TheSamba.com :: View topic - Midengine superbeetle build..Cadillac northstar..long travel

Sat Feb 28, 2009 12:08 am

Im building a mid engine northstar super beetle..heres some pics..I welcome any info or help..
...STartING BuilD!...

...cheap jig..

..body mounts..

First stage roll cage....only tacking it now just in case! lots more supports and gussets to come...

...MOTOR MOUNTS>>>

Brakes and hubs....

Trailing arms..
I set the pivot mounting bar angle @ 8.5*... (ive seen them set at 0* to 15*) ..using dual 5/8 chromoly heims
camber -1 degree...(I was told most do 0* but blindchiken said he runs -2*)... -1 just ended up being easy set for me..so i went with it..
estamated size 6x8...
18 inches travel
using 930 cvs..
28 inch axles

Sat Feb 28, 2009 12:53 am

when i read the title to this thread i thought to my self

"another crazy hairbrained hack job project"

but your pictures restored my faith in garage fab skills, that thing looks legit as hell. its already starting to look intimidating.

ohh and is that a 914 transmission? is that what your planning on using with the northstar? do you think it will hold up?

also i like what you did with the halo in the car, i have never seen that double bar thing done before, you know what would be sick? if you got some sheet and dimple dyed it and welded it in.

also i almost forgot, welcome to the samba and you better keep us updated or we will find you :lol:

Sat Feb 28, 2009 1:33 am

This thing is going to rally!

One question....

Why a Northstar?

Other than that major props to you sir!!!

Sat Feb 28, 2009 3:58 am

Very interesting. I'll definitely be watching. Looks like good work. Keep us posted please!

Sat Feb 28, 2009 5:10 am

I'm not sure what you're gonna get for advice... looks like you have this build under control... I'm willing to bet you'll be the one answering questions :lol:
I'm sure Dusty will have input for you, but other than that, WOW!! sweet build, keep the pics coming!

Sat Feb 28, 2009 6:45 am

INSANE!

Sat Feb 28, 2009 7:14 am

When I saw mid-engine N-Star Super, I was thinking a GL Road Racing type build. I forgot I was in the off-road forum. Killer idea/engineering either way, but it will make for a stellar ride.
Good work, keep the momentum up.

Sat Feb 28, 2009 8:07 am

Looks like a hell of a start! The only concern I would have from the pics, (and it may only be the pics) The lower halo bar..... how much head room does it leave you? On my car, I had to tuck it up above the door line or my head would hit it?

Sat Feb 28, 2009 8:32 am

thanks for welcoming me to samba ..I figued id get some crazy looks, thats why i waited to get a little of the build together before i posted..this is a low budget build and im am a back yard builder..with that said im not going to sacrafice safty...so thanks for all the positive feedback on my project!!
It is a 914 ..great eye...im using to get my build going, since its set up for mid engine already and real cheap, i will have to keep the foot out of it..I was going to flip a 091 but was told the porsche stuff is stronger..im building a 915 out of a 911 with a flipped ring for the future..cant afford 930 or mendeola..
Dimple dies are awsome...its on my wish list...trying to get my buddy to buy a press ..told him id buys dies!!!!

Sat Feb 28, 2009 8:54 am

No idea if it'll work, but would a 944 trans work? Diff is pointed in the correct direction...

Sat Feb 28, 2009 8:55 am

Y northstar??
well i always wanted to do the mid engine v8 in a bug..just for cool factor more than anything..handling?not done much..
I Decided northstar was the one because its aluminum block under 400lbs complete, puts out 300hp stock once in its very very dependable..
being out of front wheel drive its has a small base size for all that power...
last they are a dime a dozen and cheap..mines out of a rolled cts it has 39000 on it runs great, i paid 500 for it..ill spend more on the after market ecm to get it running..lol
but for under a $1500 ill have a great reliable motor that puts out 300hp..

lower halo bar is a little lower than i wanted but when the doors are on its even with the top of door..the floor is also a few inches lower than stock with the frame design im useing..not to mention im only 5'7" so i dont have to worry about that too much...i dont think a big guy will be fittin in my car...lol

thanks again guys for all the positive feedback guys..ill be building and notching trailing arms this week, pics commin... Hopefully it doesnt lead to suicide lol

Sat Feb 28, 2009 2:52 pm

Very cool. What are your plans for the front end?

Kyle

Sat Feb 28, 2009 11:10 pm

I was told the 944 has a different bolt patter on the bell housing.(not positive on that info)914, 915 ,930 same as vw 4 bolt bell housing..might be tough to design a adapter plate for northstar.. i talked to a porsche guy ..local ..and he is designing a adapter plate for for the boxter transaxle to gm v8...he said ready sometime next year....ive seen lots of both these transaxles for resonable prices..he said they are very strong...

Building complete a arm front end ..same width as rear.. ill be using buggy works combo spindles .. and center load rack and pinion...shootin for 16 to 18 inches of travel...im sure ill have plenty of questions...

Sun Mar 01, 2009 11:45 am

That is too cool.!!!

Sun Mar 01, 2009 12:01 pm

Is the trans a side shifter or a tail shifter? the only downfall to the 914 trans is the shifting, a tail shifter is very vague(my 914 has one in it), the side shifter is supposed to be much better, idk ive never driven a side shifter. Other than that, they hold up very well. The 915 trans will easily be stronger, both are great transmission imo.

Anyway, awesome build, can't wait to see the finished car. Great Job, and Good luck. post more pics

Sun Mar 01, 2009 2:09 pm

ive driven both a tail shift and a side shift and they both suck major ass. but im pretty sure that's in part to the crappy linkage.

this would work great in your case

http://www.cableshift.com/914/914%20page.html

Mon Mar 02, 2009 12:45 am

Well sir then more props to ya on the cheap motor find!

Good luck and MORE PICS!!!!

Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:54 am

may i ask why you went with solid motor mounts? im sure with solid your going to feel quite a bit vibration and with all the power i would imagine the twisting force if the engine will put stress on your mounts and possibly crack welds IMO. and maybe even twis your frame :P

Mon Mar 02, 2009 9:32 am

with urethane mounts he will replace them every other day

Mon Mar 02, 2009 5:52 pm

a.graham52 wrote: may i ask why you went with solid motor mounts? im sure with solid your going to feel quite a bit vibration and with all the power i would imagine the twisting force if the engine will put stress on your mounts and possibly crack welds IMO. and maybe even twis your frame :P

V8's are naturally balanced so the vibrations won't be bad at all.