LegendsRacer - Legends & Bandolero Racing Forum
LEGENDS => General => Topic started by: justfreaky on September 01, 2007, 01:51:33 pm
-
Alright, here is my latest crazy idea...
I'm trying hard to get my Dwarf to the roller stage. I've got a ton of parts collected; frame, body work, rear end, shocks, springs, etc... I'm still unsure as to when, and cost, of my wifes' upcoming surgery. Going rounds with insurance companies, Doctors, etc... ::) My plan thus far is still to race SCCA auto-x, unless I can get the local track to try something "new".
My thoughts: I bought an "attempt" at a chassis from a neighbor. It uses old Datsun B210 suspension. While not as adjustable as the legends stuff, he did do a fair job of putting together the front end. Should I cut off the clip and weld it to my chassis; or should I hold out and go for a more "modern" set up?
I've got a lot of time and $$$$ tied up in this project. Looking for some opinions. Any SCCA racers, or road course folks? Got some ideas? I'd be happy to hear them. I would appreciate your input.
Thanks!
Steve
PS
Clarence,
Please don't tell me you have a car for sale "cheap"!!!
Sorry!!! Just a little fun!
-
If you are serious, and want to win races then look away from factory stock stuff from the 70's. . Search online for unequal length control arm kits for tube chassis. There are a Ton of kits out there to get your front end setup right.
You have welding skills, so burning on the supplied tabs for the suspension will be no problem.
Rear axle, look into the Suzuki samurai axle. These are Very strong, not to wide, and you can get disk brake conversions for them as well and a bunch of gear ratios, lockers, limited slip diffs and alloy axle shafts.
A little suspension trick to making a car corner fast. Leave only about 2" of upward suspension travel. Either by bump stops or internal stops on the shocks. However leave allot of travel for suspension droop. This will ensure that your tires will at all times be on the pavement with out a ton a body roll. This is done by getting coilovers that are just a bit longer than you need, and setting them up at near full compression.
What rear suspension are you using?
Are you going to run coil springs, leaf springs or coilovers?
Tires?
Rims?
Pictures perhaps? :)
-
Thanks for the input!
I will be using a Toyota rear end. It is already set up for disc brakes. Running coilovers. Have four 8" Falcon wheels and two 7" wheels. Don't recall the offsets off the top of my head. Haven't decided on tires yet; maybe Hoosier. I'll check what others are using before I make that decision.
I'll try to get a few pics posted when I get the rear of the frame repaired.
Long story!!! At one point the car was stolen along with all my parts. I have since recovered the frame and body work (minus the trunk lid) and have been collecting parts. Anyway, I now have all the parts for rear section of the car except gears. Fuel cell, pump and filter are ready. Brake pedal assembly with dual Tilton master cylinders, balance bar and braided lines are collected. Seat, throttle pedal assembly and tons of misc. parts.
Still hunting for steering gear, front suspension, brake calipers and engine. I could throw a VF 500 Honda engine in there, but would prefer an 1100 or larger. I'll have to see what my budget will allow.
I've also got a lot of money tied up in my grandkids' go kart, and a mini trike ( a little play toy to zip back and forth to work). I work two jobs, both in health care, that tend to eat up 10 plus hours a day. I lack a garage, but have found some shop space to use this winter. Time is my greatest obsticle right now!
Email or PM me. I'm pretty serious about getting this project together. I Miss Racing!!!
Thanks Again!
Steve
-
Check out http://www.tirerack.com for your next set of slicks.
They will heat cycle the tires for you and shave them to race spec. I have played with a few brands of slicks, however I raced rather portly cars. So, any brand info I can give you may not be applicable to your ride.
Its good to hear that you got the guts to your car back! Frickin thieves.
All and all, you have a great start going there. Its nice to hear that there is somebody out there who has a good game plan when it comes to building a car.
I have built a few tube chassis off road trucks and competed rather well with them. If you need any help finding parts, or need some sponsorship for your ride, drop me a line. I still have some pull with a few custom parts shops. Ill see If I can get you some stuff for you car in exchange for a few stickers on the fenders.
Sling me some pictures when you get them in
pegalis@earthlink.net
-
That tire site is great! Lots of info and tech stuff.
As for my build plan; I've always wanted to build a car from the ground up. I didn't just want to weld on brackets to bolt some racing parts to. I have a pretty good library on chassis design, suspension and such. I figured I'd just go for it!
I started several years ago. It's a copy of the old Dwarf Car Products frame. The cage follows the lines of the '40 Ford Coupe. My tin work could be a little better, but it doesn't look too bad.
I started out just buying whatever parts I could find. Since I got the car back , I decided it would be better to just start at one end of the car and work towards the other. I'm making much better progress with this approach. I wonder if maybe I should have started at the front. Oh well, too late now.
They used Toyota, Datsun and Chevette suspension in those days. The Toyota rear has stuck around, and there are better options available for gears. The chassis I bought has Datsun B 210 stuff on it. The Dwarf Cars allow more options for adjustability than the Legends Cars. But I kind of like the idea of a uniform chassis to save money. Most of my bracketry will have multiple holes for mounting points. Otherwise, I am trying to follow the Legends Car approach to my build.
I could ramble on on this forever. I'm enjoying the building process. When I get a bit farther along, I will need to pick your brain. I appreciate your input.
I'll post a couple of pics when I get time to resize them. You'll really get a laugh out of the three wheeler rear end that was "vandalized" under it. Hench the need to repair the rear of the frame. Thieves have no respect for what they steal. I Don't think they had any idea what it was. Just thought it was a big go kart.
As for sponsorship; there are a lot of people on this site more deserving than myself. It always helps to get parts (new or used) free, or at a reduced cost. I'll take all the help I can get in that department! I guess I'll have to buy some fenders!!! ;D ;D ;D
I appreciate your input and help.
Take Care,
Steve
-
Update:
Pegalis has given me some Great ideas to get me motivated again! As have Al and Geoff.
THANKS GUYS!!!
Steve
PS
I'll update as I move forward. ;)
-
No problem 8). I wish I could help you more.
Geoff
-
Pic
-
Update:
Now have my front suspension figured out. Who would have thought to use the "keep it simple" train of thought. :o Maybe I should get more sleep, rather than spend time overthinking everything. :-[ :o ::) I'm going to graft the front end from the chassis I bought, and change the a-arms over to ones that use rod ends. Will be a cheap fix. Won't fly with the INEX, but should work fine for SCCA.
Steve
-
I'm starting to think that maybe I could use the chassis with the a-arms to build my SCCA car. I haven't cut the front end off, "yet", to graft to my '40 Ford chassis. I'm just not crazy about the boxy look of the Chevy Sedan. I would also have to fab body work. Though I do have better ideas on how to do that now. I did the best with what I had at the time.
This whole "building from the ground up" thing can get quite frustrating. I'm still sticking with my "one section at a time" approach. Even though I haven't had a lot of time lately; I've gotten some Great Ideas from everyone. Helps me keep focused.
My THANKS to All!
Steve
-
New update:
Bought all new front suspension. Still going with the a-arm approach. Going to look into purchasing those teflon lined rod ends that Pegalis told me to try.
Steve
-
Now have what amounts to a full containment seat. Also brake proportioning valves and gauges, braided lines.
Steering Wheel and quick disconnect, 1st part of steering shaft. Lots shocks and springs.
Things are coming together nicely! Just have to find someone that understands what I'm trying to put together to weld it all up for me.
Steve
PS
I'll post pics as things move forward
-
Man, sounds like its all coming together! I wish that I lived near ya. I have a tube bender, tube notchers, and mig/tig welders.
I am so looking forward to seeing how your car turns out :)
-
I could sure use you for a neighbor! ;D
You've already given me so much useful information. And pointed me in a more focused, and positive direction.
My next big purchase is going to be engine. That VF 500 just isn't where I need to be. My KZ 750 was stolen, so I'm just SOL. Wish I'd had the money to get that 900 from you. Saving my nickles and dimes. Going for 1000 - 1300cc.
How's your project coming along?
If anything like your offroad stuff; I'll bet it will be Awesome!
Think I may have found someone to do the welding. I want to pose my mini trike project to him. IF he can do what I need, at a reasonable price............... I'll pitch the race car his way. Who knows; might be able to talk him into a sponsorship! ???
I've gotten alot of great info. and encouragement from everyone on the site. Even bought a few parts, as I was able to. I'll update pics when I can. Snow and Cold is my biggest problem this week. :'(
Steve
-
My little project is moving along. Im starting to get some sponsor's lined up. I'm constructing a webpage as we speak, err, type. www.farbeyondriven.net
My new e-mail: farbeyondriven@earthlink.net
So begins the legends project of Team Far Beyond Driven. On road or off, driven to the edge :)
It seems that quite a few motorsports mag's are interested in this little build. I have four that now want a full write up. One that wants to be there on the first test and tune day at the local track, and a group of folks on youtube who are chomping at the bit for the first videos.
The frame needs some major tube work, additional gussets and cross members. Its never been wrecked, but man, are legends chassis flexy. The first test and tune day may not be a race ready car. More of a 'will this thing handle the power' day.
Ill be honest, I'm a little scared of it already ;) And so far, its just a bunch of parts. So, as of yet, its months away.
By the by, that v8 bronco II is doing quite well. He is having far to much fun pissing off the ricer crowd. Its not my thing But hey, A V8 in anything that didnt have it from the factory is fun!
If you save your pennies, I can get you a built 1400 cc busa' engine for 4k ish. 200 hp ;) Or a 900 cc ninja engine for $700
-
http://www.farbeyondriven.net/
Link did not open for me. ???
Sounds like your Rockin' and Rollin' ! Awesome!!!
Can't wait to see how things turn out!
Still thinking about that 900cc
Steve
-
"Link did not open for me. "
heh, thats cauz its not done yet :)
-
Ya give me a link and it's not up and running.............................
GET 'ER DONE!!!!
;)
Steve
-
Ya give me a link and it's not up and running.............................
GET 'ER DONE!!!!
Steve
Working on it, man! There is going to be alot of technical info on this site. I have to finish to tech. drawings, double check my information and math. Id hate to give bad info and somebody f-ing up their car or worse, themselves.
-
Update:
(Just when you thought this thread was dead. :D )
Working on the front end and interior.. Got new upper and lower control arms, spindles (Thanks for the right side Mike!), ball joints, dash panel, oil pressure and temp gauges, water temp gauge, and fuel pressure gauge. Brake system is coming along. Have pedal assembly, several master cylinders, proportioning valve (ratchet style), brake bias gauges, and most of the braided lines for the brake system. Also got all my parts for the full containment seat (The shoulder supports are awesome Dave! Thanks!!!). Thunder also supplied me with a steering wheel, quick disconnect and upper steering shaft. I have been really busy this past year collecting parts, info and pics. Many THANKS to Al and Shaun also!!!, for all the pics and input!
I think I finally found someone to do the welding. He's a racer, so understands my project. Might be able to trade my spare chassis to him for part of the work. I am hopeful that we can get this thing rolling this spring and summer. Still a lot to do!!!
Still need to get rotors and hats, wilwood dyna lite calipers, caliper mounts for the fronts, and a brake bias adjuster for the dual master cylinders. That should just about finish parts for the braking system.
Kyle gave me a great deal on a steering rack! But FedEx managed to lose it, due to a delivery error. THANKS Kyle! Kyle is a Great Guy! He tried to do what he could from his end. I feel bad about not getting the part. I guess I learned a valuable lesson about shipping.
My spare bedroom is packed floor to ceiling with boxes of parts. I also have to THANK Geoff, Scott G., Mike R., and EVERYONE at LegendsRacer for all their help, advice, and encouragement!!!
I'll get some pics posted when I can.
Steve
-
8)
Only a matter of time now!
-
So it was 50 there... So where are the pics Steve?!
Slacking boy, slacking!
Like I can talk. I haven't done a thing on my car in a week. Going to have to work like a demon next week.
Mike
-
I'm just hoping that he puts a big sprint car wing on it. :)
-
I'm not big on the wing; But maybe Mike is planning one!!!
:P
Steve
-
Got wings of my own, watch me fly!
-
Like This:
-
I was thinking a bigger wing than that, and also a nose wing. :)
-
Great picture.
Not my style though. I live in Ontario, not Quebec...
;D
Mike
-
Still plugging away;
Bought some steering shafts and joints, fittings for my fuel system, and a Sunpro Dragon tach (not the one I wanted, but also came with some gauges that I did want).
Wheather is warming up; so hopefully, I can get my guy busy on the welding.
Mini Trike project is also coming along. Need someone to bend up a couple of rear hoops for me. Don't seem to be getting much response from the folks on the chopper site. Guess it's not a big enough project for them. :(
SORRY! Just venting a little frustration. :-[
I'm still working 10 - 12 hour days; and am also looking to move. That has put projects on the backburner for just a little bit. Hoping to get back on it soon!
Keepin' The Faith!
Steve
-
Moving to a place with a garage... Just a thought!
Mike
-
Thinking of just finding a garage, and hiding a bed in the corner!
;D
Yea; Hopefully the new digs will have a garage. Right now I'm having a bit of trouble just finding a place. I would like to find something on the East end of town that is affordable. Both my jobs are out on that side of town. I live Downtown right now. In the winter weather, makes it hard to ride my scooter back and forth. Walking 5 miles to, and from, work in the sub zero weather is Not my idea of a good time!
Anyone here have a tube bender that has time to bend up some 1.25" tubing? Just need 2 simple "U" shapes for the rear hoops on my trike project. Send me a PM if you can help out.
Steve
-
Thanks Shaun!
Look forward to seeing if you can help me out.
Steve
-
Still haven't found a new place yet. But haven't quit looking.
Received my Stiletto rack and pinion unit from Scott (Twenty8). Looks almost new! Going to be very quick on the steering! Also picked up my brake bias bar adjuster. Brake hats, rotors, and calipers are next on my list.
Things are still coming along.
Steve
-
More.
Just stuff I have been collecting as things get closer to coming together.
-
Update on front suspension:
It will now look more like this:
-
Got the parts from Mike and Jeremy today! ;D
I'm worse than a kid at Christmas when I receive a package with race parts. :) :D ;D
THANKS GUYS!!!
Steve
-
Bought the crossmember/ shock towers off eBay yesterday.
Cheaper than trying to build my own.
Still pluggin' away for anyone still keeping track of my build.
Steve
-
Nice find Steve. Good idea, much easier than creating your own.
-
Hi Mike.
FFMedic (Joe) sent me all the measurements when I was planning to build my own.
I don't know what these sell for, as I did not find this part on the 600 site; But I didn't think $51 ($82 w/ shipping) was too bad. I'm sure it would cost at least that to build it.
I also picked up some more braided line for my brake system. I think I have what I need to complete my brake plumbing for both the car and the trike.
I am collecting the braided lines for my fuel system now. I have most of that worked out. Just have to pick up a few fittings, and figure out how I am going to connect it all up to the engine.
Steve
-
Looking forward to seeing how the car turns out. Being in a spec series like legends cars makes life a little easier, but it's fun to see some creativity.
John
-
Looks like you can only get it from 600 with the full front clip... Good find.
-
I saw that on Ebay, should be good the listing stated that is from Jeff Jordan with the pick up points moved to the limit of the 600 rules...I know poeple you have pickuped a new car and had a Jordan chip put on it be for it sees the track. GOOD STUFF
Dave
-
Thanks Guys,
The whole front clip was all I could find on 600 racing, and I didn't need the whole thing. It should work out good.
I hope that I don't have to make any modifications to it. With the measurements that Joe sent me, everything should be ok.
Steve
-
Got my shock towers today! Looks like I might need to grind just a bit (1/16th of an inch) from the insides to fit my frame. It should work out though.
Steve
-
or squeeze the frame a teeny bit?
-
Hi all,
Finally found a new place to live. Hope to have a garage sometime this week.
Had to buy a new computer. Mirosoft Vista sucks! I can't get my HP digital camera software to load. Any computer wizards want to walk me through this one? :-[
Bought a set of Toyota calipers and Hawk adapters to bolt to the rear end. I'll post the pic when I get it resized.
Take Care,
Steve
-
All my computers have Vista at the office, and I just open up with Microsoft picture or whatever they call it, actually like it better than the HP stuff I had at home before I switched to the new camera
-
I'll try that.
Thanks Jim!
Steve
-
I bought a brand new computer for my vinyl cutter and bought the windows program and wiped the Vista off and installed my windows.. lol i don't like alot of change when its not broke..
-
Stock Toyota calipers with Hawk bolt on adapters.
This will be temporary until I can get Wilwood calipers.
-
Some quick pics.
I still have a long way to go.
-
A coat of paint and it should be ready to go. :)
I'm still going to keep pushing for the sprint car wing on top. ;D
John
-
I still have to cut out the damage caused by mounting that 3 wheeler rear end and replace the rear clip. I have the footbox area to build yet, and make the front hoops to mount my front suspension. Have rear suspension mounts to weld in also, so I can mount the rear end. I want to build a roll cage like structure around my fuel cell also. For now, I am going to use a 3 gallon fuel cell. I will likely upgrade to a 5 gallon cell at some point.
My goal is to get it to the roller stage. I have most of the parts I need. I will have to build another trunk lid. Never did recover that. Upside, it was pretty easy to build. This time I am going to use some aluminum NASCAR hood hinges on it.
The wing on top may not be a bad idea. Might help give some downforce on longer straights. I'm doing some research into the areodynamics. Gotta remember that I will be turning left and right, sloloms (? sp.), long and short straights, as well as tight turns. Most of the speeds will be relatively low compared to racing a road course or oval track. Steering and weight transfer will be my major focus.
Steve
-
Like I had mentioned before, someone up in this area who I have seen in autocrosses has a little open wheel car with a big V8 and with huge wings and it just flys. Just kidding about the sprint car wing. ;D
-
John,
I'm always looking for any small advantage.
I posted that pic of Scuba Steve's Dwarf Car. He uses a wing... And it seems to work for him.
My thinking right now is to limit air that gets under the car. Maybe sideskirts and a front airdam of some sort.
Steve
-
I'm not getting very far, but things are looking up. I get my garage tomorrow................... Finally!!! ;D
I bought some heims a couple weeks ago. I think I can start assembling some sub-assemblies. At least then I can have things ready to go when I get the welding done.
Losing my job and cutting off my finger were not good for getting anything done on the car. I've had lots of time to dedicate to research and the site though. :D
I've also been trying to help Ed with his Bando site. He is planning a winter series out west for the Bando Cars. Not firm on the dates yet. Will post them when I know more.
Didn't want you all to think I have given up on building my car.
Steve
-
You need to remember that faster moving air is a great source of down force. Its not as important to keep the air out from under our cars, as it is to smooth out the flow of said air. If the air thats moving under the car, can flow faster that the air on top, you can have down force. The way to use this to your advantage, is to make the underside of your car as free from bumps and protrusions as possible. If you can make the belly of your car flat and smooth, you will be well on your way to some good down force. Side skirts are there in real race cars to keep the airflow under the car from going out the side. In aftermarket body kit form, they are there to look good and make you think your going faster :)
Same for the front air splitter.
The problem with our cars, is the simple fact that they are airodynamic as bricks. We have lift in all the wrong places, and down force in oddball useless spots.
To counteract this, and to keep a legends or dwarf car planted, you need wings fore and aft. More so on the back end of the car for the added traction. 8* of pitch, and approx. 8" of height from the highest body panel with the rear wing, will gain your the most downforce to drag ratio. More pitch than that, the drag exceeds the benefit of DF.
:D
-
Hey Pegalis...
Not on the subject, but you need to post more...it seems like every time you do, i feel smarter after reading it! No joke...thanks for sharing!
-
To add to what Pegalis said about side skirts take a look at the big league cars at the big tracks. They run as little side skirt as possible on the left side to help pull the air from under the car while the car is in yaw cornering. Its a little something I never noticed until I was talking to a Hendrick engineer last year. On my late model I made my side skirts on the left side so that they were even with the bottom of the frame and connected to the frame and aslo made the bottom of the car flat and clean. Playing with the air is relatively cheap and easy downforce if you do your homework.
-
Pegalis (Shaun) has been rather busy as of late. He has mostly recovered from his own injuries; But is also caring for his mother, who had a stroke recently. She has been improving also.
Shaun,
I do think I will try to reduce drag underneath the car, and also add side skirts. I'm looking over some books on aerodynamics. For auto-cross, I don't think there will be any major gains by running a wing(s). Besides, They look goofy! The thing will never be an indy car. Not counting on ground effects... But would like to cut down on drag where I can.
Thanks for the input!
Steve
-
Jeff,
Thanks for the input!
Side skirts were something I played with a bit on my mod. In auto-cross, I will be turning both left and right. Thinking of skirts on both sides, and leaving the front open to channel the air underneath the car. Still looking into the possabilities.
Steve
-
You dont really want to channel air under the car. You actually want to let as little under the car as you can and try to evacuate as fast as possible what does get under. Thats what cuases the low pressure under the car producing downforce. If you feed more air to the underside of the car you slow it down reducing downforce. Remember you want the car to act like an airplane wing up side down.
-
Jeff,
I was thinking along the line of smaller opening up front and large opening in the rear. Kind of a tunnel effect.
Not going to put a ton of effort in it, as I think the gains would be minimal for my purposes. I will try to clean up air flow underneath and through the car as I am able.
I may add fenders (at a later date) to clean up air flow around the tires and suspension.
Steve
-
I would think that one sheet of aluminum from a race shop would be more than enough to make an undertray for the car. A big wing would still look cool though. :)
With the short sprint runs in autocross, you can probably close the nose in.
-
Do you think I should just build a sprint car and throw a Legends body on it? ;D ;D ;D
Race Shop??????????????????????????????
What's That?
We have 1. At least he calls himself a "race shop". If it's not drag racing he is clueless!!! Or doesn't care.
Can't grasp the concept of what I am doing.
The bottom of the car is already pretty flat. Just need to route some air around the rear end. Could seal off the driveshaft tunnel also.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????????
Most of the cars here are production models. Some are modified to fit thier class. Very few purpose built race cars in this area. Will be interesting to see what class they put me in with. It's all about time anyway. I'll just have to get it done and see what happens.
Steve
-
Yea, I've been out of the game for a little bit, but its nice to poke around every now and again ;)
If your only planning on running soloII / autocross, then you wont get much downforce from anything. Problem is, ya have to be doing over 80 mph to see any real gain from wings/skirts etc. Ive seen 700hp cars perhaps hit 65 mph on our local autocross tracks. Now, running hill climbs, road courses or ovals, now all the time you spent playing with the airflow over your car comes into play.
If you want to kick some butt in soloII, make your ride street legal. They will class you with race prepped mini coopers and civics. Go get em!
-
My latest purchase...
Don't know if I will really need them, but the price was right.
-
One Word..........
GARAGE
I finally got one!!!
Lets Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
I Lied...........................
I got two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now I have some indoor storage for the hot rod!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8) 8) 8)
My futures so bright, I gotta wear shades.
;D ;D ;D
Steve
PS,
Both race cars are already out of the wind.
-
Way to go Steve!!! I got a 20 x 24 detached double garage built a little over a year ago. I needed it since the wife declared her car would stay in the single garage we had. Now I need to get some type of heat source so I can work on stuff in the winter and get my ass out of the house. Not sure what to do on that front though.
-
Maybe a jet heater? Kerosine, oil burner.... Lots of options.
If the race car had a back seat......................... ???
Not going to go there.
:rollin:
??? Well!!!!!!................
SORRY! I've been up way past my bedtime. :o
LOL!
Steve
-
Waste oil burner...kill 2 birds with 1 stone
-
Gotta put that oil change to good use.
Why not heat the shop with it.
Good point Jim!
Steve
-
Got my balaclava (head sock) today. Getting all my gear in order. Still will wait on belts, net and helmet 'til I get 'er done.
Things are looking up. Just have to get back to work.
Not much of an update, but that's where I'm at at this point.
Want to get one of Jeff's rear clips to replace the damage that was done to mine. I think it will save time and money in the long run.
I'll keep you all posted.
I think I will move this thread to the general area ,as I am not in need of handling or suspension questions anymore.
My Thanks to all of you that have helped thus far!!!
Steve
-
OK..... I'm not dead yet!!!
Have a complete Yamaha 1100 bike lined up. Am going to have to do it in a couple of installments; But as of tomorrow, it should be a done deal! ;)
Might need to actually ride the bike for a few months just for daily transportation. My little brother will rebuild the engine for me in the winter months.
This has been a very slow project, but things are really starting to come together! My nextdoor neighbor runs a drag car; I think that I can get him to do some welding for me... Hopefully, that will get me back on track.
Just thought I would update everyone. Thanks to all for your support!!!
Steve
-
Looking forward to seeing how the dwarf car turns out. Also, don't forget to put a big wing on it. ;)
-
John,
When I get my computer back up and running I have another pic of one with a wing. Think you'll like it! ;D
Steve
-
I did get the bike! It's an '81 Yamaha 1100. Only has about 3,000 miles on it and is in really nice shape. I will likely ride it for awhile, then have my brother freshen the engine before it goes in the race car.
Still don't have an internet provider. Hope to get back online (full time) soon. ;)
Steve
-
Dang if it is that good of shape you have a keeper. Maybe you shouldn't tear it apart.
Scott
-
I know a lot of you never thought you would see another update on this on going thread. [embarrassed!]
The Yamaha 1100 runs awesome. It is exremely fast for it's weight and size. As it is some 1050 lbs. in the bike, it should be pretty good in the race car.
I picked up a 1000 Kawasaki last week for $250 (What A Buy!!!!). Everything seems to be in good shape. The battery is dead, so need to spend a few bucks to buy a new one. Will have my brother check it all out for me. It's nice to have a bike mechanic in the family! ;D
Hope to really get busy on at least one of the cars this spring and summer. Should have at least one up and running by next season.
Am going to talk to the local SCCA group here next weekend. Will let everyone know what they have to say.
Thanks for following along!
Steve
-
Make sure you post some pictures when you put the giant wing on the car. ;)
Glad to see the project is coming along.
-
Have decided to throw the 1000 Kawasaki into the sedan chassis. As it is already a roller, I am thinking this will be the fastest way to get back into racing. I have been gone way too long. <embarrassed> I still haven't given up on my own designed '40 Ford Coupe. Will still work on that as I am able. It has been a long period between design and build. I am always looking at upgrades. Can't wait to talk to the SCCA club tomorrow.
Steve
-
Wait a minute... What sedan chassis? I knew you were putting together a home built coupe, but where did the sedan come from?
Mike
-
I picked up a sedan chassis with the rear end already cut and welded and front suspension mostly done. I was going to cut it up to do repairs on the coupe, but couldn't bring myself to cut it up. Bought a '81 Yamaha 1100 and a Kawasaki 1000. I am going to put the 1000 in the sedan. I found a couple of neighbors who will help with the welding. I am thinking of trying to find a used legends body for it. May have one lined up.
Anyway, The plan is to get real busy this fall and winter and see if I can have it ready to go for next season. I have a ton of parts in the garage but will need to buy radius rods and heims. I'll talk to Jim about that when I'm ready.
Steve
-
Good to see an update on the longest running thread in Legendsracer history!
I'm switching my front end over to the 37 for next year Steve, so if you want the 34 stuff, let me know. Fenders and grill surround have been repaired multiple times, but its useable, it's still on my car.
-
The longest running thread on legendsracer is back on. ;D
Picked up a trailer and can now at least get the car hauled around. Still more to do to it, but I've only got like $400 into it so far. Ramps and tire rack are my next plans for the trailer. Going through the boxes of parts and choosing what I need for the sedan. As it is a rolling chassis, I decided to do it first. Will post some pics when I get it out of the garage.
Steve
-
Got my tires for the race car yesterday. THANKS TONY!!!
Also, now have my radius rods, upper link, panhard bar and heims. THANKS JIM!!! (VMS Motorsports)
And got all my rear end brackets from RPM. THANK YOU RANDY!!!
I have to Thank Dave and Justin Comer, Dave Spotton and a few friends from DCR for parts and advice.
Been going through my boxes of parts. Forgot how much stuff I have collected over the years. lol!
Steve
-
Now put it together and post some pictures.......Sound like you now....LOL
-
Well, I guess the old thread is still alive and kickin'!
Pulled the engine and wiring harness out of the donor bike today. :)
I'm going to pull the pan to get a look at the bottom end. Will clean the oil pump and make sure all is within spec. On the advice from one of the KZR members, I picked up a trap door (or gate) to install on the pan. It helps keep oil around the oil pump pick up. Have used a similar "gate" on my modified in the past and was satisfied with the results.
Carbs look pretty clean. I will need to re-jet, so going to do a little cleaning while I'm in there.
I am building an air cleaner using the R2C filter from VMSmotorsports and some velocity stacks. Similar to Rosson Racings system or ITG.
Rather than pods or dual filters, I am going with my original idea to use a single oval filter. It is very similar in size to the air box it will be replacing.
I think it will work out well.
I bought my oil cooler, fittings and hoses. These old Kawasaki's don't push a lot of oil pressure, unfortunately, so a top end oiler may not be part of the system. I will hook up an oil temp gauge so I can track oil temperature. I also have the fans to help with cooling. Will just have to cross my fingers and hope cooling doesn't become an issue. As autocross is only one lap of the course, I think I will be alright. Most of the courses are fairly short.
I am looking at some slotted cam gears for the valvetrain. Also looking into a rev limiter so as not to over rev if a missed shift. Speeds tend to be faily low on our local courses, but not sure at other locations around the state. Our course at the fairgrounds is pretty good sized with some nice straightaway speeds.
Interior aluminum and 1"x2" for rear clip repair bought from our local steel recycing yard. I Love This Place!!! Pacific Steel and Recycling. You have to stop in every week; But eventually you will find what you need. I still need to build my doors. Not a problem with the steel for that. I picked up some nice heavy duty (weldable) hinges from my local farm and ranch store.
The whole project is not coming along as quickly as I would like; But it is coming together.
Steve
-
Gasket set ordered today. Ready to dig in to the engine!!!
Picked up a couple Dyna rev limiters. Hope that gives me some measure of safety enginewise.
Doing a lot of reading and research on my engine and wiring.
Steve
-
Went and bought the new (used, but new to me) tow vehicle today. Race car is comming home tomorrow snow or not. lol!
Steve
-
Car is out at the house! Next stop is the welding shop.
The Blazer did a fine job pulling the trailer and car (even in the snow flurries).
I'm pretty excited to at least have the car at home instead of traveling 14 miles to work on the car.
Steve
-
Wouldnt that mean you have pictures?
For someone who always asks for pictures....
-
LOL!!! Yep, that's me (Picture guy). I'll get some posted up very soon.
;)
Steve
-
Pic of donor bike ('80 Kawasaki KZ1000)
-
Been looking the engine over. So far all looks good! My welding person has been ill, so nothing done on chassis. SOON! (I Hope)
-
Chassis heading to my welder next week. Have all materials to repair rear clip, build doors and diamond plate for floor. The folks at Pacific Steel have been AWESOME to deal with! Also picked up another set of Wilwood calipers. I'll keep my Toyota calipers for back up. Need to get some sheetmetal or aluminum for my body work. Still thinking about re-doing my front suspension. Have all the new parts... Just want to get the car going! Things are happening. ;) :) ;D
Steve
-
Great to hear Steve. I finally took my first drive around the block today, and I bought a 'finished' car!
Jeff
-
Jeff,
Awesome! Buying a finished car is the way to go. Congratulations!!!
My projects have been in the works for many years. The research and parts collecting has been fun, but very expensive.
What modifications are you going to have to do to get it ready to auto cross?
Steve
-
Steve,
I don't have much planned right now. I will take the car out in 2 weeks and I will have a better idea after that. I just received a blower to add into the air cooling box on the engine. I am a little worried about the engine heating up the way we run them for autocross (on, run full blast for a minute, then off). I have noticed that my engine is pretty cold blooded and needs some time to warm up before running its best. The first thing I need to do is determine what rear gear I need to run. I think my 2.50 is a little low.
Jeff
-
Jeff,
I'm not 100% sure on gear either. I've been giving serious thought to a 3:58 - 3:33. I don't know what gear is in the car now. Guess I should check.
Steve
-
FINALLY!!!! Car is headed off to the welder on Tuesday. :o
Really looking forward to working with one of my new sponsors (D&D Welding)!
Steve
-
OK, I lied... Car was delivered to the shop today. My welder is very excited to get on things! SWEET!!!!
Things should really be rockin' now. I'll post up some pics as things come together.
Steve
-
So, I dropped the Toyota rear end out to the shop. Forgot to grab the shocks and springs. :-[
Think I will go with the new suspension instead of the Datsun stuff. Things are comming together, but very slowly.
Not looking like we will make late season. We shall see. :'(
Steve
-
After some complaining about lack of progress, things are finally rolling. Roof bars are in and rear clip repairs are underway. Next part of the project, doors and mounting the rear end. I will try to get some pics on Monday or Tuesday.
Steve
-
Spent an hour this morning go over the progress. Car is starting to show progress. (all I asked). Rear clip done, roof bars tacked, some extra tabs cut off. Close to mounting the rear end. They want me to come back tonight and get that set up. Things are looking good!
Steve
-
(whew) I'm still ahead of you in the great turtle race
~G~
-
(whew) I'm still ahead of you in the great turtle race
~G~
LOL! Hazards of building your own frame, suspension, etc... I could have bought 2 new legends cars with the time and money I have invested in the 1 car.
Anyone who thinks about redesigning the wheel is crazy!!! Let those with the proper jigs and tools do all the hard work! It IS a learning experience for sure! :o
Steve
-
Getting ready to mount the rear end.
This should be a fun project! Wish us luck getting everything in square.
Steve
-
Did you get the welding all finished ?
-
Roof bars, one rear cross bar (top rear), and rear clip repair. Still lots of welding yet to do.
I need to square the rear end in the chassis. Going to use the front ball joints for wheelbase and the centerline of the chassis width for the side to side.
Shooting for 73" so that I have 1/4" either direction to shorten or lengthen wheelbase.
Chassis centerline should get me inline side to side.
I have my trailing arms, top link and panhard bars; To determine where I need to place the frame mounts.
I also have several shock and spring combinations already set up. For now, I will go with the initial spring combos that Randy suggested to me. That should help me get the spring mounts in the right spot. All mounts will be somewhat adjustable. Going to tack everything in place for the time being. They like being able to roll the car around if need be. As I said; Still lots to do! At least I am finally seeing some progress being made. Was a very slow start. They have had he car for over a month and a half. I try to be patient, as I know this is a sponsorship deal. Not looking like we will be done anytime for this season. :'(
Steve
-
I guess I am still ahead of you in getting the car done then. Haha, I have to repeat this though... We started with nothing and still have most of it left !
~Gimp~
-
I can cross generator off my wish list. Rhonda spoils me!
Been on vacation, so haven't had time to check on any progress. Working next 10 day str
aight and 2 banquets. Money is good; Sleep is better. :-\
I'll try to get out to D&D Welding and post pics of progress.
Steve
-
Weld shop is not getting anything done. Going to have to go out and pick up my car. Have another welder lined up (this one I have to pay for). Whatever!!!!! Just want to be moving forward soon.
Steve
-
That's a bummer Steve :'( Hopefully some progress will get done soon.
Tony
-
Thats the one good thing about paying for stuff, it (usually) gets done faster.
One of these years Steve...
-
Thanks guys!
Thought perhaps this could work out. Just not getting the work done. Not because they are busy. I would be a little more tolerant in that case.
Time to move on and get stuff done!!!!
Steve