A GS powered lotus seven car?

[Anonymous]

Hoping to receive opinions and help with new project.

I've just finished welding the motor mounts in my Lotus seven replica. I have a GS850G engine in it now. The original GS driveshaft rotated the wrong way, so its been removed and the engine turned sideways. My brother and I fabricated an adapter to slide onto the spline where the orginal input bevel gear sat, complete with a sealed bearing and a bolt on housing, so the car driveshaft yoke slides right in. No reverse, but it only weighs 900 lbs so its not a big deal to push. Wasn't a problem on the original bike. A picture of what a Lotus seven (not mine) looks like is here

http://195.92.249.252/~kgb/Caterham7/pics/slr500b.jpg

So the questions:

-For cooling I'm planning openings on either side of the body (front and back of the engine now). I'm hoping an electric fan along and an oil cooler might keep it cool enough. What does anyone else think?

-The original seven front grill airflow will be redirected toward the front of the engine (or left side). The electric fan will blow the hot air out the right side. with another hole on the left side for a bit more air if need be. Any opinions on how I should arrange the metal deflectors? I was thinking maybe just an angled deflector, or should I do something more along the lines of the aircooled VW engine tin?

-I'll have to fabricate a header. Any thoughts on primary dia, length and collector size?

-are the output bevel gear splines for the shafty GS1000G and GS1100G the same as the 850G?

-Do the performance parts for chain drive 1000 and 1100 fit the shaft drive blocks?

-Does anyone know of a cheap 1000 or 1100 in Ontario or Michigan that could be swapped in later on?

-Am I mad for trying this?

-any sugestions for other things I should consider, beside a helmet and nice white jacket with wrap around sleeves?


Thanks
CJ

[spots25]

i've got no good advice, but that is one wicked project you got going there, and someday I hope to do something similair =D>

[Anonymous]

I am also building a super seven replica, though I'm using a toyota twin cam 1600. I'm sure you've probably seen all the sites on the internet dealing with these. I've actually seen 2 with motorcycle engines, both had radiators on them, very fast but not real streetable because of the RPM range.
If you're going to try this I'm not sure you would have to direct airflow anywhere in particular as long as the hot air can escape. A large oil cooler where the radiator would go would help, but I don't know if you'd have pump issues with that volume of oil. Also make sure to wrap or ceramic coat the exaust to keep the underhood temp down.
These are just suggestions, I think the only way to know for sure is to give it a try or find a different engine that's water cooled.
As a side thought, I know that Legend cars use FJ1100 motors, and I don't think they are liquid cooled. Might be another avenue to obtain info.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Solo
The oil system is one thing I am concerned about. I've been wondering if I should maybe consider an accusump and / or a higher presure or volume pump. I seem to recall something about a GSXR750 pump being used on higher performance GS engines along with a top end oil kit of some sort. Does anyone know the details of those?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

GS Powered lotus seven car

Project update.

Some American Dwarf and Legend cars do use air cooled engines. Seems they have pretty good reliability, as most motors last a couple season or more if they aren't abused. The engine bay is wide open on both sides with no engine ducting. The also use oil coolers with the standard pumps. Higher horspower GS1100 engines often have some of the trick road race and drag parts in them such as big cams, that require the use of the top end oiling systems. That and and a turbo have both been sugested as upgrades.
I really appreciate Solo mentioning the dwarf cars, was quite informative, and has given me a bunch of sources for parts. S&S Headers makes a sidways exhaust for these cars one that looks to fit perfectly. That alone will save me weeks of fabrication work. They also have adapters that bolt in place of the output sprocket to mate to a driveshaft for the car drivetrain. If I'm able to upgrade the engine at some point I'll be sure to go that route instead of using a shaft drive motor and my fabricated adapter.
I've absolutly loved my GS and this will be a chance to enjoy it more without *@%^$*@%^$*@%^$*@%^$ing off my wife (who hates bikes- her aunt died on one) and my insurance company (who wanted an arm and a leg to reinsure the last time).
Thanks