Tube Chassis Subaru Engine build, Lots of new progress Options

[Curbandgutter]

Hello Tazz9924 that's a lot of work that you've accomplished in such a short time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif) I'm also doing a tube steel chassis but with 996 suspension. I'm pretty much complete on my chassis and have moved on to body work. I'm trying to understand which way you are headed? Are you going to gut the inside of the 914 and "sleeve" it over the tube steel frame? I was wondering how did you get the suspension alignment locations from the donor car. I'm interested to know specifically in the vertical direction since they are not on a flat plane, at least not on the 996 suspension. On the 996 the front and rear suspension cradles have tilt to them that affects the entire suspension geometry. I don't know if that is the case on the 993. Also, do you know if your front struts are going to be able to clear the bottom of the front hood. I know that they didn't on mine. The rears were not a problem on my build but the fronts are. I'm removing my Mc Phersons on the front of mine. That is what I will tackle once the body work is done. Good luck with your build!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[tazz9924]

Hello Tazz9924 that's a lot of work that you've accomplished in such a short time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif) I'm also doing a tube steel chassis but with 996 suspension. I'm pretty much complete on my chassis and have moved on to body work. I'm trying to understand which way you are headed? Are you going to gut the inside of the 914 and "sleeve" it over the tube steel frame? I was wondering how did you get the suspension alignment locations from the donor car. I'm interested to know specifically in the vertical direction since they are not on a flat plane, at least not on the 996 suspension. On the 996 the front and rear suspension cradles have tilt to them that affects the entire suspension geometry. I don't know if that is the case on the 993. Also, do you know if your front struts are going to be able to clear the bottom of the front hood. I know that they didn't on mine. The rears were not a problem on my build but the fronts are. I'm removing my Mc Phersons on the front of mine. That is what I will tackle once the body work is done. Good luck with your build!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Its 986 suspension actually, i basically went about it like this. I went out and measured a stock boxsters suspension geometry; strut bolt hole spacing subframe angles etc. Anything i could measure. I then transferred it in 3d space to everything you see here. The only assumption i made was full droop control arm angle. I looked a pictures and basically had to guess. If i set them too low compared to stock thats ok because ill use coil overs to level the control arms. Will it work? idk we figure that out. As far as the body goes im going to hollow it out remove all the structure and place it on top. I expect bits to hang out a little but ill find ways of coping with it (pods maybe). i can also set the body up a little higher and get good chassis hiding results. But safe to say it was a pain getting to this point, ill keep pushing!

[Andyrew]

Seems like a lot of work hollowing out that body for what is only going to be extra weight.

Even if you do plan to make it a door slammer, I say just skin the panels and put them in place. Your going to be making adjustments along the chassis anyways. You could weld some flat bar to the skin to keep it aligned just for laying it in place and cut the welds off when your done.

dzuts fasten the panels on and call it a day (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Lighter, Simpler, easier for doing work on the chassis or replacing pieces later.

[tazz9924]

Seems like a lot of work hollowing out that body for what is only going to be extra weight.

Even if you do plan to make it a door slammer, I say just skin the panels and put them in place. Your going to be making adjustments along the chassis anyways. You could weld some flat bar to the skin to keep it aligned just for laying it in place and cut the welds off when your done.

dzuts fasten the panels on and call it a day (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Lighter, Simpler, easier for doing work on the chassis or replacing pieces later.

well ill need the A pillar and headlight buckets, by the time im done it will mostly be skin but im using whatever will be left to hold the body in place temporarily. Shouldnt be a big deal

[tazz9924]

whoops

[Andyrew]

Seems like a lot of work hollowing out that body for what is only going to be extra weight.

Even if you do plan to make it a door slammer, I say just skin the panels and put them in place. Your going to be making adjustments along the chassis anyways. You could weld some flat bar to the skin to keep it aligned just for laying it in place and cut the welds off when your done.

dzuts fasten the panels on and call it a day (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Lighter, Simpler, easier for doing work on the chassis or replacing pieces later.

well ill need the A pillar and headlight buckets, by the time im done it will mostly be skin but im using whatever will be left to hold the body in place temporarily. Shouldnt be a big deal

Well you made quick work of the rolling chassis, im sure you'll do the same for the body (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[2mAn]

What a crazy plan!... Love the progress

[tazz9924]

Just got some new wheels test fit on. I got a good deal on some fiske fm10s. 17x9 front 17x11 rear. i figure some 305-315s are in store for the rear!

[Andyrew]

Love them! Looks like the tires might touch the coils?

[tazz9924]

Love them! Looks like the tires might touch the coils?

Yeah also they dont like the hub so im going to use a 1” spacer

[Retroracer]

Looks good!!

As a side note, if you're going to drop the standard 914 body over that, you might need to roll the fenders a little to prevent rubbing..

- Tony

[tazz9924]

Finally back at it! i made some tubes ive been R and D-ing in my head for months. They came out well even though they are very complex. I really put some mileage on that grinder today!

[tygaboy]

Nice, nice work on the chassis fab. I know the challenges you faced getting those tubes to fit. You dun guut! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)
I really enjoy seeing your high quality, well thought out design and fab. Keep up the great work!
(Or, take a break and come out here to help me with the RacerBenz cage!)

[tazz9924]

(Or, take a break and come out here to help me with the RacerBenz cage!)

I wish! but we both need to work on our 914s! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[tazz9924]

Just added some of the last of the main tubes before i get the body on! Now it’s about welding everything i can see, removing the motor and trans, and welding the rest. Add in some front strut tubes i just now remembered then its body time!!!

[tazz9924]

I added in the tubes i mentioned in the front apron area. I stared at it for a good two hours to make sure it looked as good as possible. This caused me to no longer like the front end. It doesn’t have visual flow, i referred to it as a mullet chassis; Buisness in the front, Party in the back. That being said i took a step back, installed my seat and i love the whole chassis again. This is a process im sure many are familiar with.

[76-914]

What are your projected GVW differences? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[tazz9924]

What are your projected GVW differences? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

GVW, gross vehicle weight? As in weight distribution? or the difference between my original goal weight and likely actual?
Weight distribution surely isnt great now but there are more componets i need to install forward of the cg than behind it. I can lift the front of the chassis in a dead lift kinda way as it sits. but the ride height being so high in the front makes it easier too. I figure 45% front is realistic. The best thing here though, is mass centralization as most weight is between the axles. Total weight i still believe 1800 is the number. as far as things go it will be lacking lots of regular things and if i put it on a diet with loads of fiberglass 1700s is possible.

[tazz9924]

I reinforced the body and gave it the good ole sawzall treatment. I hate this tool but the utility is undeniable. On the other hand the chassis is just about rust free now!

[76-914]

What are your projected GVW differences? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

GVW, gross vehicle weight? As in weight distribution? or the difference between my original goal weight and likely actual?
Weight distribution surely isnt great now but there are more componets i need to install forward of the cg than behind it. I can lift the front of the chassis in a dead lift kinda way as it sits. but the ride height being so high in the front makes it easier too. I figure 45% front is realistic. The best thing here though, is mass centralization as most weight is between the axles. Total weight i still believe 1800 is the number. as far as things go it will be lacking lots of regular things and if i put it on a diet with loads of fiberglass 1700s is possible.

Wow! That ought to go like a scalded ass ape. At such a light weight I'm guessing you're going with big sticky tires. Keep posting your progress. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)