winddude wrote:
I'm having trouble finding a decent donor for a traditional locost so I'm starting to look at alternatives, and considering a middy build, maybe even a df goblin.
Looking at the DF goblin it uses the complete front subframe control arms, knuckles and macpherson struts. This makes the engineering a lot simpler, and less fabrication. Have most middy builders used the complete subframe in the rear, or engineered everything from the ground up?
Some of the "complete" donors in the US - things like miatas, f body, mustang, 240sx, volvos, etc if you're looking for a front engine setup.
For mid, any fwd platform can be reverse engineered. The biggest hurdles are spindles, axles, and management. (Compared to doing the math to create suspension arms and the fabrication involved.)
I'm a proponent of the Honda K series. The rwd adapter setups are sub 2k with new transmissions/used readily avalable.
In MR format the stock drivelines will readily suffer 300+hp, probably much more given the light weight/low traction.
They'll readily run on the right junkyard ecu and you can go hondata/kpro later.
Adapting the honda bits to the other bits might be an issue of luck at the parts store, having some custom spline axles made / dropping it off at a driveshaft shop if you don't trust tape measures. Lol.
For FR the ford super 8.8" rear is becoming really popular for retrofits - albeit in larger vehicles (like my ae86).
My plan was get close, and look for guidance on suspension geometry and the related math/modeling program enthusiasts here.
Pencil out a plan and post a build log/feeler and folks will chime in. ^_^