11 replies to this topic

[CHB]

Hi all!!
I am new in this Mini World thanks to Zcars's ultimate space frame chassis. looking forward get one soon. before that I would like to clear some of my doubts regarding the mini conversion.
from what I observed, the kit requires to cut a "certain" amount of floorpan for the engine to be fitted to MR. But if you refer to the photo below:

the area where the chassis kit will be mounted is just a very thin guage metal sheet, won't it just shear off once the engine torque or the weight of the mini sit on top of the chassis? as shown below:

it looks likes the whole rear chassis is hold by the few tiny little bolts and nuts to the space frame, is that right?

[Timify]

You attach a multitude bolts all along the floor pan. As well as, attach the rear roll cage to the door and roof bars, which in turn bolt to a front roll cage. Which in turn bolt to the sills and front subframe towers. Its effectively like a space frame... but not.

Edited by Timify, 15 June 2010 - 02:50 PM.

[cptkirk]

If you look here you will see what Timify is going on about:

CLICK ME FOR LINK TO FRAME PHOTO

[CHB]

yeah i get what you guys means. I am sure a welded cage will be tough but won't the bolt in "clamp" type attachment from door bar and roof bar to the front and rear chassis are kinda weak? because its only rely on the "clamp" style mounting as shown below


let say an X door bar and roof bar, that is 12 points of mounting to secure the front and rear together. am I get it right?

[Timify]

This is how i understand it. (possibly far from correct)

The way the clamps are made, they are welded to alternate side of the tubing. The tube sits completely within the clamps. The force will go through the tubing, more so than the bolts. While they are expected to provide some protection. The main force from an impact will be taken with the tubing or the welded bracket section (or clamp).

Each side of the clamp is welded onto the alternate tube. the force will more so, go through this and the opposing tubes/clamp, put in place to cope with the impact. Not the bolts.

A lot of design work is put into a roll cage, each tube and mounting point is designed to protect from impact in a certain direction, with others in place to strengthen its weakness as best they can. If forces where expected to go through the actual way its held together, we'd be using bolts a lot bigger.

If you are still unsure of the safety there is a video somewhere of Chris in a 90mph+ shunt on track. I'm sure there have been many more too. My point being, these things are tried and tested, raced, dragged, driven and even crashed. They are an out and out pedigree, and Chris is very good at what he does. If you are still unsure, perhaps Chris will be able to explain further and better than I am able to.

[CHB]

yeah Timify, I completely understand what you try to explain about the clamp thingy. May be I am still stick to the old thinking that "welded" is more stronger than "bolted" type of chassis.

[Timify]

It will be. But bolted still provides decent protection.

Z Cars do, do a weld in frame for race... Well technically they can make what you like if you ask.

[jntabbycat]

Best thing you can do is give Chris a call/email and head up there. He will answer all your questions and take you for a spin. From then on you won't think twice. Currently saving for mine and getting mini ready. )

[CHB]

cheers guys....
erm... any one has Chris's email or is he on the board? )

[NickGSXR1000]

cheers guys....
erm... any one has Chris's email or is he on the board? )

Hi,

Just read your post and understand your concerns. I bought my (bolt in) kit back in 2006, so one of the early kits, and even back than the product had been developed for years. It has been crashed many times with very positive results in terms of safety. He even mentioned a client of his drove his Zcars mini into a bunch of trees at 60 mp/h and escaped unhurt.

But I agree, just call Chris and talk to him and go for a spin in one of these monsters. You'll be amazed by the stability and stiffness of the whole package. And if you're still not convinced about the strength of the bolt-in frame (which I doubt), just go for the race spec conversion, which is fully welded from back to front, which is the frame that CPTKIRK shows in his pictures.

Just mail Chris at: [email protected]

Wish you a lot of good luck and good fun!

Nick

[rbd27]

CHB,
Dont worry about any structural damage. These kits are rock solid. All the forces from the engine & suspension are taken by the rollcage/subframe. The bodyshell is there to keep you dry & wind off your hair. My car is a Vtec been done for 3 years & not a single problem.
Ben

[CHB]

all right. so basically those small bolts and nuts on the rear crossmember is doing nothing more than hold the shell to the chassis frame.. I would like to have a spin in one of these machines but I am from Australia, not UK.

cheers