My ExoCar Project

[cbm3384]

Hey guys, newcomer here. I have been playing with cars for years now and have built quite a few street and race cars. This will be my first attempt at a full build including frame. My motivation comes from the Atom, SL-R, and other home-built projects I've seen like the Warner R4.

The setup will be rear engine 4G63 with a FWD trans. I have done a ton of 4G63 stuff so that is what I am most comfortable with, plus they make tons of power with relatively little modification. I am looking for an overall length of right around 118", and a width of 72". The wheel base is roughly 96". Here is a preliminary drawing of the frame.

I would appreciate all insight, comments, etc. Thanks!

-Chris

[pook]

I like it!
I "might" add some X braces to control torsional twist? Either at the firewall behind the seat or even the floor pan...or both??? (I'm no expert so I could be wrong) but there is nothing worse than a suspension that can't work like it's supposed to.
Do you plan to roll the main tubes yourself?
PooK

[cbm3384]

I like it!
I "might" add some X braces to control torsional twist? Either at the firewall behind the seat or even the floor pan...or both??? (I'm no expert so I could be wrong) but there is nothing worse than a suspension that can't work like it's supposed to.
Do you plan to roll the main tubes yourself?
PooK

Thanks for the insight. This isn't the finished product, plus I am sure once I start building I'll modify things a bit. I definitely plan on adding more bracing as you suggested.

I don't have a tubing roller, so I am planning on having someone local do the large radius bends. Also, that is something completely new to me so I don't have the knowledge to accurately bend something like that.

-Chris

[cbm3384]

Here are a few more pics with a little bracing added to the cockpit area and the front a-arms.

[cbm3384]

I added bracing on the firewall and rear a-arm mounts and a-arms:

[pook]

I like it! nice and low and strait to the point.
Got a start date in mind yet?
PooK

[cbm3384]

I like it! nice and low and strait to the point.
Got a start date in mind yet?
PooK

Thanks! I am going to curve the top tubes down towards the nose a bit and at the rear also. I am just having trouble making compound curves in Sketchup. I really like the xO so that is the shape I hope to achieve.

Right now I am saving money and starting to collect parts. Not sure when I am starting, but hopefully in a month or so.

-Chris

[cordycord]

Updates?

[Reyke]

I like the mitsu idea what would be really awesome is if you could do it in an awd setup. That would be extra kewl especially since I'm assuming you'll have an awesome wheel and tire setup. But, yeah the car looks great and hope to see it built soon.

[cbm3384]

Hey guys, sorry I've been away for so long. Money/Job situations pulled me far away from this project. I think I may finally be able to revisit it soon.

I plan on redesigning it slightly to be more cost effective and look a bit unique rather than another cookie-cutter Atom replica.

Ryke-
AWD is not something I am interested in doing. I want to use a rear-mounted FWD 4G63 setup as stated in my original posting. When I get the new design finished, I'll post it up here.

Thanks,
Chris

[VR4 Shaun]

Me and the OP of this thread share a similar idea. Any news of this project would be welcome.

To comment on the idea of an AWD Excoar: In order to this the AWD layout of the DSM/Galant would have to kept intact; meaning a very heavy front end with the engine being placed in front of the front axle. It could very well be done but the necessary amount of bracing and such would yield a car that just does not preserve the Exocar theme: light weight and nimble.

The result would behave much like a DSM: plow like a snow removal professional.