V-8 project

[Rosco5000]

I love the idea of the Ford V8 in there.  Have you given some thought o making a spaceframe type design for the rear legs of the chassis.  Something like Spyder does.  This would help bring back some of the strength lost from the current openings made.  Keep us posted with your progress, I love these types of swaps.

Project Binky is a great series to watch to give you and idea of how to make your modifications look like they are over thought out.  I love that build and attention to detail is second to none, however it would have been cool to see that car finished like 2 years ago.  That work takes forever!.
Cheers,
Ross

[jbcollier]

Both the V6 and the crossflow are pretty heavy iron lumps… not as heavy the B engine though!

[kram350kram]

A lot of reinforcement planned in the cut-a-way at the Y, some reinforcement already done, some to go. The half shafts are beefed up as will the stub axles. Weight of engine difference is probably about 150 lbs as best I can figure. I have the complete twincam so when I get the V-8 motor completed, I will weigh and compare. An aluminum block would be nice but not at 8K. I'm not quite sure, but I think the deck heights of the aluminum blocks are taller than a stock 289/302, this to accommodate a 351 and longer stroke motors. This will not be a track car, just a weekend drive-in oddity. Thanks for the Project Binky info. I will watch.

[GavinT]

Weight of engine difference is probably about 150 lbs as best I can figure. I have the complete twincam so when I get the V-8 motor completed, I will weigh and compare.

Would be interesting to see.
Add in the Porsche gearbox, too.

Have you given some thought o making a spaceframe type design for the rear legs of the chassis.  Something like Spyder does.

I've always thought the rear end of the Esprit chassis looked pretty good.
Very broadly, Lotus cut off the rear legs and did a tubular cradle. I reckon it wouldn't be overly difficult to follow the Esprit design and open up a lot of transplant options.

[S2Zetec54]

…….what a fascinating project…good luck

…another vote for Project Binky…so excellent fabrication skills and ideas…and as has been mentioned the flexible driveshaft idea could be useful to you

[kram350kram]

Thanks for the Esprit picture. That was the track I was on before I saw that picture.

Think I got the alternator worked out. Since it's mounted to the chassis not the engine, it pivots at the thru bolt and belt tension is from the gas spring. As the motor rocks under torque, the belt retains taught as it's under constant tension. I thought of a cable drive to rear of the motor, but as in Project Binky its a complicated set up with much adapting needed and I really had no room. Considered a jackshaft affair like a DeTomaso Mangusta, but not enough room for the pulleys and bearings. Contemplated direct gear drive off the flywheel but I could not reconcile ratios and speeds, some lightweight aircraft use this arrangement. 

[kram350kram]

Picture of V-8 alternator set-up

[TurboFource]

I think some strategically placed box tubing would reinforce the frame where the belt slot is.

I like the gas strut tensioner....

[kram350kram]

Just some pictures before painting the chassis.

[TurboFource]

It looks like you have been busy!

[Clifton]

I like the remote ided for room but I use Suspa struts on the shell of my work truck, 4 total and I am changing one of them a year from a pressure loss and lack of lift. I hope you have better success.

I've been waiting for your updates. Your car will be a fun one.

[Dilkris]

How much HP or KW do you expect to achieve from the V8? 

[jbcollier]

The stock Europa frame is not particularly stiff.  I think you are going to have a fair amount of throttle-induced, rear suspension geometry changes.

[kram350kram]

Horsepower somewhere between 300-325, should be enough. 
Somewhat concerned over chassis flex, but hopefully with the additional bracing and rear enhanced bolt in braces, flex should be minimal. What was surprising was how much flex I got in the backbone after cutting in the 6"x 12" opening to accommodate the Porsche cable shifter box. The flex was rectified with a bolt in shifter cover with side and top cover bolts and the x-brace in the backbone. The rear trans tube is pretty stout, the mid-brace enlarged with frame thru bolts at the revised shock mounts, alternator cross brace and the infill plates at the rear will help some. I guess I will find out when I romp on it in a turn! 

[BDA]

My engineer neighbor never seems to fail to remind me that the standard frame is not very rigid. He’s right. You might consider a more robust cage with the rear legs tied into it.