New long term project. Sprite powered rear engined race car.

[apbos]

I have recently acquired a abandoned race car project. I am not a racer, but would like to see the car on the track with possibly my nephews or my daughter driving the car. The car was designed by a Bay Area builder. Here is link to the discussion about the car Racing forum . I thought it might be relevant to this forum as I plan on using a 1275 engine for the project and therefore Sprite gauges, electronics etc.

The car will has an Elva suspension, Sprite drive train, based on the Huffaker formula junior and Genie cars. The body looks to be a modified LeGrand mk18 ( dated about 1974) and a custom chassis based on the LeGrand MK18.
At this time we are proceeding with the manufacture of an adapter plate for the Hewland/ VW transaxle and the a-Series engine. I thought I would document our work.

Regards
Paul

 

[apbos]

Here is the Huffaker prototype for the rear engine plate adapter. I have ordered a new alloy rear end plate to serve as a base and then we will mate the VW transaxle plate.

Here is the mating surface of the VW. When the new plate arrive we will combine the two, with the appropriate spacing and probably 3D print a test model to make sure our CAD file is correct before we send it off for machining.

 

[JPSmit]

looks like a fun and interesting project - keep us posted!

 

[drooartz]

Looks like a really cool project, will be fun to follow along.

 

[apbos]

Today the new alloy plate came in the post. 8 mm thick! Odd it was advertised as 6mm. Not a problem as long as we take in the new measurements into account.

 

[apbos]

Here is the second prototype plate on top of the rear backplate. I wonder if we will need to enlarge the center hole in order to fit an Oil Seal Kit? Any one have the dimensions handy?

Also notice this plate did not have an oil pump hole. It was built for a dry sump motor! Now it is up to the family engineer to put it into solid works!

 

[apbos]

Back from a trip to the ”old country” and nearly recovered from an unfortunate medial collateral ligament knee injury brings an update. The CAD file is done on the adapter plate and have found a MK8 Hewland Gearbox. Looks like we will have some nice warm weather and I am considering doing some body work/ paint while the weather is good. But this presents a problem, Patina ! You can see the old paint on the pictures above. Should I just buff it out or start afresh?

 

[apbos]

Just a quick up date. We have CAD models of the two adapter plates and the stock 1275. We are going to make one combination that will work best for the project. The plate below must have been for a dry sump car.

 

[mezy]

Would it not have been simpler to have fitted a 1275 gt engine out of a Mini. already transverse and gearbox mounted under it.
Or would this option give a poor weight distribution.

 

[apbos]

Mezy
I do not think the weight distribution would be detrimental. A mini engine was used in some rear engined cars in the day. However the chassis is bespoke for a Hewland transaxle and engine mounted longitudinally. The mounting at the axle is only about 20 inches wide at the rear of the chassis.
Paul