British Buggy Build

TimberwolfII · Post by **TimberwolfII** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 12:56 pm

I've had quite a Dr Frankenstein type of day, in a "OMG what have I created" kind of way. I've got some wheel nuts from a scrappy, off a Winnebago 8O So put the wheels on and propped the back up with some 2x2 an it's kind of mobile. Well I can push it backwards and forwards, it's still umbilicalled to the engine hoist cos I'm too chicken to test the tacked in transmounts .....

Talking of trans mounts, I've done enough to test fit the engine on the back. It now looks madder than a box of frogs!!

I have to admit I'm chuffed to bits with how the back end is looking. I must have spent a good half hour just sat looking and planning the next move. And of course it's also been one of those 'so much left to do' days too!

15" under that sump!! Enough ground clearance?? Might forget the drive train and just use that gert fan and go along like an airboat!! The link between the engine and trans sorted out just fine, I'm ordering a new flywheel next week so I can get the internals working too.

Only things is................now i'm not sure of the old Volksrod body work. It looks woosy compared to the mean as hell back end. And the rear wheels are potentially too small and might become fronts (28" 225/75 X 15's). I'll just go with the flow and see how it all develops. It could be a full on rail yet.

TimberwolfII · Post by **TimberwolfII** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 12:40 pm

I've had quite a few comments from around the web regards the relative position of the engine and how it will affect weight distribution. Several have said "you'll never keep the wheels on the ground" "it'll be undriveable" Etc etc yadda yadda.

Now tell me if I'm wrong but things such as this don't have this problem do they?

The Rover engine is all alloy and about 190kg wet. About 200hp down on that ^^^ and i bet it's lighter than an LS engine. Fuel tank battery and winch all going up front. Mines also got about 15" extra in the wheel base over a stock bug.

I've got the trans set so the inclusive angle for the cv's is right so I can't rob weight distribution at the expense of travel. Is this a case of the path less trodden and web "expertise"??

What's you guy's take? I'd value your opinions, at least they're based on some experience

!

Big Dave · Post by **Big Dave** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:44 am

At this point you have a bunch of tube with a V8 hanging off the back

To the average person, it will seem like it will want to pull wheelies all the time. In reality, all the bits and pieces to make it run plus a driver will balance it out nicely.

Although when you really hammer it, the front end will get light. Then again 200 HP in a beetle makes the front end get really light too, but I have never seen one go over backwards

I think you'll find that traction is the limiting factor. You will most likely spin the tires before the front end comes off the ground.

TimberwolfII · Post by **TimberwolfII** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:13 pm

Don't! I'm at that 'done so much, so much left to do' stage. Kinda why I bolted up the engine, moments of joy then moments of self doubt when folk start saying 'you can't do that'. Then I get to feeling JUST WATCH ME!!!

Post by **david58** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:19 pm

I am surprised herbie hasn't called shotgun.

TimberwolfII · Post by **TimberwolfII** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 3:58 pm

Anyhow, i got some therapy today. Amazing the healing qualities of steel, exercise and 3-in-one!!! Making up the side rails of the rear cage.

Tube in bender:

I'm working using the lastest digital hitech bending programme 'ciggypacket II (beta)' heres the print out :

first couple of bends coming, i'm copying the 'one I did earlier' which is harder than doing a one off, lots of juggling checking and getting your head round mirror images!

you've got to line up the tube with where the mandrel starts the bend (i marked it with a small notch) that lets you put the bend where you want it!

A good enough pair.

last bend to put the kink in the lower rail so these sit neatly alongside the engine.

Next, mock them up and put in the transverse tubes and some triangulation.

TimberwolfII · Post by **TimberwolfII** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 4:11 pm

Oh yeah and i guess this is what happens when you have 'just enough' power centred behind the rear wheels:-

http://vimeo.com/5263272

Unit - possibly an LS? ~ 400hp? I don't forsee any problems with my little watch winder...............

Ol'fogasaurus · Post by **Ol'fogasaurus** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 5:07 pm

As I think I said before, there are several Rover/Buick/Olds F-85 powered rear engine rails that I see (and talk to) every year out on the sand. No problems. They can cook a pair of paddles on the pavement (they must have money as paddle tires are not cheap) and go like stink on the sand. I don't think you will have a problem if you have proper suspension rates.

TimberwolfII · Post by **TimberwolfII** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 1:40 am

Good to know ol'fog.