LocostUSA.com

I am looking to build a Locost 7 from scratch using my Austin Healey Sprite 1275 cc engine, transmission and rear end. I am not looking to race but rather to just have a fun car to drive around in nice weather. I already have a 2006 Corvette that I can drive for speed if needed. I have three engines, three or four transmissions, and three rear ends. Does anyone still have this configuration in their Locost 7. What is the actual performance? Seems like it would be similar but better than a Bugeyed Sprite.

Thanks,
Steve in South Carolina

I had thought that I might do a MG based build if I were to do another Locost. Fortunately, or unfortunately, another Locost is not in my future. A sprite would be a wonderful donor. A Locost will certainly be different to drive than a Sprite, possibly even more fun, and that is sayin' somthin'. Years ago, one builder here did a build with a Triumph Spitfire engine. He goes by the name Tailwind here. Of course, as many builds do, his build had quite a bit of feature creep. Sadly, these old British sports car are rarely used as donors these days in the world of Locosts.

Do it. And post a build log here. I think a bare bones Locost, in the vision of Uncle Ron Champion, would be a wonderful build. Keep it simple, Keep it cheap.

_________________
Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766

I don't know of anyone who has built from scratch with those parts. The config is similar to a '60s S2 Seven with a BMC 948 or 1098. 948 Spec is 40bhp, 4spd, 960lb curb weight, 25-35mpg, 0-60 14.3sec, top speed 85mph.

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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

Bostonwil on here is doing a MG powered Locost. Real nice looking car. Russ

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You meet the nicest people in a Locost Se7en.

Yes. You are, of course correct, Russ. A few MGB based builds have been done here. They have the big block engine. 1800cc

_________________
Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766

I am using a 74 MGB motor/trans. I have owned a bug eyed Sprite and a 69 MG Midget when in my teens. Both were very fun cars.

Using the lighter 1248 motor/ trans with its light rear end (mine has a Ford Mustang 8.8 rear end)along with the smaller wheels/tires from a Sprite/Midget would be, I expect, about 300lbs lighter than mine and most likely just as fast. You could even look at using most of the front suspension pieces as well. Look at Nick47's MGB build. He used the MGB front suspension. He has a web page listed on his build page that gives lots of details.

The only real improvement you could make is use some sort of 5 speed trans to make it more roadable at freeway speeds.

I would love to see that build!

_________________
Thom

If it were me, I'd at least go with a Datsun A-series engine. It would be tons more reliable while also producing more power. Doubt it weighs any more.

_________________
Midlana book: Build this mid-engine Locost!, http://midlana.com/stuff/book/
Kimini book: Designing mid-engine cars using FWD drivetrains
Both available from https://www.lulu.com/

Long, long ago, I got to drive real Seven S2 with Sprite drive-train.
I really doubt that the fat tire modern versions really do any better off the race track.
The only change I would make to your parts list would be to find a Morris Minor rear axle as it is slightly wider.
Until recently I had an intent to do the same build you are contemplating.
Age is slowing me down so it looks like my current Locost 1600 Kent build will be the only one.

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If I must be a one-man PC free zone, so be it!

I haven't done a Spridget based 7, but I have owned and daily driven several Spridgets.
1275 with 4 speed and 4:30 rear end is a blast to drive.

I think the issue you may run into is converting a kingpin front knuckle to double a arm, but that's solvable.

Do it, go small like book frame of S1 or S2 size if you're able to stuff yourself into that sized cockpit. Spend every spare second thinking about simplify and add lightness.
Not many things more simple than an A series engine. You can make it run and drive with 4 wires if my memory serves correctly.

_________________
Too much week, not enough weekend.

OOPS I did it again
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=17496

Blood Sweat and Beers
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=15216

Guys,

Thank you all for all of the good advice. I own 948, 1098, and 1275 BMC A-series engines. The 1098 is running and complete with weber carburetor and electronic ignition. I will plan on using it until I do a complete rebuild on the 1275. I will be using the 4 - speed transmission and the rack/pinion steering from the AH Sprite.

Any other suggestions on a rear end that is available in the USA. Maybe I will go ahead and use a Miata rear end and front end.

I like the simplicity of the old engine and transmission but not the suspensions at all from the Sprite.

Planning on using the McSorley 442 plans. My son and I are over 6' 2" tall and over 200 lbs each so the extra width is good.

Does the 442 provide more legroom or is it just wider in the cockpit? Should I lengthen the cockpit for our long legs or will the 442 provide enough room?

I might convert from BMC to Mazda engine/transmissions in the future.

This is a great forum. Are there any cars in the Charleston area?

Thanks,

@cutiger1973

My build is a modern, complex one. Looking back now, I wish I had gone for a simple 4 cylinder, old school build like you are contemplating.

Sailors have a saying, "A simple boat is a happy boat." I'm finding the same logic applies to home built sports cars. Simplicity is a virtue, but surprisingly hard to achieve sometimes.

Good luck. Please do start a build log of you decide to go ahead with your plans.

Cheers,

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Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

Also, this was with a 4.5:1 axle, single SU 948 37bhp@4800, twin SU 43bhp at 5200, 8.3:1 compression.

_________________
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

I was sad to relinquish the Rotus when we moved. It was a 442-ish frame on 10" wide wheels & I had nowhere to put it at the new place.
I'll have to look up the dimensions on a S1 or S2 & see if the smaller frame (not sure by how much) will fit in my shed, and more importantly be able to get it out.
A simpler build than the Dorito Spinner might be the ticket. Or, if I can help my dad get the CJ5 out of his shop, maybe I can do it there (and he has a MIG already).

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1975 MG Midget
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=24382
13B Powered Rotus Geauxkart
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=20899

If you really want to have some fun, go book frame on the outside and power it with a bike engine and make it a single seater. You'd basically be building an open cockpit Legends car. Toyota rear end, any bike motor 600cc and up will give you >hp than an A series BMC 4 banger. Replace the belleville spring clutch with a Barnett coil spring clutch and you have something very driveable; small, and quick.

_________________
Too much week, not enough weekend.

OOPS I did it again
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=17496

Blood Sweat and Beers
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=15216

I would add that a RX7 engine in a book frame would feel right in between a BEC and a CEC build. The "dorito spinner" build is not a "difficult" build. Neither a BEC build or a rotary build will have the feel of driving an old British car when done. My RX-7 build had the following specs:

Dimensions
Wheel base is 91-5/8”
Front track width is 53-1/2”
Rear track width is 53-1/2”
Weight is right at 1400 pounds without the hardtop, almost a perfect 50/50 balance.

_________________
Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766