Re: Suspension help?

[Dave Hartnell <dave.hartnell@techbc.ca>]

Sharkey,

I know the rabbits can get into the 11's with Front wheel drive, I was
building a turbocharged 1.8L for the project origionally and i had hoped
it would power me into the 11's <300crank horsepower/ftlbs torque>

I decided that things were getting to complex and risky for my liking
<at least with gas powered things> and i decided that a naturally
aspirated 1.8L or 2L motor would be better..After thinking about it for
a few more months i think an EV is probably my Ideal machine and would
be fun to experience, as well to show others what is possible with
alternate fuel vehicles.

I had origionally considered keeping my car front wheel drive,
especially considering i already own a Quaife differential and have it
installed in a 5speed with higher gearing for the turbo.

Its warrenteed for life against breakage <the quaife diff> even for
racing. The problem is i have a feeling the axles and clutch wont stand
up to the abuse. Its been reported that the Quaife will start sheering
apart at 360 road horsepower with slicks. which would equate to approx
420crank horsepower from an ICE.

Front wheel drive is still an option, I would have to fabricate a motor
adapter so that i could belt drive a pair of 8" motors directly to the
gearbox. I also have upgraded axles/CV's with low mileage.

I had envisioned something similar to Otmar's Porsche 914 setup with the
custom made belt driven system

This is still a valid option but so far everyone i've talked to about
drag racing and especially drag racing EV's has said its RWD or nothing.

I have only been considering RWD since i've noted that i can aquire and
shorten a Jaguar IRS system for the exact same amount i have been
offered for my gearbox. So its a no cost situation <other than the extra
pieces, and i'd be in for extra pieces to fab a belt drive for the stock
setup, either way>.


On Tue, 2002-01-29 at 21:40, Sharkey wrote:
> Dave;
> 
> How fast do you want to go, anyway? Gas-powered Rabbits can break the 12's
> in the ¼ mile with front-wheel-drive (well, at least bad-ass high powered
> ones can). I guess if you've got the time and money, anything's possible,
> including a complete re-fabrication to RWD. Be sure to budget for some
> wheelie bars, I think you'll need them!
> 
> -S
>