Discussion
Was just reading the article from last fall in Kit Cars about the MEV 4x4 Trek. I'm not sure I understand how the drive train works in this. It's intriguing that it is mid engine, but it would seem to me that the engine/transmission/transfer case would have to be turned 180 degrees from it's original front location. The article seemed to suggest that the differentials were turn over... I'm confused, wouldn't you end up with 5 reverse gears and one front gear in this instance then ?? What other modifications would be needed to make it work ??
Don't know this beast at all but re the transmission it is quite common to turn a transmission over so that the drive is in the opposite direction. This does not change the gears in any way. Draw yourself a gearbox and mark on the picture the direction of rotation of the drive shaft. Turn the pic over and hold it up to the light and you will see the shaft going in the right direction.
The transmission has to be converted so it now has a breather at the top and hopefully a drain plug at the bottom. You also need to consider what oil level will continue to provide adequate lube.
My Ultima runs a Porsche 'box upside down.
Steve
The transmission has to be converted so it now has a breather at the top and hopefully a drain plug at the bottom. You also need to consider what oil level will continue to provide adequate lube.
My Ultima runs a Porsche 'box upside down.
Steve
steve_d said:
Don't know this beast at all but re the transmission it is quite common to turn a transmission over so that the drive is in the opposite direction.
I had to think about this for a while but then it clicked. You are specificaly talking about a longitudinal transaxle, so turning the transmission upside down is just like flipping a live axle over.
It was quite simple realy as you clever guy's have worked out. Trouble is flipping the axles upside down causes the vents to pee oil and the spring seats finish up on the wrong side. We make a bolt on set of profile cut plates so there's no welding required. These plates are designed to introduce a little more castor. We then use a pair of front shocks and turrets on the back and drill new vent holes. Front springs on the back and bespoke on the front as the Trek is half a ton lighter than donor.
Chassis is our own design and wheel base is 300mm shorter than Range Rover donor. Land Rover international mag did a photo shoot yesterday so watch out for the article.
Kind regards Stig Mills
Chassis is our own design and wheel base is 300mm shorter than Range Rover donor. Land Rover international mag did a photo shoot yesterday so watch out for the article.
Kind regards Stig Mills
stig mills said:
It was quite simple realy as you clever guy's have worked out. Trouble is flipping the axles upside down causes the vents to pee oil and the spring seats finish up on the wrong side. We make a bolt on set of profile cut plates so there's no welding required. These plates are designed to introduce a little more castor. We then use a pair of front shocks and turrets on the back and drill new vent holes. Front springs on the back and bespoke on the front as the Trek is half a ton lighter than donor.
Chassis is our own design and wheel base is 300mm shorter than Range Rover donor. Land Rover international mag did a photo shoot yesterday so watch out for the article.
Kind regards Stig Mills
Chassis is our own design and wheel base is 300mm shorter than Range Rover donor. Land Rover international mag did a photo shoot yesterday so watch out for the article.
Kind regards Stig Mills
Stig and the rest of those who responded.........
Thx for the info... It is an interesting method.. The Trek is an interesting and innovative concept. I hope it is successful...
Trevor
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Was wondering why very few 4x4 kits are designed? no niche market? is there an interest for these type of kits?
Just thinking that there must be, an inexplored niche market for a 4x4 enthusiast, that wants a less mainstream styled off-roader.
Pictures on this very interesting website :
www.adrianstomcat.co.uk/MEV4x4.htm
The idea of a mid-engine designed 4x4 does lend itself to a great deal of design solutions, and you could even create a Paris-Dakar rally one-off......
I need a pen and paper.....
Just thinking that there must be, an inexplored niche market for a 4x4 enthusiast, that wants a less mainstream styled off-roader.
Pictures on this very interesting website :
www.adrianstomcat.co.uk/MEV4x4.htm
The idea of a mid-engine designed 4x4 does lend itself to a great deal of design solutions, and you could even create a Paris-Dakar rally one-off......
I need a pen and paper.....
Edited by fuoriserie on Thursday 12th April 08:33
I like it Italo.
I suspect that there is a market there to take over from the old Dakar and similar.
The MEV is a great concept and from what I have seen looks to have been well executed (as is the Rocket).
For very cheap and easy fun could something like this be done on an SJ410 or similar??
Neil.
I suspect that there is a market there to take over from the old Dakar and similar.
The MEV is a great concept and from what I have seen looks to have been well executed (as is the Rocket).
For very cheap and easy fun could something like this be done on an SJ410 or similar??
Neil.
neilrallying said:
I like it Italo.
I suspect that there is a market there to take over from the old Dakar and similar.
The MEV is a great concept and from what I have seen looks to have been well executed (as is the Rocket).
For very cheap and easy fun could something like this be done on an SJ410 or similar??
Neil.
I suspect that there is a market there to take over from the old Dakar and similar.
The MEV is a great concept and from what I have seen looks to have been well executed (as is the Rocket).
For very cheap and easy fun could something like this be done on an SJ410 or similar??
Neil.
Hi Neil,
I like the Mev concept too, very interesting mid-engine setup, very unique and with the potentail for a off-road rally racer.
I think something similar, could be done on the Sj or Vitara chassis, there is so many about, and after having seen the Dakar on a Vitara chassis, something similar to this design could be easily adapted to an Sj or Vitara.
Superb work, modern stylish, sporty yet clearly looking like it's a well capable off-roader. SJ would work but many serious competitive mud pluggers prefer the rugged reliability off LR. They will love the idea of being able to bolt on some wing extesions. They will be required for SVA in any case but the real advantage being they could be replaced quickly and cheaply once wacked into a tree. The spare does look the part up there. Unfortunately there appears to be only a very small 4x4 following in our kit car scene, but that could change. My own 4x4 was made very welcome last year but very few took it up. Most felt my styling was too soft for a serious off-roader. It was originally a commission for a modern take on a beach buggy. I just love the way Italo fires my imagination. Hope he's doing it for others too! Regards Stig Mills.
P.S enjoyed the bear and burger in the hall on Sunday night at Stoneleigh but I must be getting old as I didn't know any of the music.
P.S enjoyed the bear and burger in the hall on Sunday night at Stoneleigh but I must be getting old as I didn't know any of the music.
neilrallying said:
I like it Italo.
I suspect that there is a market there to take over from the old Dakar and similar.
I suspect that there is a market there to take over from the old Dakar and similar.
Or even easier, just make a new body for the existing dakar cage/conversion - or modernise the current body - it's only fibreglass at the end of the day.
I always said it would be good to make it more curvy, but try to keep the same door and windscreen apurtures to keep costs down.
eliot said:
neilrallying said:
I like it Italo.
I suspect that there is a market there to take over from the old Dakar and similar.
I suspect that there is a market there to take over from the old Dakar and similar.
Or even easier, just make a new body for the existing dakar cage/conversion - or modernise the current body - it's only fibreglass at the end of the day.
I always said it would be good to make it more curvy, but try to keep the same door and windscreen apurtures to keep costs down.
Eliot
That could be an interesting idea and see if it could work out.........
Edited by fuoriserie on Sunday 13th May 18:41
stig mills said:
Superb work, modern stylish, sporty yet clearly looking like it's a well capable off-roader. SJ would work but many serious competitive mud pluggers prefer the rugged reliability off LR. They will love the idea of being able to bolt on some wing extesions. They will be required for SVA in any case but the real advantage being they could be replaced quickly and cheaply once wacked into a tree. The spare does look the part up there. Unfortunately there appears to be only a very small 4x4 following in our kit car scene, but that could change. My own 4x4 was made very welcome last year but very few took it up. Most felt my styling was too soft for a serious off-roader. It was originally a commission for a modern take on a beach buggy. I just love the way Italo fires my imagination. Hope he's doing it for others too! Regards Stig Mills.
P.S enjoyed the bear and burger in the hall on Sunday night at Stoneleigh but I must be getting old as I didn't know any of the music.
P.S enjoyed the bear and burger in the hall on Sunday night at Stoneleigh but I must be getting old as I didn't know any of the music.
Thanks Stuart..
fuoriserie said:
That could be an interesting idea and see if it could work out.........
There's plenty more photos on my site,
www.mez.co.uk/page2.html#recent
Plus sizes and specs on the official website:
www.dakar4x4.me.uk/specs/specs.htm
Eliot.
eliot said:
fuoriserie said:
That could be an interesting idea and see if it could work out.........
There's plenty more photos on my site,
www.mez.co.uk/page2.html#recent
Plus sizes and specs on the official website:
www.dakar4x4.me.uk/specs/specs.htm
Eliot.
Eliot,
You did give me a great idea......will see what can be done on the dakar design next.
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