Quote:
Originally Posted by AtomicLabMonkey
My frame right now is ~80lbs assuming 1020 steel, with some brackets and a few extra tubes to be added in here and there once I do some stiffness testing. So it'll probably end up about 100lbs.
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Wow. Damn good work there in weight and chassis optimization! I guess it pays to have proper equipment and tools when planning.
I know swingaxles and torsion beams are the devils work. No argument there. Wouldn't be much work to utilize a VW IRS trannsaxle over a Swing. Build a 091 bus box and you have a 4-speed version of an early 911 box. Using a big turbo engine, the right R&P and gear ratios should net decent gearing for auto-x, but have no top end for track. Main difference between the IRS and swing would be running triangulated trailing arms, not a big deal.
My dad ended up with a 13-link rear end on his '66 Vette's new chassis (IRS - 4-link, camber links, triangulating links) - my IRS configuration should be much simpler (4-link, triangulating links, z-bar links).
My understanding was that 4130 was stronger than steel (with never hearing of heat treating it either), therefore you can run a thinner tube wall and tube, netting a much lighter chassis. At least that's the way they sell it for VW drag chassis - at more than twice the cost.
I wish I had a Miata laying around to mock up parts - I would simply build it instead
