NS F355 Project (Page 61/73)
Yarmouth Fiero DEC 28, 02:17 PM
Thanks 85-308. I thought "Excavation" sounded a little more constructive than "Demolishion"

My original plan was to use the Arraut bump steer control arms and if I find that my final control arm length is still within their available range I may still go that route. If not, I'll have to build my own with a similar bump steer arrangement.

With regard to aluminum, I don't weld it either. However, the shipyard I work for builds alot of aluminum vessels and we have some of the most talented aluminum welders on this side of the country. So I have that in my favor. I know there is some doubt whether an aluminum cradle will yield significant weight savings but considering my cradle will be a little larger than stock, I think I can come up with a design that is strong and light(ish).
Yarmouth Fiero DEC 29, 07:15 PM
Well, all the parts have been blasted and primed and are now balanced precariously for a photo opportunity. Next step is to carefully weld it all in place without warping what's left of the original chassis.





Lunatic DEC 30, 05:43 AM
Okay, maybe I should move to Nova Scotia and become neighbour's with you and Dave. It seems like you all have more time in a day than the rest of us! Are there 36 hour days in NS? Just kidding. Excellent work so far.
Shayne
Yarmouth Fiero DEC 30, 07:12 AM
Thanks Shayne. I wish there were more hours in the day sometimes. It must only seem like a lot gets done fast because for me, my project seems to go very slow. I spend weeks and months figuring out what I want to do and then complete the design before I start any fabrication. Then I have a short spurt of actual build time. I don't have an artistic bone in my body and could never attempt to "freestyle" my build. It would be a complete disaster ha-ha-ha. You really have to admire and envy guys like Car-Lo that can visualize something in their mind and then bring it to life with their hands and in the end produce something that is both beautiful and functional.

edit: for typos

[This message has been edited by Yarmouth Fiero (edited 12-30-2014).]

355Fiero DEC 31, 03:37 PM
Looking really nice Yarmouth Fiero;

That is one clean looking engine bay....

I still say that Audi V8 with an 012 transaxle like engine man did would look amazing in the engine bay. Shorter by a bit as well so it would fit in much nicer than an SBC and no need for an adaptor plate. The engine management system would end up the same as your adaptor plate build and the rubber belt system. Just a thought.....

Happy New Year.
Don
Yarmouth Fiero DEC 31, 03:58 PM
Thanks for your input Don. I was just shutting down for 5pm. I agree with you and I am still throwing engine / gearbox possibilities around. There are a number of options and they all have their strengths and weaknesses for sure. I still have lots of fab work to do so until then, I'll keep researching. Have a safe and prosperous New Year.

Graham
Yarmouth Fiero JAN 01, 04:55 PM
I took a few hours today to lay out a preliminary design for my new engine cradle and hopefully alleviate a few members concerns regarding my misfitting stock cradle.

I based the design on an aluminum structure so at the moment the longintudinal frames as 4" x 3" x 1/4" HSS and the cross frames are 3" x 2" x 1/4" HSS. I've also included poly bushings at this time. Once I have an engine and gearbox finalized, I'll locate the cross members and suitable gussets properly to strengthen the structure and support the require engine / gearbox mounts.

Edit to add: aluminum cradle as shown weights approx 52 lbs.





Here are a couple pictures showing the suspension in place. I added a simple tubular control arm to give an idea of the horizontal orientation.







And of cousre...... the money shot.

[This message has been edited by Yarmouth Fiero (edited 01-01-2015).]

Lunatic JAN 02, 12:40 PM
If the Ferrari F355 wheel base is 96.5" and they can fit the driveline in longitudinally. Your wheel base, with the added 3", is very close to the Ferrari (within .100"). Can you not use/find a different transaxle with the output shaft's closer to the rear of the engine? This belt drive system, while cool, adds much complexity and weight to your build. I know the SBC is long at the front with the water pump, pulleys, etc and I'm sure the Ferrari has a shorter engine. (I don't know, I've never seen one up close). Just curious.

PS-The Porsche 914 transaxle is about 8" from bellhousing to output shaft.


The overall is close to 24",

[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 01-02-2015).]

Yarmouth Fiero JAN 02, 01:01 PM
Thanks Lunatic. If it's possible to avoid the belt drive, I certainly will. I still have to lower my engine in my drawing which will allow me move it forward a bit more. I still haven't found a good technical drawing of the LS1 so I may try to find a blown LS1 to mock up the arrangement. Here is a drawing of an Audi 016 gearbox which I'm told is very similar to the 01E. The dimensions seem to be similar to your pictures. Thanks for posting them btw. I appreciate all the input I can muster.
85-308 JAN 03, 09:30 AM
Just for info, the O1E is 7.5" from the bellhousing surface to the centre of the output axles; and you 'might' consider an LS4 which is the shortest of the LS series engines; they did a few things to it to make it shorter overall to fit in the transverse arrangement of the Impala SS etc etc... where every fraction of an inch counts maybe that would help?
The block itself isn't shorter or different except that the starter gets mounted on the trans instead of the engine and the accessories on the front, as well as the LS4 crankshaft 'snout' is shorter/shallower to make the overall finished 'length' or width in the case of the Impala, Monte etc, shorter to fit in the engine bay. All this might help....