TPNxl wrote:
Hi everyone,
I wanted to just pose my idea that I've been thinking about for a while now. I want to build a front engine AWD space frame kit car. I was planning on using an Audi TT Mk1 or Mk2 drivetrain (subframes, suspension, engine/trans and all), with my ideal donor being the Mk2 TTS DSG. In addition to using the drivetrain from here, I want to shorten the wheelbase by about 15 inches through shortening the front-rear driveshaft. My goal is to have the car somewhat tolerable to drive in all conditions (dry, light rain with a roof, even light snow).
Now here's the problem. I've been a lurker of this type of project for a while but I've never built a kit car before. I've never worked with metal in the way that fabrication of a frame would require. Here are my questions:
1. How hard is it for a newbie to build a Locost, much less a project like this?
2. In terms of handling, how horrible is having half of the engine in front of the front axle for handling? Is a project like this feasible?
3. Are my hopes too high, even with a reasonable fabrication shop at my side?
Thanks for your responses.
Hi TPN and welcome to this forum. Most of the questions you are asking would depend on your skills. Being new to steel fabricating does not make you a bad car builder. You like most of us can learn and make sure that you start with the right equipment. For instance a mig welder, preferably with CO2/Argon gas. You may want to think hard also about your choice of project an AWD Audi Locost sounds wonderful but this is not the easiest thing to deliver . I may be wrong of course because I don't know you ...but a rear engine rear wheel drive locost based on an Audi TT power plant may give you all you need on the road for half the headache . One factor to consider in your decision is performance. The AWD may have better cornering capability but will be heavier than a 2WD . An exciting project however....Keep us posted
Philippe
As a foot note you may want to visit Terry's 525 HP AWD subaru build log in the Non conventional Locost section below. Terry and others will tell you what they know about bolting a AWD power train to a tube frame.