For the golf kart engine we're building (Ford inline-4), we can't use the same golf kart frame. It's much too weak and small...

We're using the 5M/T and rearend from a Capri, so we need to build from scrath an almost-full-size frame. So far, we're planning on using 3x1.5" C-channel for the main frame rails, and 1.5 or 2" round tubing for the cage, upper-front suspension mounts, etc.

For front suspension, we're going to use a direct swap from whatever full-size car we can get ahold of, and for the rear, it's gonna be a very simple setup: We're gonna weld some brackets to the bottom of the axles. From there, we mount the shocks which will connect to the stepped portion of the frame (rear). On the bottom of the bracket we'll mount some hinge points where we'll connect a trailing arm to the frame, about 4ft forward.



Opinions? Better, easier ideas? Anything?





PS, with the Capri drivetrain, we have to mount the engine longitudinally, in front of the driver. With a Fiesta 4- or 5-speed, we could mount it behind the driver, transversely. What would you do?

 

 

All I can say to you is, good luck man.

 

Damnit, wickster, I know you know something about this kinda stuff... Help me out!

 

rephrase it in 3 lines or less and I will

 

main frame rails will be built from 3x1.5" C-channel, and rest of chassy from 2" round tubing. yes or no? if no, what else?

trailing arm live axle, with single-wishbone/upper control arm front suspension. yes or no? if no, what else?

longitudinal engine ahead of driver, or transverse engine behind driver? why?

 

Nice...

 

there are probably people around who can better answer all that stuff, especially the chassis business.

I will say I think transverse behind the drive might make you a bit more solid, having most of your mass centered in the middle/rear of the chassis...... I'd think a transverse arrangement would negate the live axle.

 

i forgot to mention that. if transverse engine, factory CV joints and IRS.

 

gets my vote