| Author |
 Topic  |
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
 Posted - April 17 2003 : 2:45:18 PM
What´s the best Viper kit avaible? I´m looking for an accurate kit, not a cheap one. I want to know if all Viper kits are too bad.I found Viper kits here:
http://www.realcoolcars.com/cats/features/vetper/
http://www.iespana.es/autoreplica2000/web1.htm
http://www.fierofactory.com/
http://www.catechnologies.com/gdesign/
http://www.fleximakhold.com/ If there is any other, please tell me. Anyone who have or had a Viper replica please tell me about the kit. I want to know what people think in this forum, I know I can get true opinions about it. Thanks in advance |
Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 20 2003 : 01:22:43 AM
I expected a little more feedback... Come on! No one in this forum has ever seen a Viper replica to tell me what company produces a good kit? I can´t believe it... |
meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - April 20 2003 : 09:07:35 AM
Of all of the websites you posted, I only managed to find one that had a "product," and that is Graciano Designs. I've seen the Vetper, but have never heard of any of the other companies, and the other companies didn't seem to have any information on them.I'd be wary of ... well, all of them. Your pal,
Meat.
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 20 2003 : 2:40:09 PM
And what do you think about the Vepter and the Venom from Graciano, what´s the best?Or maybe you know of any other Viper (R/T 10, GTS, SRT-10) avaible? |
meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - April 20 2003 : 9:25:21 PM
Well, the bigger question is: which one can you get?I'll tell you right now that the guys on RealCoolCars.com aren't exactly telling you the complete truth. They mention something about the guys who built the Vetper being the same guys who built the Miami Vice Daytona Spyder. Allow me to be the first to tell you that that ain't true. Tom McBurnie did the two original cars for Albert Mardikian in Newport Beach, California (coincidentally, the same city I happen to live in). I got to rewire the electrical system for one of the cars (the one with the Gale Banks turbo). Mardikian went out of business, and the cars sat for sale over on a car lot on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway for awhile, then the cars were purchased and shipped to Florida for the show. I know this, because I knew all of the parties involved in the lives of these two cars. Therefore, I have a bit of trouble believing some of the stuff written over on RealCoolCars. Also, DodgeViperReplica.com is no more. So, can you get a Vetper? Next, the Graciano. I have no issues with this car. Can you get the car? Probably. There's a nice Scottish car as well. Chrysler is almost as quick as ******* to file suit, which means that alot of the companies are underground. Unfortunately, not all companies go underground because they're afraid of being litigated into oblivion. Some of them are underground because the owners of the companies dwell there; they're scum. Let's talk about the bodies. As these are rebodies, not full customs, they are somewhat limited by the platform they are built on. Every Viper replica without exception looks chunky. Whether it's in the back, over the front wheel arches, or just thick through the doors, the cars aren't as smooth as the Dodge product is. As much as I continue to claim that I'm "just some guy with an opinion," I do have a reasonalby well-trained eye, and can usually pick out the kit car without too much trouble. That's not to say that's a bad thing, but it's something to note. Of all of the Viper replicas, I'd have to say that the one I like the most is the full convertible that was put out by Vetper; it didn't even pretend that it was a replica; it was a different car completely. And, on a side note, there actually was a convertible test mule in the history of the Dodge Viper, it was a white one, and I thought it was a very cool car. So which one would I pick? I don't know. If all of the Viper replicas were available, I'd be inclined to pick up the Vetper convertible. With the current availability, I'd have to go with the Graciano, and make sure that I paid for it when I showed up at the shop to pick it up... Your pal,
Meat.
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 20 2003 : 11:27:45 PM
So Viper replicas are bad. That´s what I wanted to know. Graciano´s Venom seems chunky. I don´t like it. All of them are Corvettes rebodies? I believed the Venom from Fiero Factory was a complete kit. I guess I was wrong. Anyway, thanks a lot meat.I will continue looking for a complete kit, front engine open car (roadster, speedster, cabriolet....). No Vipers, No Z3, No Cobras. Is there any other thing avaible (I would love a Z8, SL500 or DB7 Volante)? Another thing. Sorry about asking this thing on this topic, but what´s a nice kit for a first project? I like the Diablo Roadster from IFG but I don´t know if a middle engine car could be a nice idea for my first project. Thanks a lot meat |
meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - April 21 2003 : 08:49:59 AM
What's a good first project is going to depend on your skill set. Rebodies are always the easiest, but not always the most popular.If you're looking for a project just to see if you can build it, a Diablo isn't going to be a good first choice; stretching a chassis isn't easy, and if you do it wrong, weld poorly or whatever, you can end up with an undriveable mess that could have a catastrophic structural failure at a very bad time. And the doors aren't all that simple to make work, either. If you're set on a rebody, the do something non-stretch for your first project; a Countach or even an ASPP GT40. If you want to do a project that will fill you with confidence, then build and FFR; they're popular and easy to build. You'll be able to get rid of the car after your build it. Plus, it will be an introduction into kit cars, rather than simple rebodies. You'll learn wiring, engine and tranny installation, suspension ... and pop riveting. LOTS about pop riveting! Just keep in mind that - even though you can build an FFR - that doesn't mean you're a kit car builder...it means you can build an FFR. Get your chops on something either (a) non-stretch, or (b) really easy. Then move on to something harder. Your pal,
Meat.
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 21 2003 : 4:45:03 PM
You mean any FFR kit? I like the Type 65 Coupe, it´s a ******* 250 GTO or a Cobra Coupe? Because it seems a little bit different than a GTO. Anyway, that´s the only company that produces "easy-to-build" kits? I wanted something different. The Mercedes SL300 (or SL600 I don´t remember) that fits on a LeBaron or Mustang is a rebody or a complete kit? Is it hard to build?BTW: All the 250 GTO kits are based on Datsun Z cars? Isn´t there a complete kit avaible? Is it that hard to build? Anyway, thanks a lot meat
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meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - April 21 2003 : 6:24:39 PM
quote:
You mean any FFR kit? I like the Type 65 Coupe, it´s a ******* 250 GTO or a Cobra Coupe? Because it seems a little bit different than a GTO. Anyway, that´s the only company that produces "easy-to-build" kits? I wanted something different. The Mercedes SL300 (or SL600 I don´t remember) that fits on a LeBaron or Mustang is a rebody or a complete kit? Is it hard to build?BTW: All the 250 GTO kits are based on Datsun Z cars? Isn´t there a complete kit avaible? Is it that hard to build? Anyway, thanks a lot meat
The FFR Type 65 Coupe is a replica of the 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe, not a ******* 250 GTO. The Daytona Coupe is the only car that Shelby really did design (okay, so it was Brock Yates...but he was working for Shelby at the time!), and it was the car that won the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship cup. And no, they aren't the only company that produces easy-to-build kits. They are the company that produces single donor kits; you don't have to spend your time looking for a 1972 Chevette steering column, a 1974 Mustang II suspension, the rear end from a 1966 Ford truck ... you get the idea; the FFR kit requires a 1987-1993 Mustang with a V8 and your choice of transmissions - 5-speed or auto - to build. Easy to build is a relative term; it depends on what kind of building experience you've got. The SL kit that you're referring to is a rebody - it fits on another car. I don't know that all of the GTO kits are Datsun Z rebodies, but I have yet to see a GTO kit that's not a rebody. In other words, I've seen some hand-built GTOs, but they weren't made from an off-the-shelf 'kit.' A good rule of thumb is that if a body is made to fit on a production car by replacing the panels of that car, then it's a rebody. Your pal,
Meat.
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 22 2003 : 4:08:04 PM
quote:
Easy to build is a relative term; it depends on what kind of building experience you've got.
I agree with you. I meant what kit was the best for a first project. I didn´t know that FFR kits are single-donor kits, but I guess that´s what I´m looking for. Are there any other single-donor kits avaible? As I told you I want something different from a Cobra. quote:
A good rule of thumb is that if a body is made to fit on a production car by replacing the panels of that car, then it's a rebody.
I know that, I just wanted to know if all GTO are Datsun Z rebodies, because I couldn´t find a complete kit for that car. I believe that could be an easy project.The thing is I want a complete kit (not a rebody) because in my country it´s too expensive to buy the cars that are tipicaly used as donors. There are some Mustangs 4-cyl for over $20K, few Corvettes small block for over $40K and I couldn´t find a Fiero yet, but I believe it would be too expensive anyway. I want a complete kit because I want to use cars as donors that are avaible here, most of them front engine cars. I like the 250 GTO because of that, but as I could only find Datsun Z rebodies I started looking for another cars. Same with Jaguar XK140, all I could find where turnkeys. I believe front engine kits are easy to build. I like those Dueesnberg made by Gatsby (http://www.gatsbycars.com) but I believe they are avaible only as turnkeys. Any info about that company? Any other ideas? Thanks a lot meat |
kitkar
126 Posts |
Posted - April 22 2003 : 4:45:44 PM
quote:
Any other ideas?
What about a single donor GT-40? Rick Lord
http://www.kingdomcustoms.com |
meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - April 23 2003 : 12:29:07 AM
quote:
What about a single donor GT-40?Rick Lord
http://www.kingdomcustoms.com
Now THAT would be a HELL of a great kit idea! Wish I would have thought of that suggestion!  The one thing to remember when - or if - you look at a single donor type of kit is that you often don't need the whole body; you usually only need suspension, drivetrain, wiring, and maybe a few miscellaneous other pieces; you don't have to buy the whole car. For instance, on the single donor GT40, you need the front suspension from the knuckles out, the engine/tranny, the ECU, the rear suspension (complete), the gauges (if you're going REALLY base), the steering column, the rack & pinion, the shifter/shift linkage, the e-brake and that's about it. The kit comes with wiring harness, upper/lower a-arms, all the attaching hardware (read "rivets"), the glass, the lexan, etc. Same with the FFR; you can source all of the parts separately. And, chances are, you'd have to do that with any other replica as well. The only reason I like the single donor concept (other than, of course, I'm doing one) is that you can source all of the parts from one thing. It makes that part easier. Your pal,
Meat.
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 23 2003 : 3:51:58 PM
GT40...... I like that car.... But, do I need a Fiero a VW Beetle or what? Beetles can be found here, but Fieros can´t. Anyway, where can I get a single-donor GT40? What´s the best? All GT40 kits are based on the Race car from the 60s?I like the GT40, but I wanted an open car (like a roadster or something). I would prefer a front engine car... well, I guess FFR kits and GT40 are the only single donors avaible... or not? Are there any others? Another thing. Imagine I find a SL500 kit (not a rebody) that was designed to mount on a (for example) Mustang (I repeat FOR EXAMPLE). If I have a car that has almost the same wheelbase of a SL500, can I use that car instead of a Mustang? I´m asking because SL500 wheelbase is 2560 mm and a car avaible here called Ford Taunus (I believe it wasn´t avaible in US) has a wheelbase of 2570 mm. For me getting that car is easier (and cheaper) than getting a Mustang or something like that. Same with Vipers, BMW Z3 and Z8, even with ******* 456GT and 575M, Aston Martin DB7 or Jaguar XKR. BTW: No SL500 kits are avaible? |
dave114
195 Posts |
Posted - April 23 2003 : 8:18:08 PM
This just my opinion, but you best bet is probably a rebody. Something like a 250 GTO on a 240 - 280Z, would be one of the easiest kits out there and would be a great starter kit. Best of all, there are heaps of Datsuns around and they are really cheap, reliable cars. But don't let me stop you. Just about every kit is POSSIBLE for the beginner to build, it's just how long and how many headaches it takes to finish. Just remember if you can't weld, then don't do it. Get someone else to do it. My advice is get a kit that will pretty much just bolt together, that way you will survive to build your next one.Hope this helps Your mate in OZ Dave
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 24 2003 : 12:18:45 AM
quote:
Something like a 250 GTO on a 240 - 280Z, would be one of the easiest kits out there and would be a great starter kit. Best of all, there are heaps of Datsuns around and they are really cheap, reliable cars.
Believe me, I wanted to do that. But in my country imported cars were sold from 1980 and 280ZX was the only Datsun avaible (the 2 + 2 version that can´t be used for a 250 GTO kit). Older cars were imported by private customers and if there is a 240 in my country, I guess it will be too expensive because of that.All Diablos (and Diablo Roadsters) are THAT hard? I mean, isn´t there a company that sells the COMPLETE KIT (body, interior, lights, rims, tires, windshield, emblems....) to fit on a Fiero or a custom chasis? I guess I would use a modified chasis from a front engine car, but with the correct wheelbase (2650 mm I believe). One car avaible here (front engine, rear traction) has a wheelbase of 2608 mm so, the difference is only 42 mm. I don´t know if I ´ll have to stretch the chasis, but it can be done (I guess...). I like the GT40 idea, I just want to know if there are any other options (a Diablo or Diablo Roadster would be nice).
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Janezzz
68 Posts |
Posted - April 24 2003 : 07:14:47 AM
Well, I can't get rid of the impression that you don't actually know what do you really want to build. First you began with viper replicas - let me say that from my point of view this would be a very foolish thing to do, since you can buy a real Viper for approx. 40.000 Euros (almost the same amount of US dollars) in Europe, Germany to be precise. If you are able to import one, thed I suggest you go ahead and buy one.
Next was the Mercedes 600SL kit (the 1989-2001 model If I'm not mistaken). For this case all above is even more true. You'd have to be a complete idiot to build a replica of a car that sells for as low as 13.000$ in Europe (early 90's 300SL model, for the 500 add a few thousands, the 600 models begin at 20.00$). Again, just import one, if law permits you to do that.
I wouldn't comment on the other kits since I don't know enough about them, except for the Diablo. Again building a Diablo replica is agood idea only if you don't intend to waste 50.000$ on it, otherwise just buy one (early 90's 2wd Diablo) for 60.000 Euros (there goes Germany again...). If you plan to make one for around 25-30.000 $ than go for it, if you think you can do it.
So as you probably all figured out by now, this were just financial aspects of the issue, all the other I leave to you to discuss.
Don't forget to check the prices of the cars mentioned above at www.mobile.de (the site is in german language of course).All of you have a nice day !
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QKracha
90 Posts |
Posted - April 24 2003 : 10:19:11 AM
Hello,
I have been following your topics for a few days and I think I know exactly what to you.
The problem isn´t that you don´t know what you want. I think you know what you want:
"A dream machine for a fraction of it price ".
The problem is that your dream machines aren´t usually built because the original ones are rather affordable in the markets where kit cars are built.
May be you haven´t noticed that the most common kits are those dessirable cars whose originals are unavailable or cost from u$s80000 to u$s500000 (Speedster or 550 Porsches, GTOs and Daytonas, Cobras,...).
Think about the cost of an SL replica:
Buy the kit, add u$s1500 for shipping, custom taxes, buy and strip the donor car, modify it to fit the kit, add paint and trimming accesories (many of them Mercedes originals), interior, upholstery...
Now look at your dream machine:
Plenty of effort, hours of work, a body that at last looks like an SL,
lots of details to finish, reinforcements in the cockpits crossing anywhere, underpowered noisy engine, poor handling, a flat whalet, and you have spent in it more than an original seventies 450 SLC could cost to you!! (even in Argentina).
Of course, this is only an opinnion. The dreamed car for one may be just an old pile of metal for others and probably you don´t like old Pagodas (I think you prefer modern cars).
What I finally have to say is that in the kit car market the price IS important, and you may have this in mind when you start a project.
Best regards
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 24 2003 : 7:06:41 PM
quote:
Well, I can't get rid of the impression that you don't actually know what do you really want to build.
You´re right. I don´t know what I want, because I can´t find the kit I want. My very first idea (in an older post) was a 69 Vette. Meat explained me that those cars aren´t replicated because it would be more expensive to build a replica than restoring a real car (thanks meat)Then I looked for a Jaguar XK140 Roadster, but could only find turnkeys, and I want to gain some experience so I want to build it myself. Then I looked for some cars than aren´t replicated yet: Aston Martin DB7, Jaguar XJ220, Alfa Romeo Scighera... even a Viper SRT-10. Then, I started reading about what cars are avaible to choose from there. I wanted to know about Vipers, because as they are front engine cars they should be easy to build. Meat inform me very well about it (thanks again meat). I like the GT40 idea, but I want to know what other options are avaible. I don´t like Cobras, and the Shelby Daytona isn´t that beautiful. I told you guys what happends with a 250 GTO. I really like that car, but... well, read all my previous messages. quote:
"A dream machine for a fraction of it price "
Well, I guess that´s what kit cars is all about, right? Civics and Neons wasn´t, aren´t and won´t be replicated ever. Lamborghini Diablos and ******* F50s will still be replicated in 10 years. Same with that lovely classics.Believe me, if I could find a COMPLETE KIT (body, glass, lights, emblems...) for 69 Vette or a XJ220 my problem will be solved. Same with a Diablo Roadster, if the kit is complete I´ll go for it. I just want to know what other choices are avaible. So again, is there any COMPLETE KIT for a Diablo or Diablo Roadster? Those from Spain seem very complete (site in spanish):
http://www.iespana.es/autoreplica2000/
Anyone knows if the Diablos from this company look like a real Diablo or not? And of course, is there any other COMPLETE KIT avaible beside the FFR ones? Sorry for asking too many things but like most of us, I want to know what am I paying for, before paying, right? BTW: Actually I like classic cars more than modern cars (I prefer steel over plastic). But if I will spend some money on building a car, I would prefern a modern super-car. Maty |
QKracha
90 Posts |
Posted - April 25 2003 : 08:28:52 AM
Hello Maty,
Let´s go in parts:
-You will never find a 69 Corvette réplica because you can buy one for u$s 20000-25000 in your country. A complete kit as you want may cost more than a FFR because it is bigger, complex and has more parts to be "complete and acurate". So if the FFR is about u$s 12000, say 14000-15000 for what you want? add shipping, taxes, mounting, etc..., it´s better to buy a complete original car!.-Not a XK140 but a XK120 kit by Eagle Coachwork:
http://www.kitcar.com/eagle/home.html -Nothing to say about Astons, Jags, Alfas, Vipers, GT40s, Cobras and GTOs. -I think that spanish company is only a kit reseller. Kit moulds are expensive and they offer a wide range of very different products. How much have they invested in? They even offer Fiero based kits when Fieros are rare cars in Spain. Do you believe they have spent in moulds to build a car based on hard to find donor? -In an old topic you ask for a 58 Testa Rossa, not a 58 but a 60:
aguhelguero@yahoo.com.ar
and they are in Santa FĂ©, Argentina!! -Finally, those 500 SL kits are pieces glued on the original car skin, you will never be able to fit them on anything but a Le Baron. Best regards.
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 26 2003 : 12:34:14 AM
I know what you said about the Vette, that´s why I changed my mind into something different. I can´t believe nobody is (or was) producing XJ220 replicas, but well, I guess business is business.....I did email ECW for their XK120, but they said they can´t send their product to my country. So, the SL500 isn´t what I´m looking for (I can´t belive it´s isn´t avaible a complete kit of that amazing car)... well, it´s not actually a surprise. Most of the cars I do like aren´t replicated or are avaible only as rebodies. I like the idea of the 60 Testa Rossa... do yo have any pictures, or have you seen one? I want to know if it´s accurate or not. Thank you very much.
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 26 2003 : 12:56:56 AM
All Mercedes (modern ones) and BMW are rebodies?
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QKracha
90 Posts |
Posted - April 26 2003 : 12:38:59 PM
quote:
All Mercedes (modern ones) and BMW are rebodies?
Yes, all of them. The Testa Rossa pic, here is the link:
http://www.automovilsport.com.ar/clasificados/venta-autos/sport-nacional-publi.asp Best regards
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meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - April 26 2003 : 1:45:59 PM
Isn't this the link?http://www.automovilsport.com.ar/fotosclasificados/sportnacional.jpg Your pal,
Meat.
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JAY58
82 Posts |
Posted - April 27 2003 : 01:55:44 AM
I think there are a couple of cars that could be ideal for you. One is called
the Blue Ray GT ZX. Its a ******* Daytona coupe lookalike, and
its a rebody kit for the Datsun 280ZX. Its a simple beginners
kit, not too expensive and is based on the Datsun. (You said there are
many of them in Argentina) The company that makes it is called
BLUE RAY ENGINEERING, and thats all I know.
The other car is a 60,s style ******* lookalike called the Italia, and
its a rebody kit for the Mazda MX5 Miata. The company behind
this project is called SIMPSON DESIGN. They also make a Mazda
based Daytona Spyder.
Both cars are ideal as a first time projects. They are not too expensive
to put together, and are based on classic cars. If these two cars are not
interesting for you either, then I dont know what you really want to build.
If you are a beginner, a rebody kit is the best way to get some experience
because if you start with something more complicated like a Diablo kit then
there will be times that you will wish that you had never started.
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 27 2003 : 11:19:45 PM
quote:
I think there are a couple of cars that could be ideal for you. One is called
the Blue Ray GT ZX. Its a ******* Daytona coupe lookalike, and
its a rebody kit for the Datsun 280ZX. Its a simple beginners
kit, not too expensive and is based on the Datsun. (You said there are
many of them in Argentina) The company that makes it is called
BLUE RAY ENGINEERING, and thats all I know.
Not many, but there are some 280ZX avaible. I like the ******* Daytona. I guess I will consider this project. quote:
The other car is a 60,s style ******* lookalike called the Italia, and its a rebody kit for the Mazda MX5 Miata. The company behind this project is called SIMPSON DESIGN. They also make a Mazda
based Daytona Spyder.
Miatas here are overpriced (US$20K for a 93). I would like to see those cars anyway, just to know.Well, it seems I´m having some ideas to choose from. That´s what I wanted. You people have more experience than me and know the kind of kits I´m asking for. Thank you (all). I found a Porsche 356 kit that seems "easy" to put together. It isn´t too expensive anyway (I guess). It´s here:
http://www.unionmall.com/jps/
What do you think abou it? Another thing. I´ve seen the Porsche parts from GT Racing (http://www.gt-racing.com/). I like the idea of using a Beetle to build a 911 replica. I would like a 996 Turbo, or a 993 GT3 (a 996 Carrera Cabrio would be the best, but the parts avaible are from the Coupe). But I also like the 911 Turbo from the early 80s (those big rear spoilers... I love them). What do you think about this? BTW: what´s the wheelbase of a VW Beetle? I believe it´s 2400 mm. but I´m not sure.
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QKracha
90 Posts |
Posted - April 28 2003 : 10:34:51 AM
Yes, the Beetle wheelbase is 2400mm and the Speedster is 2100mm.
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - April 28 2003 : 11:48:15 PM
Thanks. So for the Boxster (2415 mm) and the 911 996 (2350 mm) the wheelbase will be more or less correct, right?Another thing, what about a Maserati Spyder GT? I guess there is no kit avaible, right? Anyway, it doesn´t seem too complicated. Maybe the windshield and the lights are the most difficult thing to find, but I don´t know. I believe original lights can be used. Front engine car, V8... Maybe I´m wrong (I´m always wrong...)but it seems not that hard to do (of course, it won´t be a single donor... I guess). What do you think? Thanks all of you |
QKracha
90 Posts |
Posted - April 29 2003 : 07:20:28 AM
quote:
Thanks. So for the Boxster (2415 mm) and the 911 996 (2350 mm) the wheelbase will be more or less correct, right?Another thing, what about a Maserati Spyder GT? I guess there is no kit avaible, right? Anyway, it doesn´t seem too complicated. Maybe the windshield and the lights are the most difficult thing to find, but I don´t know. I believe original lights can be used. Front engine car, V8... Maybe I´m wrong (I´m always wrong...)but it seems not that hard to do (of course, it won´t be a single donor... I guess). What do you think? Thanks all of you
Nobody will notice the difference for those wheelbases, but the Beetle is not a good platform for a mid-engined watercooled Boxter.
And the 996 is watercooled too.
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Maty_280ZX
Argentina
118 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2003 : 10:48:46 PM
quote:
Nobody will notice the difference for those wheelbases, but the Beetle is not a good platform for a mid-engined watercooled Boxter.
And the 996 is watercooled too.
Well, but the chasis should be reinforced, is that whay you mean? And for the engine, I´ve seen a 51 Beetle Convertible with a Golf GTi engine... I believe everything can be done with the engine.
Can I use the transmision from a front traction (I guess thats the translation for "traccion delantera") car (FF)? Because I should get the engine, brakes, transmision and front suspension (but in the rear of the Beetle) to give the car a better handling. And keep the front suspension (or update it). It´s just an idea, but I would like to know if I can do that with the transmision.Again, no info about Maserati Spyders? Thanks
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QKracha
90 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2003 : 07:37:40 AM
No, what I say is that a Beetle has a floorpan similar to a backbone chassis. If you saw it to acomodate a central engine you will have practically no chassis left. You will have to put so many reinforcements that it´s better (and easier)to build a brand new spaceframe.
To use a transverse engine, front traction donor is the best choice in this case and the solution many builders use (case Attack).
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meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2003 : 11:28:43 AM
When you're looking at doing a project like the one you're discussing here, it's not only important to know the wheelbase, but also the width and length of both cars, which is why I always post all that stuff. While the wheelbase on the Beetle is similar, remember that - instead of being mid-engined, it's rear engined. The engine is hanging out well beyond the rear wheels.That's a problem. If you use the engine layout as provided, you're going to end up with a Boxster replica that looks like it's a pickup truck because there's so much crap hanging off the back end of the car. Changing to mid-engine is not really a great option either, as the chassis wasn't originally set up for that. Increase the horsepower and torque with a new engine, and you're just going to multiply the problem astronomically. In my opinion, you're choosing a bad platform for a custom chassis. You would be much better off buying an old 1984 Honda CRX and making it look like a Boxster. There are companies out there that make custom chassis. You might want to check in with them. For your first project, I am thinking that you're getting in way over your head. Relax, take a deep breath, and start over. Your pal,
Meat.
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Best Viper kit?
