datsunwizard Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 I have a idea on the rear shock/coil-over problem, I might be running into the same problem as you,since I am using Miata suspension parts, with the limited height available between the lower "a" arm and the frame. I have been thinking of using a push-rod and bell crank setup and putting the coil-overs horizontal between the frame rails , to keep the total rear end assy. as low as possible. Just a idea that I am throwing out there. Monte Quote Link to comment
Bob3 Posted November 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 I have been thinking of using a push-rod and bell crank setup and putting the coil-overs horizontal between the frame rails , to keep the total rear end assy. as low as possible. Just a idea that I am throwing out there.Monte That is a good idea. I'll take some measurements this weekend. I'll also try and "mock up" the rear subframe assy and post some pics. 1 Quote Link to comment
datsunwizard Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 Can't wait for the rear end pics! Monte Quote Link to comment
denveratsun Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 This weekend is trashed Bob.:rolleyes: Maybe next week? Here are some other pics for all you guys that are just like me!!!!:D The original sub-frame concept: The original mock-up in the engine bay: The really cool truck...no motor yet...great looking though!:cool: Quote Link to comment
Bob3 Posted November 15, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2008 OK - It's Saturday morning and we have what looks like 2" of snow. I'm going through the mail and the new issue of Grassroots Motorsports Magazine just came (Dec. '08). If any of you guys get this check out page 152. They have a picture of my son Tommy in there. Pretty cool. It's time to walk out to my shop and have some fun working on the MX520 :D I'll try and get some updated pics of what I get done. I don't know what that'll be, but who cares, I've got all winter to get it done! :P Quote Link to comment
Bob3 Posted November 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Well - I got the Miata motor mounted. I had to cut out the firewall and most of the tunnel. I also got the front shock tops mounted. I left my camera at work. I'll get some pics up in the next few days. I'm tired.:cool: Quote Link to comment
motavated Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Whaaa! Your fourteen! DAMN!!!! At that age I was lucky that my dad's Econoline broke down and I fixed it. I learn to pull in and out in the drive way... NICE!!!! Keep it up!!!!! Quote Link to comment
Bob3 Posted November 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Whaaa! Your fourteen! DAMN!!!! At that age I was lucky that my dad's Econoline broke down and I fixed it. I learn to pull in and out in the drive way... NICE!!!! Keep it up!!!!! You must have seen the pic of my son in GRM. Pretty cool Huh.:eek: Quote Link to comment
motavated Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Dang! Your family are all racing guy's no? Your father sounded like a really cool guy. :cool: Really nice project man. Will the turbo miata engine fit this setup though? That would be a sweet upgrade in the future if one ever presents itself. Keep it up! I really wonder what I would of accomplished if I started to driving at a younger age. The next generation, its going to be diffrent. :cool: Quote Link to comment
Bob3 Posted November 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 This is my son Tommy. Yes he is 14 years old. He is the youngest nationally liscensed race car driver in the USA. Never before has a fourteen year old been allowed to compete at this level or in a National Championship Road Race! :eek: This was taken at his first race in March '08. He was 14 years 2 months old. 1 Quote Link to comment
mklotz70 Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 That's most impressive! :) Quote Link to comment
denveratsun Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 They also seem like thoughtful, well adjusted kids...on top of being cool becuase they race!:D I am off today, but I am not going to be able to make it...I don't think anyway:rolleyes: Sent you a PM too.:cool: How far back is the firewall cut? Quote Link to comment
Byron510 Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Bob, As I read the first page, I also thought that the bell crank may solve your clearence issues - Monte beat me to it. But I have seen this done on 620's and 720's using the stock Datsun rear axle. I can't get a good look at your set up, so I'm not sure, but on the set ups that I have seen, the coil over unit mounted parelell to the frame rail, with the rear end of the coil over linked to a bell crank, whick was in turn mounted to the axle. Maybe this could get worked into your IRS, and save from cutting into the box, which wouldn't look so good. Nice build, I'll watch this one. Byron Quote Link to comment
sr71sss Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Bob, wow 14 years old, man I need to get on the ball with my own kids, Karting season is upon us here in norcal and I hope they enjoy it as much as i since I'm just a big overgrown kid myself LOL... Love the project bob I was thinking to myself why am I the only one that has ever used the miata suspension as I loved how everything is on a cradle and is perfect for any scratch built project like yours. my project is not the truck buts its in a datsun roadster. wish I could figure out how to post pic Quote Link to comment
Bob3 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 (edited) Here are some pics of the destruction so far! I need to finish up the motor mounts next. Then I'll mount the tail of the trannie. Then I'm going to graft the Miata floorpan / firewall / trans tunnel. This will prove to be a bit of a task, but should be too cool:D I've decided to get the front half of the project pretty much done and then move to the back. So those of you interested in the rear end will have to wait. Although if you come up with any ideas or PICS of what to do this please post them! I'll put up more as I get it.:) Edited November 18, 2008 by Bob3 Quote Link to comment
bonvo Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 (edited) not a bad fit over all looks good you probibly could have spared the firewall if you had gone rotory but i dont blame you rotory sucks here are some shots of a traxxas revo obviously its not a real car but the suspention may be adapted for the back Edited November 18, 2008 by bonvo Quote Link to comment
crabbyone Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 Got my Grassroots Motorsports today, saw the picture of your son. Great way for a youngster to stay out of trouble. Congratulations to him and his parents. Looks like the engine sits about 2" back into the firewall. Shouldn't be that difficult to close up....I've done, uh, I mean seen worse. Hey I was a lot younger then, and that Buick V-6 just wouldn't quite fit. This is a very innovative, and entertaining project....carry on. Quote Link to comment
sr71sss Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 Wow hotrodding at its finest, stock is boring anyways. I think this would be the first miata swap into a datsun truck? there are a few datsun roadster with BP miata swaps-check out 311s.org site.. conrad Quote Link to comment
Bob3 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 Looks like the engine sits about 2" back into the firewall. Shouldn't be that difficult to close up....I've done, uh, I mean seen worse. I plan to cut out ALOT more of the stock firewall. Just a little at a time. My plan is to use as much of the Miata firewall as I can. Two reasons: 1 - It has a two inch recess built in just over the trans tunnel. This is good because the floor behind the pedals is the same as stock. 2 - The drivers side is set up for the pedal assy to just bolt in. I also plan to use the Miata floor. It's thicker than the stock floor and the bucket seat mounts are built in! It is also totally rust free. Do I konw exactly what I'm doing? NO - but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. :lol: 1 Quote Link to comment
84TAVeRT Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 awesome project... can you take some pics of your upper shock mounts on the front... thanks, Chris Quote Link to comment
djlotus Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 This is an awesome project. I can't wait to see some pics of it at the track. Quote Link to comment
Bob3 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 This is an awesome project. I can't wait to see some pics of it at the track. I CAN'T WAIT TO GET IT ON THE TRACK EITHER! YOU CAN COUNT ON SOME COOL PICS AND VIDEO :thumbsup: 1 Quote Link to comment
Bob3 Posted November 19, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 I didn't have much time tonight. I got the sub frame plated. It's now 2.25" lower. This is with the cut already made & the old piece sitting there. This is with the cut out removed. This is plated and welded up. Quote Link to comment
pope_face Posted November 22, 2008 Report Share Posted November 22, 2008 Wow, now that'll definately be a fun drive... you've got me wondering why I'm considering an engine swap with the stock suspension. I think it's time for me to start exploring some more options... Looks great, and good to hear your son has a hobby that both of you share. Is he helping out with the build, or is he not much of a Datsun man? Quote Link to comment
Bob3 Posted November 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 Looks great, and good to hear your son has a hobby that both of you share. Is he helping out with the build, or is he not much of a Datsun man? He's good at holding things from time to time, but it's not like it was when I was a kid and just wanted to be out in the garage with my dad all of the time. It must be the damn internet / texting / video game BS! Sorry I'm feeling old now - I need to go lay down.:rolleyes: Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.