ATTN: DEV TEAM

[gear_dawg]

A couple of things first.

I suggest that we start a discussion on the type car we are looking forward to building. I recommend that we use what cars are out there so that we can understand in relation of our project what we are going for. (ie. Nissan 350Z) this would indicate that we are looking for a performance kind of car with a crew of two.

Second, I honestly believe that a discussion on all major aspects of this vehicle would give us a "kick" start.

Now for the Sound-off.

Hector Perez II aka "Gear"
Conroe, TX United States
Magnetics, R&D, and Practicality

And we need some insparation!

Gear

[DaveKillens]

I do agree, the type of vehicle needs to be defined. Here's a short list of some things that need answers.
Will the powerplant be designed from the ground up, will it be a modified version of a current engine, or will the engine be one that can be easily obtained.
Estimated weight, wheelbase, track, passenger capacity, and performance levels.
Will the vehicle structure be based on a current platform?
Personally, I try not to allow my reach to exceed my grasp. In other words, don't bite off more than you can digest. My opinion is to design one of two different styles. A two seat, VERY high performance vehicle based on something like the Golf platform, or something like the Lotus Europa, very low and quick, with a four cylinder production based powerplant in mid engine configuration.

[gear_dawg]

I would truly recommend the following car as a step-up to get this baby goin.

The Nissan 350Z http://www.nissanusa.com

This should be something simple to start up on as well as a high performance car that has only room for two. I do believe this is great insparation.

I think we should choose the type of fuel the car will use, that way we can have a better understanding of the engine and drive train needs.

I do believe that getting an engine that is currently in use as well as easy to obtain would save an incredible amount of time and resources. However; when it comes to things like that, it would cost the team more in the long run. I recommend that we build it from the ground up. If we are to build from the ground up, I HIGHLY recommend that the camshafts as well as the water pump be gear driven directly from the crankshaft.

diagram as follows:

0_0 camshafts 2cam revs to 1 crank rev
.0 water pump 2pump revs to 1 crank
..0 crankshaft 1crank rev as standard


I hope this is a start. I recommend this for long run maintenence costs as well as (hopfully) short term development costs in time and money. One final question, would this allow for a shorter block?


Gear

[gear_dawg]

Dave; I checked out the Lotus Europa. I must say that you have a fine taste for cars my friend. The Lotus that is.

For info on the Lotus: http://www.lotuscars.com
For info on the Golf: http://www.vw.com/golf

Gear