Summer Project Car Teaster

[USMC850T]

I'd love to be able to build projects like that.

Concerning the engine:

(I've riden motorcycles for about 30 years)

One engine I could recommend, is a V-4 Honda. Some of the older V-65s or older interceptor 1000's had Honda's famous V-4 engine. If you have never riden one, they are strong and have lots of low end torque. I don't recommend them because of the Max hp numbers - they only make about 120, but good accelleration starts right off idle, and continues to build - all the way PAST redline.

I had an Interceptor 1000 and if there is one thing I could say about it = the power delivery was predictable. I've driven and owned many other bikes - many of them hands down were TONS faster, but none of them had the smooth, linear, and predictable power delivery of the Honda V-4 engines.

If consistency is what you need, you would have a hard time doing better than one of those. Oh and low CG too.

Newer bikes with the V-4 would be the ST-1300. I've driven an ST1100 and it had similar power delivery as the interceptor.

The problem with going with a bike motor is going to be the clutch. There is no room for a pedal clutch, which means it would have to be like a clutch lever on the gear shift lever, which may or may not work out well. There is barely going to be any room inside the car which could make the gearshift lever not possible.

[Leo850T5]

wow 100hp in a 400lb car... don't kill yourself!

[cranky]

you said:

"Since I'm not road racing I'll use either a 600cc or 1000cc sport bike motor, so I should be a decent quicker."

my point was that the Honda V-4's are not "peaky" - and therefore much more consistent while maintaining the level of Hp equal to those you mentioned - and spreading the torque over a larger rpm range making the car easier to drive - fast.

wow 100hp in a 400lb car... don't kill yourself!

100hp in a 400lb car would be too much fun - but it doesn't compare (hp to weight) to the Suzuki GSXR1000 at 185hp and 379lbs.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suz...xr1000%2007.htm

[Leo850T5]

well, that's not fun! that bike is a suicide machine!

[USMC850T]

you said:

"Since I'm not road racing I'll use either a 600cc or 1000cc sport bike motor, so I should be a decent quicker."

my point was that the Honda V-4's are not "peaky" - and therefore much more consistent while maintaining the level of Hp equal to those you mentioned - and spreading the torque over a larger rpm range making the car easier to drive - fast.

100hp in a 400lb car would be too much fun - but it doesn't compare (hp to weight) to the Suzuki GSXR1000 at 185hp and 379lbs.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suz...xr1000%2007.htm

I understand what you're saying about the peakyness of some sportbike motors. I have sourced a Suzuki GSX 750F motor for $125 with gearbox and sprockets. It runs, 1993 or around there which would put it just over 100HP from the research I'm doing. I've also figured out a way to overcome the clutch issue. We are going to do a steering wheel mounted paddle clutch with a BMX gyro. Maybe next year i'll be able to motivate my brother to develop an electronic paddleshifting setup, but at that point I'd probably need to pick up a motor with fuel injection and ecu control.

I picked up a set of spindles, which are the hubs for $60, and as soon as I have them in my posession work will start on fabricating the A arms. The pedal assembly will also be started this weekend, my buddy is building a replica of his. Once I get pictures of what's underway I'll post them up for you guys. If i can find a scanner i'll post some of the sketches i've been working on.

O I may not wind up with 185 HP, but I know I'll put all of mine to the road without wheelies . If 100 isn't enough it's nothing a little turbo won't solve.

[cranky]

Oh I think 100hp would be enough. I owned a 600 Hurricane the first year they came out (87) and it was rated at 83hp, and all the magazine tests said 0-60 in 3.2 and top speed of 140, and it weighed about 430lbs.

The 750 suzuki motor is a good choice - not quite as peaky as the 600s, but you'll still have to watch what gear you're in when the tach gets above 6500 - you don't want to go spinning..... those engines were oil and air cooled - not water cooled - something to keep in mind. and howabout max torque being at 9500 rpm!

Sounds like a fun project - keep up the good work.

I understand what you're saying about the peakyness of some sportbike motors. I have sourced a Suzuki GSX 750F motor for $125 with gearbox and sprockets. It runs, 1993 or around there which would put it just over 100HP from the research I'm doing. I've also figured out a way to overcome the clutch issue. We are going to do a steering wheel mounted paddle clutch with a BMX gyro. Maybe next year i'll be able to motivate my brother to develop an electronic paddleshifting setup, but at that point I'd probably need to pick up a motor with fuel injection and ecu control.

I picked up a set of spindles, which are the hubs for $60, and as soon as I have them in my posession work will start on fabricating the A arms. The pedal assembly will also be started this weekend, my buddy is building a replica of his. Once I get pictures of what's underway I'll post them up for you guys. If i can find a scanner i'll post some of the sketches i've been working on.

O I may not wind up with 185 HP, but I know I'll put all of mine to the road without wheelies . If 100 isn't enough it's nothing a little turbo won't solve.

[USMC850T]

Brakes : I was recomended Outlaw Brakes, which are willwood replica brakes - 100 bucks per caliper + hawk pads and slotted discs = expensive!

[cranky]

Brakes : I was recomended Outlaw Brakes, which are willwood replica brakes - 100 bucks per caliper + hawk pads and slotted discs = expensive!

Why not use brakes taken off a bike? They would be light, powerful, and very capable and a lot less expensive.