4 replies to this topic

[Jack rabbit]

To start if I'm being stupid then please correct me. Heres my idea

Bike engine behind front seats
Old style fiat panda 4x4 rear drive assembly axle complete unit mated upto original subframe or maybe custom fitted
Propashaft outlet on bike engine
Custom length prop to diff outlet on axle

Have I missed something I know it's not straight forward it just an idea I may attempt

Any advice would be great cheers jack

[greenlaner1]

To start if I'm being stupid then please correct me. Heres my idea

Bike engine behind front seats
Old style fiat panda 4x4 rear drive assembly axle complete unit mated upto original subframe or maybe custom fitted
Propashaft outlet on bike engine
Custom length prop to diff outlet on axle

Have I missed something I know it's not straight forward it just an idea I may attempt

Any advice would be great cheers jack

good thinking... you'll need to check that the drive assembly from the panda will be strong enough to take the extra power from the engine, and the ratio of the diff will probably be a long way from what you really want. i'm not sure the original subframe on the mini will be able to support the drive assembly from the panda either, and you will have to think about mounting the engine somehow, either an adapted roll cage or something.
be prepared to get lots of unhelpful replies telling you just to buy a kit, but i think if you want to do it then go for it, but look into it before you spend too much money or do any big modifications to the mini shell. a lot of people opt for the chain driven diff when the engine is mounted in the rear and a propshaft driven diff when the engine is mounted in the front of the car, but i see no reason why the engine cant be mounted in the rear, just means that the propshaft will be shorter.

Hope this helps

GL1

[Ethel]

Will the drive direction of rotation match up?
How would you attach the prop to the gearbox? Will the existing output bearing handle the different loading.
Will the geometry and articulation of the (short) propshaft offer any advantage over a chain?
Finally, can you get an acceptable final drive ratio?

[Jack rabbit]

Ok so I need to do some more research into strength and final drives etc.. But thanks for the advice guys I may stick with the a series for the summer and start accumulating parts ready for a winter build

Has anybody used are rear axle do you know to do the conversion If so any ideas what sort
Cheers jack

[craig 1010cc]

essentially your looking to do a lotus 7 style bike powered configuration, so I would be looking at how the lowcosts set up thiers and go from there. I would have thought that space would be very tight to get the engine, V short prop(or bolting adapter )and diff in between the back of teh front seats and the centre line of the rear axel. But in a clubby estate, could well be enough And perhaps a big V twin might be shorter (TLR1000?)

Back end wise, I'd be looking at either a E30 or a sierra rear axel (or a justy or civic shuttle AWD rear end might be a bit narrower), aren't the Panda ones on Leaf springs? if they are (and you plan to retain it), would there be enough shell out the back to bolt the back edge of the axel upto?

Anyway, sounds fun, get your tape measure out and see whats possible

For front engine RWD minis, have seen mk2 escort (live) axels used, a mini front subframe with a sierra diff in if mounted out back and there are a couple of minis with Sierra rear axels. For such a short prop, your going to need a IRS set up so that the diff doesn't move up and down with the wheels (or you'll have to make the engine pivot as well )

Edited by craig 1010cc, 20 May 2011 - 05:11 PM.