So DTP in Calgary got me thinking about raising the club profile and generating a buzz. I saw a lot of the same old, same old at the show and was trying to think of a project that hasn’t (I think) been done. I am thinking radical and big-time press and sponsor worthy!
Could we do a Club project?
Here is my fuzzy, initial thinking:
s13 convertible platform
Firewall right behind the front seats
RB26 MID ENGINE
Radiator, battery, etc., remains upfront.
No idea where the intercooler would go
Instead of roll bar think just hoops behind and just above the headrests and an engine cover that flows right from the hoops / headrests to the back of the car
Windshield cut down about 4-6 inches, no convertible top…just tonneau cover.
I am thinking NECC SILVIA SPEEDSTER!!! Low, fast, and one of a kind.
Okay brainiaks…is this possible? Let your imaginations go and let’s see where this takes us.
Not sure if the AWD would be realistic with the engine mounted mid-ship…well, i guess anything is possible but trying for the AWD may be more trouble than it is worth.
I was thinking midengine to get a better weight distribution. The rb26 is a pretty heavy engine to put into an s13…give up some of the fantastic handling with an RB26 up front.
I was thinking that just rear wheel drive with the weight about the middle of the car should keep handling good and add some weight to the rear wheels to assist with traction.
I think you mean ATTESA-ETS not Toyota Altezza. And it’s a great coversion on S13 or S14. I’d prefer a R32 GTR for it’s simpliity though.
Back to a midship RB26, why not use a truck instead ? Super short driveshaft, available to make convertible a’ la Dakota.
I think the biggest question is who’s going to front the money for such a project. I’m pretty sure the NECC member fee’s don’t quite add up to the tens of thousands needed to pull it off. Hell if anyone wants to donate 20g to me, I’ll throw an mid engine rb26 in my car
Ya I know about the money. How 'bout we dream a bit before poopooing it with the money talk?
Anything is possible. I just want to know what everyone’s thoughts are on the technical challenges to pull this off.
The first part of this equation is to come up with a general concept and then a build plan. Then the discussion can turn to money. I have some thoughts.
How about a full track ready pulsar GTi-R. Built engine, TRANNY, and a full roll cage.
I am al ready thinking of my next project even tho i am not done my current one. I’m thinking an SR20DET into a miata probably a 1st gen. It would be a killer for the autocrosses/ lapping days.
I think you mean ATTESSA-ETS not Toyota Altezza. And it’s a great coversion on S13 or S14. I’d prefer a R32 GTR for it’s simpliity though.
Back to a midship RB26, why not use a truck instead ? Super short driveshaft, available to make cobnvertible a’ la Dakota.[/quote]
hahaha thats what i ment! i just spelt it the easy way so ughhhh
I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t be able to mid mount an rb26 plus tranny behind the front seats and be able to hook up to the diff. Its just too big. sr20 might fit but even that would be a tight squeeze IMO. If either were to fit, you would probably have to cut out quite a bit of the body and weld in tubular chassis pieces for reinforcment. Best intercooler set-up would eiter be water cooler or a top mount intercooler cut into the tanneau cover.
You guys are nutz. This sounds cool but sounds more like a monstor garage project just around the bend.
Im down for helping. I dont think a RB and AWD will work too well just because there will be too much work involved and could end up being a lost cause mid way but a mid engine high HP SR20 will be very cool and fast. Somthing to get 60’ times to 1.5sec and over 115mph Thats damn fast
