bike engined frogeye

[pissdupfool]

been done? possible? worth it?

i'm potentially interested in building a performance frogeye from either a frogeyespares or sebringsprite bodyshell/chassis. i'd like independent suspension if possible using coilovers, and discs all round. i'd be after something with the look and stance of a classic racer but with considerable more performance available.

i'm thinking tuned a series - mabe a 1430cc - but would an r1 or hayabusa engine & reversing 'box be a goer? has anyone done this? what are the challenges? etc. would the stock chassis be modable or would i need to build a spaceframe?

i want something with the performance of a '7 based car but with better looks. i love frogeyes but dont fancy a stock one. i'm aware it would require a lot of fabrication work but my dad and uncle are both skilled in that respect and i'm a design engineer so i have access to various design packages to produce drawings and assemblies for the to work from.

is this a good idea? it would be a weekend-blast kind of car so i don't expect something fuly streetable, but if its a non-starter i'd prefer to know. if it could work, can anyone reccomend any websites or books that would prove useful?

cheers in advance,
p.

[Motown Junk]

Saw a Midget with a bike engine in the old CCC magazine. Can't remember what engine and was just using an accusump accumulator - mag recommended dry sumping.

So can be done, but I'd drill everything poss to get weight down.

Maybe posting in the Caterham anf Kit Car forums would get a more technical (ie helpful!) response.

BTW - ignoring my love of old muscle cars, I really want one of those mid mounted,bike powered minis!

Edited by Motown Junk on Tuesday 1st July 08:04

[Wombat Rick]

Have you tried Frontline? They stick the K-Series in with a 5 speed box.


http://www.frontlinedevelopments.com/

[alex_p]

Have you ever driven a bike engined car (BEC)? I wouldn't put too much thought into it until you've had a go in one, as you either love it or hate it, I don't think there is any middle ground with a BEC! There are plenty of small car engines out there that'll give you increased performance whilst retaining more of the drivability of the original, the K-series has been mentioned, but if you wanted to do some design yourself then the Ford Sigma might be worth a look...

[pissdupfool]

I've not driven a BEC. Maybe an idea to do that first eh?!

Checked out the K series frog Wombat, cheers for that, its really got me thinking.

However, i also read an article online comparing K series frog VS zetec elan.......

[trackcar]

there's something strangely appealling about a screaming bike engine in a frogeye, i like where you're coming from even if you eventually go down a different route.

[pissdupfool]

trackcar said:

there's something strangely appealling about a screaming bike engine in a frogeye, i like where you're coming from even if you eventually go down a different route.

its the simplicity of the frog that appeals to me, and the fact its pretty compact and lightweight. i just want to make it even more so [lightweight that is] and add more power and handling capability. seems like the frontline guys were thinking the same - i forgot how light the K series actually is!

as i say, zetec elan vs a k engined sprite. both cheap engines, lots of tuners to choose from, proven conversion, etc. hard decision, lots to investigate.........

[valvesetter]

This is just what I intend to do -- got the bits just need enthusiasm

[pissdupfool]

valvesetter said:

This is just what I intend to do -- got the bits just need enthusiasm

don't tease me like this valvesetter!

have you got all the bits you need? what engine/gearbox are you going for?

start a new thread or have this one, its yours! once the pics and plans are posted then PH will provide all the enthusiasm and encouragement.

[valvesetter]

I have a tweaked V8 for it and am toying with the idea of a transaxel at the back, spaceframe to be built so long way off.
I will start a thread when the project gets going, I've got windshield from a Midget and all the gauges for the dash and a period steering wheel (Austin - Ally leather rimmed) Oh and two 60's bucket seats in cream out of a Cobra.

Mouths watering allready

[Simes205]

Have a butchers around this site

http://retrorides.proboards86.com/index.cgi?

[bourbon 1983]

hi interested in your discussion,i have a v8 frogeye which i built,3.9 v8 rover,race cam etc.still looks standard ish apart from tyres .have vented discs up front,ford shortened capri on rear. it still retains the steel shell but fibreglass front.is very quick car!!!

[valvesetter]

Nice to know it'll fit bourbon, pics would be loverly, I was thinking of a trans axel at the back or failing that a Sierra diff with short driveshafts.
Not for a while yet but plenty to think about.

[bourbon 1983]

hi ,its the wolf in sheeps clothing,accelleration is very scary although im used to it now,passengers think its an old classic car,until you start it up!!engine is vertually race spec flat top pistons fast road cam,big valve heads not a lazy v8.gearbox is shortened using a remote gearstick otherwise itwould be too far back. an atlas back axle will fit(ford)pref with lsd.the main problem is cooling.getting the fans on early in traffic otherwise you start cooking!exhaust was by tony law at leeds,axle done by chris cook motor sport although i think they dont exist now.brakes are still drum,ford at rear,metro vented up front fitted on to existing frog set up,ile try posting some pics.it handles very well ,like a go cart.i did run it for a while with no air filter to keep the bonnet as a frogeye but now have fitted a filter and a cut down subaru scoop on the bonnet tofeed more air in.good luck any probs let me know im in york.