Decided to start from scratch Tube chassis mid engine

[Vincent]

Well after working with my buddy here and having two minds in a brain storm we decided to build our 2 bugs from the ground up tube chassis. Right now we are looking at Formual Pro Mazda uprights that will let us run Long double a arm suspention with pushrod shock mount setup. I am going mid engine with the 13b turbo rotary and single seater center mounted. Basicly I am building a formula car with a bug body. For the most part it is going to look "stock" lol. It will have a smooth aluminum under tray that runs from the front lip all the way back to a defuser coming out back where the apron use to be. here is a photoshopped version of our body idea with a 4" body chop and 2" top chop. This is still just a rough idea of the body look.

Have you seen this...

http://www.vwfuncup.com/paddock/presentation.html

...and in my opinion if you're gonna go mid-engine then make use of the space and weight distribution, put in a VW VR6 or Porsche flat 6 plus turbo if you can afford it. Sounds like big dreams and a fun plan, best wishes with your project and I'm sure, as with most of us, money and time are your only hold backs but your finished car would be nice to see on the track.

[shiwlof]

Sounds like a wicked idea Superman.
So the 13B big is biting pretty bad. A couple of out local forums here in SA people are also edging towards pretty big 13B upgrades to their cars.

If one goes for the mid-engine config. How much modding are you looking at from the inside of the car? And would it be possible to move the engine back slightly from a original posotion. Rotary engine that is. So that you could keep the original size at the back, and still have space inside for a custom kitted sound system? Obviously removing the back seats.

[Mikey]

Sounds like a big project. I'd like to see how the body chop goes, I had that idea but I didn't think much about it, because of all the work involved. I'd like to see the progress as it comes along. If nothing else, I'm close enough I could come over and help out, or just stand over it and talk German-Look. But I'd rather help. :agree:

Good luck with the project, and keep us informed on the progress.

[Vincent]

yeah it is a pretty big project but my friend and i are both pretty good at welding and I am starting at the suspension and building in from that. I have been reasearching diffrent chassis designs and have some pretty good chassis guys here in Indy that i am getting advice from for the design. I will be modling the car in 3d first to make sure were everything will go and that it will fit then we will start with the build. When we are done we will have 2 virtualy identical cars save for the Rotory in mine and the Suby in my buddys. I would not try to do this if it was just me. But with the both of us together it will be easier. The parts for the suspension are not that expensive and are easy to get as they come from a spec race series. The main reason for the 13b in mine is I just like Rotarys the sound the insane RPM's and smooth running.

The rotary is a great motor and was invented by a German named Wankle. This is actually the best motor for a conversion. It's small and makes insane power.

shiwlof, that's the motor you sould use for a rear engine design and it fits in the Bug's bay like it were made for it.

Vincent, if you're going all out go for AWD/4WD

humm, a mid-engine W8 with AWD on a 1303