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Hi there, this is my coupe



At this point I'm not wanting to modify the engine bay, as I still hope to ressurrect the original engine, so I am looking to squeeze something into here.

I'm looking to use a differential with a sprocket replacing the crown wheel, probably a Nissan R200 as they are easy for me to source.
The engine will sit to the side and behind the diff due to space constraints (not ideal but the original engine was also positioned similarly).

The plan is to run a shaft off the output shaft to a sprocket that clears the sidecovers, this will then be connected via chain to the differential sprocket, I'd also like to incorporate some kind of cush drive somewhere to limit drive train shock.

This is the engine that came out. The cylinders are located at the back of the car, the gearbox at the back also contains the small differential with slip joint axles on either side.

Interesting project you got there, Bro... I'm curious about how this turns out, and will be checkin' back often. Have to admit that when I read that part of your post I kinda went "Awwww, shucks"... I was already thinking that a 4-banger FWD drivetrain (Honda? Subaru? Focus?) would make that l'il booger scoot on down th' highway...

Good luck, keep us posted and remember to show us lots of pictures, so Perry doesn't strain his synapse (singular) trying to read too much!

JDK

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JD, father of Quinn, Son of a... Build Log
Quinn the Slotus:Ford 302 Powered, Mallock-Inspired, Tube Frame, Hillclimb Special
"Gonzo and friends: Last night must have been quite a night. Camelot moments, mechanical marvels, Rustoleum launches, flying squirrels, fru-fru tea cuppers, V8 envy, Ensure catch cans -- and it wasn't even a full moon." -- SeattleTom

Cheers!
Weighing only 500kg/1100lbs it won't take much to get it scooting

Part of the problem is the axles need to be as long as possible for travel so the diff needs to be centered. Not enough room vertically to put the oilpan over it, not enough room to put it behind it or beside it without some cutting. There is also the need for access to service. A kei has to be the most difficult vehicle to retrofit without cutting.

A smart car is the only vehicle I can think of that might work without much cutting unless you go electric.

Only in the past few years have they offered a manual. The electronic shift sequential of the older models has had issues and could be adapted to a manual cable shift but nobody has done it yet. Best to buy a smart that is wrecked in the front so you have everything. Parts are not cheap.

If you are ready to cut, a honda v4 can be done. A fellow on this forum built a n600 with one. Still lots of work.

Pics with a ruler would help folks understand what you are up against. I say ruler because I doubt you can get a yard stick in there.

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Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

Good point about the axles, I'll be mocking up the differential first to check that out and also see how much room is left to work with.

Hi LC10W,

Welcome, I look forward to watching this build.

Here's an out of the box thought for you....put in the driveline from an original 1950's, 1960's, 1970's Fiat 500. Rear engine, center diff, reasonably small and light, lots of racing parts available and easily available.

Bill

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Bill H
Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Oh myyyyy... That made me think about saying stuff about "Adding some Italian reliability to a Japanese car" but I'm afraid Bill would march down from Canada and whup my arse with the radio antenna that rusted off a Fiat 131...

_________________
JD, father of Quinn, Son of a... Build Log
Quinn the Slotus:Ford 302 Powered, Mallock-Inspired, Tube Frame, Hillclimb Special
"Gonzo and friends: Last night must have been quite a night. Camelot moments, mechanical marvels, Rustoleum launches, flying squirrels, fru-fru tea cuppers, V8 envy, Ensure catch cans -- and it wasn't even a full moon." -- SeattleTom

I think if I can't get the bike engine to fit how I want then I will keep the original engine and rebuild it in this direction



Still not a rocket but they sound great

They should, it looks like bagpipes!



I have one of those!

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Bill H
Winnipeg, MB, Canada

After considering axle length I have decided to source a Suzuki Cappuccino differential, the reasoning being that the Cappuccino is only 95mm wider so will probably be the narrowest one I can find meaning longer axles, it also has the benefit of aftermarket LSD options if needed.

An R160 diff from a subaru would be much easier to find here and maybe narrower. I think they come with stub flanges like you have shown or direct fit cv for a couple inches narrower joint to joint.

How much room is between the frame rails? I'm guessing maybe 36 inches.

_________________
Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

Not much progress (this will be a slow project ) but I have an engine and differential to try and fit.

Differential and axles


I was looking for a physically smaller engine but this one popped up at a good price.

Despite your desire to not modify the engine compartment, I think you should consider abandoning the four-seater capability and make it a middy. I think it will be lots lots easier to design and build, and you can make the interior mods suitably inconspicuous with a luggage shelf over the engine.

Besides, a hundred horse Fronte is going to be a death trap, and you're not going to want to put your kids back there.

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Locost builder and adventurer, and founder (but no longer owner) of Kinetic Vehicles