Metro 6R4

[annodomini2]

Thinking about this, would a gearbox be happy running backwards? I.e. Use a honda engine which rotates in the opposite direction and turn the transmission round, e.g. sierra 4wd.

[Twincam16]

member8888 said:

I've got access to chassis now, a carbonfibre/aluminium extrusion tub currently being developed by a friend of mine. The idea is that I'll buy a metro and add on the 6r4 body panels which can be got hold of quite reasonably, then mould it in two main sections. Front clam shell and main body shell including front bulkhead. All of this will then sit like a remote control car body onto the chassis. This would offer 6rf styling and straightline performance with limited investment. The engine would be transverse and drive the rear wheels only. Possibly duratec. If anyone else is could see themselves driving around in the above I'd be interested as this would spread the cost and speed up the process.

This sounds like a great idea. Don't have any money to help you with it, but it's a great concept nonetheless.

What about a KV6? For a vague shot at authenticity, surely the engine should be an MG-related V6.

[eliot]

Wouldn't making it mid mounted make engine selection much easier? As any front wheel drive combo would be a suitable donor.

[nightdriver]

Why do you want to buy a Metro and put the 6R4 kit on if your gooing to make it a clamshell anyway. You would be far better off buying the fibreglass panels which are already single peice front and back.

[ferg]

Which panels are one piece front and back??

[member8888]

Do such panels exist and if so where?

[nightdriver]

I've seen them on some of the Rally cars. If you cant find any then you could make your own moulds for the fibreglass and produce some of your own panels.
What I saw was a front end with the bumper/bonnet and parts of the front wings all in one section. And the rear had the bootlid/rear spoiler in a single peice of fibreglass.
I'm pretty sure they were made as one-off panels but someone must still have the moulds....

[e21jason]

Hi

Smith & Deaken sell the 6r4 body panels i thought about this but the other way round, using a k series metro but with freelander running gear, easiest way i could think of to do 4wd just need a 300hp k series.

Jason

[ferg]

I would imagine Smith and Deakin do panels to fit a Metro though... The 6R4 metalwork is very different. Panels are available from a selection of places though to fit the original 6R4 shell. We've got a set of moulds in the shed!!!

[member8888]

Ferg,

Was your 6R4 bought for rally or road? Why did you sell it? Can I use your moulds for a small fee to lay up a set for myself?

[Ferg]

Ours was a rally car. Bought from Ireland and re-shelled into a new old stock original shell from the ARG 6R4 sell off. Sold because it was not cost effective to continue rallying, next-stop Post Historic Mk1 Escort.

Not sure how good the moulds are now... I'll have a look and see what condition they are in. I saw the front panel mould the other day and it looked OK... It got a lot of use. We also have re-cast front and rear uprights.

www.geocities.com/ferg_ranson/metr

[member8888]

Thanks ferg,

Do you think a 2wd 6rf would be a let down, perhaps even dangerous to drive with such a short wheel base?

[old64er]

member8888 said:

Thanks ferg, Do you think a 2wd 6rf would be a let down, perhaps even dangerous to drive with such a short wheel base?

Depends how its built?

The member 6R2 has built a very good replica, that feels good on the road.

Look in the tv section for a brief view.

It uses a v6 turbo and transaxle from the renault 25 and a lot of other work

Here it is today, on a photo shoot

[ferg]

member8888 said:

Thanks ferg, Do you think a 2wd 6rf would be a let down, perhaps even dangerous to drive with such a short wheel base?

See above!!!

It'll never be a 6R4. Without the traction of the 4WD the acceleration times wouldn't be able to compete, BUT if you're not rallying it why worry. You could no doubt put '6R2's engine and gearbox in some other, perhaps more aerodynamic vehicle and make it go even quicker, but in my opinion as a replica it is just about spot on. It gives the looks, the rough layout and an approximation of the performance, whilst not requiring the maintenance costs of a real one OR the complexity of a 4WD 'replica'......

Brilliant car.

As for the wheelbase question.... I think my car has a shorter wheelbase.

[member8888]

Thanks again for that, I have come across this car on other sites and it looks very impressive. I am begining to realise just how high maintenance the real thing is. The good news though is that I've just bought some 6R4 wings and tailgate and a 40,000 mile 1989 Metro with MOT and Tax. Total cost was £172. I'll have the wings on it before the weeks out. This will no doubt give me plenty of food for thought and hopefully a really daft looking cheap commuter for a few months.

[dalla]

Think this engine would suit it.

www.qednet.demon.co.uk/images/KV6.jpg

Would be awesome to build a replica, just too bad that i live in Denmark, where no such thing is allowed.

[Furyblade_Lee]

I have a SNEAKY suspicion that Z-cars MIGHT be coming up with something soon......

A Metro bodyshell with 6R4 panels was aparently spotted there. One theory is they are going to take a mould from it and drop it over their Monte-Carlo chassis. That means authentic 6R4 looks, 2WD, Rear-engined Honda Type-R power and 0-60 in 3 secs........

[ferg]

What?
No 4WD???
Shame.

[andygtt]

Maybe a busa engine front AND rear for 4WD?

[ferg]

Bit tight upfront, Andy, but I like your style!!