TheSamba.com :: View topic - How much engine,weight wise,can I hang out there?

Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:19 pm

OK.I was curious how much weight I can hang off the back of my buggy:RE engine swap.I want to go with a 2.3 liter turboed 4 cyl.Specifically a Volvo B230FT.I have seen a lot of swaps but haven't seen anybody address rear engine mount/weight issues.I have an article from 1969 that has a Volvo B20(2.0 liter iron block and head) in a buggy and I cant see any evidence of any additional mounting besides it's being bolted to the trans. The B230 is cast iron block,aluminum head.I realize the turbo will add weight as well. I should also point out I KNOW there is the "Wheelie factor" RE: a floaty,(FREAKY) unsteerable front end due to too much weight out back.My gas tank is in front,(hopefully will help) and I could put my battery up there as well to help offset weight if needed.

I also expect the firestorm about how many other engines would be a more feasible swap.Being an 18 year Volvo tech,having several volvo engines and parts around and having swapped the same engine into 3 other cars ,I'll be hard pressed to be swayed away from the Volvo power plant.

I like that the volvo B230 is non-interferance,makes 165 horsepower,stock,intercooled,and will do 230-240 horse (seriously) massaged.The B230 especially the 94-95 is virtually BULLET PROOF!

Every one I've swaped (into other cars) has been incredibly reliable.

I'd be curious to know what a 1600 vw engine weighs,or a corvair engine.

What do the 2.3 liter Pinto motors weigh and are those alternately supported besides being hung from the trans?

Any thoughts?

Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:45 pm

i used to mess with the "turbobricks" too about 8-9 years ago. Hence the 240 resivior trick.......

This was the "brick" ...b21, 16lbs , terminal 11 trick, intercooled.....tire roaster

Tue Feb 27, 2007 4:04 pm

A little bit of aircraft style moment arm weight and balance figuring should get you the answers you need.

My buggy weighs 1200 lbs. empty

It is 1540 with two people in the front seats and half fuel.

weight distribution is roughly 35% front and 65% rear. I did weigh both axles separately but can't recall the exact weights. Add another 200 lbs. to the rear for engine, radiators and mounting and the front will get lighter.

I can already gas my buggy in 1st gear and slide the front tires trying to turn.

Clonebug

Tue Feb 27, 2007 4:14 pm

I had read that a standard 80" wheelbase Manx with a 1600cc DP had almost a 90%/10% weight ratio. That may be without passenger and driver, though.

My Deserter, with its 84" wheelbase was supposed to be closer to 70%/30%. Is that wrong? Does anyone else have other "official" info that says something different? It just seems like any car that will slip the front tires under acceleration must be less than 35% weight up front.

Mark

Tue Feb 27, 2007 4:39 pm

Im really glad I read this post. I didn't think about hitting the gas and turning at the same time. I could see my dumb arse. Turning left out of my neighborhood. Flooring it and end up in the ditch across the street.

You could try to mount the radiator in the side pods. It might help push the wieght a little bit forward. Or just put some wheelie bars on the back. And don't turn fast.

Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:38 am

you say don't turn fast like its a choice.

are your frame horns reinforced? Because even just a nice stroker can torque those out of straight after a few years work, so a big honking plant like yours, esp with all that extra oomf, some sort of extra strength would be nice. I have bars running from the ends of the horns to my cage, and the tranny mounts to that bracket, which is then bolted to my horns. unfortunatly I have the convenince of a rail.

Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:39 am

you say don't turn fast like its a choice.

are your frame horns reinforced? Because even just a nice stroker can torque those out of straight after a few years work, so a big honking plant like yours, esp with all that extra oomf, some sort of extra strength would be nice. I have bars running from the ends of the horns to my cage, and the tranny mounts to that bracket, which is then bolted to my horns. unfortunatly I have the convenince of a rail.