All right, i finally got around to getting some quotes on tubing and I'm at a dillemma. Before I finish the chassi design I need to choose what size tubing to use in my frame. I can try and get some sketches of the design so far, but as it turns out I'm a great designer but a terrible drafter, so most my design stuff is lodged inside my head somewhere with a handful of napkin sketches and measurements to assist.
Anyways, I'll be using 2 tube sizes, both in 16ga. The smaller will be 1x1 inch, the larger either 1.5x15. or 2x2. This is what i can't decide on. Costwise, I found 1.5 inch for $17 per stick and 2inch for $24 per stick(both 20 ft). My 1inch is .60/foot, in case you were wondering.
As for car specs, I'm using the subaru ej-20r, puts out about 280 at the crank, with a miata based IRS. I'm shooting for a sub 1600lb weight, driver included, but I think i can realistically assure a sub 1850 curb weight. My main concern is the torque of that engine more so than the weight of the car, and so I think the extra rigidity of the 2inch would be helpful. Weight difference between 1.5inch and 2inch would be about 45lbs. i'm not too worried about this weight as I know there will be places more beneficial to loose weight(most likely behind the steering wheel to the left of the shifter).
So there's the info, any opinions would be appreciated. And if it's of any relevance, the roll cage will be integrated into the chassis.
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