How would you protect this?

[R1 Indy]

Basically this was a fail point on the IVA test for my kit car, as it's quite low to the ground, and if it hit something it would take out most of the drivetrain.

I was advised to make some form of ramp, so if make contact, the car will just slide over.

I'm thinking of using some 2mm steel, make a ramp, then, weld some sides onto it it give it some strength. Then bolt it to the aluminium floor.

Is this the best way, or does anyone have any better suggestions.

Here is a pic, it's a starter motor, but mounted in reverse and used as a reverse motor.

[tbc]

first thought was one of those under trays they have on the bottom of Defenders and other 4x4, could probably weld one on, and a pretty straight forward job

[kambites]

If you're not worried about the actual risk of damaging it, take it off and IVA it without a reverse gear, then put it back on?

If you are worried about grounding it, you're going to need something pretty damned solid to survive an impact. I'd have thought a sloping steel tube cage mounted in front of it would be your best bet?

[Krikkit]

A repurposed sump guard would be your best bet I would think, something designed to withstand decent impacts, not just a bit of 2mm sheet.

Out of interest, how heavy is the car?

[CraigyMc]

kambites said:

If you are worried about grounding it, you're going to need something pretty damned solid to survive an impact. I'd have thought a sloping steel tube cage mounted in front of it would be your best bet?

I'd go with that too. Two bits of scaffolding. Is there anything solid you could mount a skid to?

[kambites]

TheLastPost said:

kambites said:

... take it off and IVA it without a reverse gear, then put it back on?

You can't - reverse is now a mandatory requirement for IVA.

Doh! When did they do that?

[valverguy]

I don't mean to sound condescending, but didn't you think when you where installing it, wow that looks a tad low compared to the rest of the underbody?

Personally i would try and relocate, if that's impossible as above steel tubing for a cage of sorts.

[mickymellon1]

Adjustable suspension?

Raise it for road use and lower it for the track; otherwise I'd try relocating it or (harder and maybe impossible) to weld a steel ramp with enough bracing or thick enough to withstand it being used to jack the car up as if knocked its going to deal with mass + momentum

[R1 Indy]

Thanks, I will see if I can make something tubular then. But don,t want to add too much weight.

But tbh I'm not worried about it grounding at speed, just the odd low speed scrape going up a ramp,hump etc.

The rear end only weights just over 300kg with a full tank and driver, so not A huge amount of weight would be transferred.

also the sump at the front is lower! So I think as long as its driven knowing about Clearance.

Oh and that's is where the chassis manufacturer designed/put the mounts for the motor, and I've not heard of anyone having a problem.