Starting my GTR chassis build

The 930 CV's arrived and I am very pleased to say they match the Corvette axle's 28 inner splines like a glove. So far so good. I'm still hunting down a pair of Audi/VW 108mm output flanges to swap into the Boxster trans. There are several Wrecking yards on New York's Long Island Sound Shore. I may venture out there to find a pair monday, as I'm off from work. Then I can mock up the rear suspension to determine my pick up points for the chassis. Cheers , Vinny
 
I think I may have an issue with my Boxster (012) 5sp transmission, I removed the right side output flange, When I re-installed the same one back in I am able to turn the input shaft and hold the output flanges from turning. It this a normal condition? The flanges are seated all the way in and I get 1st thru 5th and reverse properly. But I cannot recall if the transmission did this originally when I picked it up. It is not a locking rear diff. Any knowledge on this would be greatly appreciated. Cheers -Vinny
 
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I've been considering a timber chassis to get my design right and not waste tubing. I happened upon a Hobby store and the craft bin had Balsa wood in assorted dimensions. I haven't used this since I built a Zeppelin model when I was 10.:drunk:. With John's (Kasper) guidance and help I am making slow progress. Please take a moment to look and the model so far and point out any glaring omissions, or redundancies. The 3rd picture shows in yellow and red my next step in adding outward structures. Thank you all on this great forum, Cheers -Vinny
 

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Been working further on the chassis model.
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Hi Vinny what you're doing looks great. Have you gotten a body yet? Unless you plan on building your own. It might be wise to find one you like. There will be a lot of variables in the design of the chassis dependent on a body. Such as wheel base & track width, attachment points etc. Make sure you can get a street legal windshield too.
 
Hi Mike, I'll be making the body in alloy and plan to be flexible with the final dimensions. The car is more of a 'tribute' than spot on reproduction. I appreciate the heads up on the windshield , New York can be a bear trying to register a home built car. Thanks for the kind words. -Vinny
 
Yes I live in California & a DOT approved laminated glass windshield is a must. That alone has stopped me from trying to design/build my own car. So many of them have such extremely curved & raked windshields. It would be impossible to make one that looked "right" without one. The closest thing I know of in a production car is a 60s Corvette. But that isn't really enough either for a coupe. Good luck on the project. I've done the same thing with building with sticks to try a chassis design.
 
Working further on the chassis model, adding side pontoons and front cowl/scuttle structure. Opinions are greatly appreciated.
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Also been looking at the various sizes of Fuel Cells available. I am looking at placing a slim 17 gallon-64.5 liter (7'' wide x 30'' across x17 high) Cell behind the passenger compartment. The cabin looks too long and shortening the rear will accommodate the fuel cell behind the firewall. This will also line up nicely with the fuel cap neck located in the upper b-pillar.
Cheers, Vinny
 

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lateral triangulation of the main roll hope may be in order (can't tell exactly how it is braced in that direction from the pics). Basically, one bar running from the top corner of the hoop to the top of the bulkhead on the opposite side.
 
I've been working on improving the chassis drawing, trying to create a better load path throughout. Also glad to say I've picked up my motor after a long search, 2001 Audi 2.7 twin turbo. -Vinny
 

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I've been looking for a set of wheels/tires with the Corvette bolt pattern to match the hub and brakes, I'm not fond of the choice of designs available, but I came upon a set of Z06 wheels in 18'' so cheap I couldn't pass on them. The rears are worn so I've picked up a replacement pair to swap on. Last Saturday I mocked up the rear suspension and axles to get a look at the width , the rear measured outer tire end to end at 70'' across. While I had the wheels at hand I bolted together the front end and came out with 67'' end to end across. Tomorrow I will make a trip to the Steel Distributor for chassis tube, 1.5'' x 1.5'' 16 ga. and other minor bits needed. They said I was welcome to also dig through their pile of cutoffs or 'drops' to find additional steel/alloy pieces, Cool !! -Vinny
 

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Tacking together the rear cradle earlier today.
 

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Adding control arm tabs and test fitting the Corvette C5 rear suspension and brakes.
 

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I raised the rear upper x-member to clear the tail of the transmission, I plan to make this part a bolt-in affair for pulling the motor/trans as a whole. Last weekend I picked up a pair of used Kirkey Alum seats that should serve the purpose..
Lastly I included a pic of the car that is the inspiration behind my madness. The 1997 FIA Champion Mercedes CLK-GTR. Regards, Vinny
 

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Happy Holidays everyone. here's an update on the CLK -GTR build. I made a few changes to the chassis design, among them were a new front suspension crossmember. I cut out the old corvette steering rack mounts to re-use, they're located in the crossmember with the jig pictured. It picks up the stock lower A-arm mounting reference points.
 

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This past week I mounted the rack into the cradle. New ball joints are on the to-do list. Don't let the grass in the background fool you, Its been cold these past several days on the east coast.
 

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Chris Kouba

Supporter
Looks like fun work Vinny.

Someone already mentioned it but your model looks like it still needs some lateral triangulation for the main hoop. Might want something over the engine bay area too, even if it bolts in.

Great project, keep up the posting.
 
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