

fiat autobianchi panoramica????????

walter j. I'll give you a budget, bring that P-car down with the title, Ill go get you 10k from the bank and you wont have to do some much work. All right lose that small kitchen table of a wing on the back and Ill go to 12k.

Idea: Get cheap 914, you can find them in bad shape for 500 - 1000(craigslist, thesamba, etc.) you can probably find one for less that doesnt have a floor, less cutting work for you...sell anything you can off it, build tube frame, add subby power. presto, classic lines, reliable power with many options, most expensive part will be built tranny to handle power.

I'm thinking it could be done for 4k and a lot of work....... And actually sellable once you grow tired of it.

MB