So I want to do something fun...

[bassmangrammy]

I need some excitement in my life. I've been toying around with buying a sports car, but anyone can go buy one.

So, I've been thinking about doing something completely insane. I want to build an open wheel F1 style mid-engine car.

I'm thinking a Boxer 4-cylinder engine, steel frame with rollcage, whatever transmission is feasible.

The goal of the project would be to make a light weight, cornering monster.

My question is...if I can build the frame and body components, does anyone have any idea how to build in the motor, suspension, trans, rear def, steering, and breaking?

Gauge cluster is an issue, but that can be done with a digital display.

and BTW...I've not been drinking and I know this sounds crazy, but damn it would be cool.

[Mike]

if you think gauge cluster is your biggest issue... well, lol. also, braking.

what kind of wrenching experience do you have?

[.RJ]

If you cannot fabricate the thing completely from scratch, top to bottom (welding, cutting, etc) then you're in way over your head. Hell, even if you can you're pretty far in over your head.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.kimini.com/">http://www.kimini.com/</a><!-- m --> - read this. Read all the diaries..... and the guy is an engineer.

I think what you need is to buy something cheap, fun, reliable and RWD - maybe a miata - and put the thing on track. You wont be complaining at all after a couple weekends There's always the option of a miata-based locost type kit, but I really dont think they're very safe.

[ScottyB]

completely insane

buy an old miata, 5.0/turbo/super/whatever charge/swap it, widebody, flat black paint

[Evan]

the closest and easiest thing to do would be to build a "locost"
a Lotus super7 replica that can be built for between $10k on up to over $20k depending on what kind of engine you want.
there are plenty of plans and resources (even a book) out there for it.
even building one of these is no joke though, you better know what you are doing, know how to fabricate, and know all about suspension engineering and theory

[PDenbigh]

How about, and I know this is crazy, but a Merkur XR4ti for the GRM $2006 challange!?

[Mike]

or just buy this: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4545623717&category=6324">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... egory=6324</a><!-- m -->

[KPWSerpiente]

A good suggestion from Mike? Not as rare as that swap...if you havn't read about it....I suggest you do.

Seriously...that Miata would be a beast to own.

-T

[Mike]

basically a gayer s2000 for half price

[bassmangrammy]

ok...enough said...I'm just going to save my pennies and buy a 996

[Myuki]

ok...enough said...I'm just going to save my pennies and buy a 996

the build it yourself idea was pretty interesting though

[Feersty]

Yeah Aaron I think a 996 is the better route, lol.

[.RJ]

ok...enough said...I'm just going to save my pennies and buy a 996

ew

[Mike]

ok...enough said...I'm just going to save my pennies and buy a 996

ew

+1

993 or bust.

[Sijray21]

i like the 991, but it's pretty similar to the 993

+1

[.RJ]

i like the 991

991 :?:

+ kumquat

[Sijray21]

it was the previous model, i guess it's the 964 with some google-ing

[Mike]

it was the previous model, i guess it's the 964 with some google-ing

yeah, 964. i've never heard anyone say 991... even the author of the enormous porsche history book i just read

993 > 964 > * > 996

[CaptainHenreh]

968!

[.RJ]

964 RS America > All

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.rsamerica.net/">http://www.rsamerica.net/</a><!-- m -->