mdfisher21
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| posted on 9/3/06 at 06:45 PM |
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First time State-side builder
Looking to begin my first ever Locost product here on the other side of the pond. Been trying to identify a donor vehicle that provides me with all
(or most) of the mechanicals that I need. Things like solid rear axle, correct from spindles, proper engine / trans. I have been having a little
difficulty because I have an aversion to typical US domestic cars, and there isn’t a lot of readily available "foreign" models to work
with. Thinking about using an older 83-95 Volvo 4/6cyl donor. Has anyone attempted this, or have any suggestions as to this being a great or
terrible idea? I just joined up so ANY help at all would be great. You can post here are email me at :
mfisher@williamsvillek12.org
I'm a school teacher so my computer access is regular. Thanks for all the help.
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kreb
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| posted on 9/3/06 at 07:13 PM |
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Locosts rarely use Volvo components. While they are readily available in most parts of the country, they tend to be heavy and some question the
electronics.
The most popular US donors are probably:
-Miata (IRS)
-RWD Corolla
-RX-7 (1st gen is live axle, 2nd gen is IRS)
-4cyl ranger (Zetec and Duratec)
The US forums aren't as good as this one, but you may wish to try the locost yahoo group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Locost_North_America/
or a newer site (not too much traffic yet):
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/
This all said, the Locost culture is all about self-reliance and not snobery. Go Volvo and we'll be happy to help and provide encouragement.
[Edited on 9/3/06 by kreb]
https://www.supercars.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/1966_FiatAbarth_1000SP1.jpg
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mdfisher21
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| posted on 9/3/06 at 07:44 PM |
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Thanks for the info, and encouragement. As I do some research, I'll post my volvo related findings.
I've looked into the US Locost forums, and clearly this is the real resource. But I'll poke around on those US sites for kicks.
Keep the info coming, It's tremendous!
First time builder, I appreciate ANY and ALL help. Thanks!
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kb58
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| posted on 9/3/06 at 08:26 PM |
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Along the Ranger line, you could also go for a Stalker-type of car, one with a V6. Since you'd be making the chassis it should be easy to make
that engine and axle fit.
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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BKLOCO
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| posted on 9/3/06 at 09:20 PM |
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I believe there is a company in Japan That will send Crated second hand 4AGE engines anywhere in the world. I'll try to find details if
you're interested.
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want!!! 
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kreb
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| posted on 9/3/06 at 10:18 PM |
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KB58 makes a good point. Whilst the pushrod 60 degree Chevy motors are a joke in terms of HP output relative to displacement, they make tons of
satisfying torque, are non-tempermental, inexpensive and surprisingly light. The 3400 version of that engine has very good flowing aluminum heads,
and weighs in the low 300s. That's lighter than most of your old British four-bangers. My Stalker has the lower-output iron-head 3.4 and I
routinely kick all sorts of Lotus, Ferrari, Corvette and Porsche butt. (And I'm not a particularly accomplished driver)
If you hang around the North American Locost group, Keith Tanner and Ted Saton are probably the most knowledgeable, but there's a good number of
other useful folks as well.
[Edited on 10/3/06 by kreb]
https://www.supercars.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/1966_FiatAbarth_1000SP1.jpg
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mangogrooveworkshop
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 12:07 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by snoopy
 hi and welcome HERES a site to look at in canada its a clone of the mk indy which is a very popular
kit over here adapted to use u.s.a doner vehicles
Snoopy how close is that scuttle to the indy
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Hasse
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 07:22 AM |
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Hello,
I would recomend you to put this question to www.Locostsweden.se, if you wish to use Volvo parts.
A number of Volvo-based cars are built.
/Hasse
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scotty g
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 08:19 AM |
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If i was on your side of the pond i would go for the Miata, there are loads of them in the US so getting parts is both easy and cheap. Remember you
don't have to go live axle, you can do IRS or De-dion as well, the latter being very popular over here due to the abundance of Sierra's.
Good luck with whatever you decide to use and keep us updated on progress.
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James
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 08:42 AM |
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mdfisher21,
Have you seen the Keith Tanner book "Build a cheap sports car".
It's designed for US based builders and is all about using the Miata as a donor.
I had a look at a copy Wednesday and was pretty impressed.
Hope that helps,
James
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses, behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights."
- Muhammad Ali
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mdfisher21
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 12:57 PM |
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Wow, Thats alot to process!. Thanks a lot. This info is FANTASTIC. As some of you might have gathered from my bio, I'm going to be doing this
build... starting within about 6 months... with a group of pre-engineering students here in a Buffalo High school. Should be fun.
In my recent travels I have come across a couple older.. but completetly rebuilt For 302's. I know they're heave, but they throw down a
lot of tourqe. Anyone have any experience with them?
I might use the ranger / 4cyl. mustang donor as a fall back, but I think I might be able to showhorn that 302 in there. Thanks for all the help,
it's been fantastic.
First time builder, I appreciate ANY and ALL help. Thanks!
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 01:05 PM |
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Don't try too hard to put a big engine in the car - these things are all about light weight and nimble handling.
A quick-revving small engine (Miata, or even a bike engine) will be far more rewarding, especially when you start chucking it round twisty roads.
Have fun!
David
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mdfisher21
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 01:16 PM |
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The only trouble I'm encountering over in my neck of the woods with miata's is, they are getting more scarce by the day. With the US SCCA
expanding it's spec miata racing classes by the hour, the prices for miata's have gone way upthis year, and the availability way down.
I'm not trying to cheap myself out, but I am trying to stay true to the "Lo-cost" if at all possible.
Everything is on the table at this point, even bike motors, but especially around here, rusted out fords are a dime a dozen, so I'll probubly
end up with something along those lines. Thanks again for all the great suggestions.
First time builder, I appreciate ANY and ALL help. Thanks!
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kreb
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 02:11 PM |
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There was a guy on e-bay with 100 brand-new 2.3 Duratecs (Or was is zetec? I get them mixed up) for sale recently. They were going for $500 to $700
each  A nice, light and reasonably powerful engine.
If you want to go V-8 on a future build, that's fine, but I have to agree that a 4 cyl is your best bet for the fist go around.
Consider a small truck - Ranger or S-10 for a donor. A tad heavier, but common as getout...
https://www.supercars.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/1966_FiatAbarth_1000SP1.jpg
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mdfisher21
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 03:16 PM |
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I have to devote some time to looking on ebay. And I think that the suggestions about holding off on a V8... for a future build, are probubly a good
idea. I could get it in there I think, but theres no reason to kill myself to do it.
I know this is a preference thing, but any suggestions as to carbuerated as apposed to EFI. I know that I'd be able to make it REALLY simple by
going carb, and forgetting all about computers.
Thanks again for all the help.
First time builder, I appreciate ANY and ALL help. Thanks!
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kb58
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 03:24 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by mdfisher21
... I could get it in there, but theres no reason to kill myself to do it.
... In more ways then one. Having a V8's output going into rear tires with practically no weight on them will test your skill, restraint, and
fear levels.
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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Bob C
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 04:15 PM |
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If you're going for a big motor & miata's are non - preferred, it might be worth looking at mazda rx7 for the running gear (if not the
engine - these are great but limited mileage & thirsty). old ones were live axle but the newer ones much more like the miata.
The iron V8s are extremely heavy (mustang, chev small block) but a few folk use the range rover (ex buick) though I guess these cost the earth
stateside. I expect the newer ally OHC V8s (lexus, bmw jag) are just too bulky to go in a 7. I think the old 5l mustang is about as compact as you can
get.
Bob
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 04:22 PM |
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What's the availability of RWD Toyotas in the US of A? Their 4-AGE engine is very popular in Oz, and has quite a few followers in the UK.
A decent, modern-ish engine that has a respectable amount of power straight from the box, with scope for tuning. It's also quite small, and
light.
rgds,
David
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kb58
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 04:54 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
What's the availability of RWD Toyotas in the US of A? Their 4-AGE engine is very popular in Oz, and has quite a few followers in the UK.
Yes there's lots of Toyota pickup trucks here. An awesome set up would be the newer 3l-V6... with the supercharger... 270hp! Don't know
what it weighs though.
Seriously, if you want to go down that road I'd really consider the Stalker formula. Cheap and as fast as your 'nads can stand.
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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mdfisher21
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 05:42 PM |
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This is my own ignorance talking, but what the "stalker" concept.
I also found out some information from a gentlemen by the name of mcsorly, about slightly modifying the size of the frame. He's got modified
draweing and everything. Might not be a bad idea, after all I am a surly american, little extra room never hurt!
Thanks for any further info on the stalker concept. I have thought about newer import v6 pickup, but the issue is the front spindles. Trying to keep
it to just one donor.
Thanks again.
First time builder, I appreciate ANY and ALL help. Thanks!
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mdfisher21
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 05:48 PM |
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>>>What's the availability of RWD Toyotas in the US of A? Their 4-AGE engine is very popular in Oz, and has quite a few followers in
the UK.
...as another problem w/ rwd toyotas, there are"drifting" clubs popping up ALL OVER THE PLACE here. Anything import, and RWD from 1978
and up is getting snatched up by the clubs and groups.
I'm starting to sound like I'm stomping on all your Ideas, and I hope im not, just offering some thoughts on how people are using up good
donors over here.
Thanks for the help
First time builder, I appreciate ANY and ALL help. Thanks!
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kb58
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 05:53 PM |
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A "Stalker" is a Super-7-esque car, one using American-based parts, in particular the GM V6, available very cheaply compared to many
engines. Pickup trucks and various GM cars use a straight rear axle with this engine so you can find all your parts on one donor car.
There are a couple owners on here, in fact "Kreb" posted in this thread above. That's apparently his car in his avatar.
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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mdfisher21
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| posted on 10/3/06 at 06:09 PM |
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I'll have too look into that as well. That seems more complicatied, judging by a couple of pictures ive seen... some have Blowers!
Research is ongoing. Thanks for the tip!
First time builder, I appreciate ANY and ALL help. Thanks!
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kb58
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| posted on 11/3/06 at 01:39 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by mdfisher21
I'll have too look into that as well. That seems more complicatied, judging by a couple of pictures ive seen... some have Blowers!
Research is ongoing. Thanks for the tip!
No more complicated then any other Super-7 type car. The straight rear axle makes it simple, and the fact it's a V6 just means you have exhaust
out both sides.
The "complication" will be whether the engine is EFI or not. An old carburated engine will be much faster to get running, but EFI is,
IMHO, worth the PITA to get running.
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
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| posted on 11/3/06 at 01:52 AM |
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Here's another thread about Kreb's car, the Stalker:
http://www.grmotorsports.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=7216
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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