Hello all. Clearly I'm a newbie to the board. Actually I'm a newbie to the kitcar world. I've spent years wrenching on my various bikes and sports cars. I've always dreamed of building my own plane but I've finally come to realize that time and money constraints are going to keep that plan exactly what it is...a dream. That being the case, I've made the decision to pursue a from-the-frame-up car build. No small task in itself, but easier than a plane.
I want to build something truly different. I want to design and fabricate some limited number of my own parts and use that engineering degree that I earned but don't really use in my professional life anymore. I'm hoping to ping to the community to see if a) anybody's heard of something like this being done & b) you can think of any glaring deal-breakers that I'm missing before I make a large commitment to the project. So, before I ramble you all to death, here's the plan:
I want to install a 1300cc Suzuki Hayabusa motor in a TR 550. For those that aren't familiar with the busa, it's an I-4 engine that puts out 100lb-ft and 175hp in stock trim. It's got an integrated 6-speed sequential tranny and the final gearing could be easily adjusted by changing the sprocket size. And best of all, it weighs diddly squat. The closest thing I've found to this idea is a completely custom project called the "Lozuki" (hstrial-jdespelder.homestead.com/LozukiProjectCar.html).
So bottom line:
Here's the engine:
hstrial-jdespelder.homestead.com/files/Dscf1659.jpg
hstrial-jdespelder.homestead.com/files/lozu3-03-09.jpg
Here's an example of the mid-engine setup:
hstrial-jdespelder.homestead.com/files/5-030012.JPG
I really think this could make a great & unique car. My major concerns are the height of the engine and getting adequate flow to the radiator and oil cooler. What does the community think? Am I nuts?
Original Post