Spaceframe Chassis vs Monocoque Chassis?

[Steve]

Hey all.

I have noticed some kit car companies use spaceframe chassis and others use monocoque chassis'.

Just out of general curiosity and to expand my mechanical knowledge, I was wondering what are the pros and cons of each?

Thanks

 

[Scott]

Do a search. Basically a space frame chassis is cheaper and easier to repair, while a monocoque is more original. Happy hunting, S

 

[Steve]

Do a search. Basically a space frame chassis is cheaper and easier to repair, while a monocoque is more original. Happy hunting, S

Thanks

Which feels more solid as far as driving goes?

 

[Scott]

Doesn't make any difference on a properly built example. I have one of each. S

 

[Steve]

Doesn't make any difference on a properly built example. I have one of each. S

Cool, thanks for the info.

 

[Juan Jose Rocha L - P GTX]

The true science of GT40 was inside, the monocoque makes the difference and gives the true value. Those who make the GT40, based on the monocoque go true replicas. Other factories made ​​imitations that appear to be a GT40, however all are beautiful well-equipped cars. My preference will always be the monocoque.
http://www.gt40s.com/forum/groups/studying-monocoque.html

 

[Chris Duncan]

It's about weight and torsional rigidity. Just like the power to weight ratio is a more relevant number than just the straight up power figure. The rigidity to weight ratio is more relevant than just the rigidity factor alone.

The monocoque chassis has more rigidity for a given weight, however as already stated it is more expensive and difficult to build and harder to repair.

The original car had 12,000 lbs/degree torsional rigidity, the tube frame cars don't begin to approach that. The best are about 1/2 of that. That said the only place you'll notice is going 9/10 or 10/10 on the track, and even then you will have to be a developed driver to do so.

 

[Bill Musarra]

You can have the best of both worlds with the DRB's as they use the space frame backbone with welded steel panels. A hundred pounds or so won't make that much difference.

Bill