Formula Car Introduction

This is definitely not a 2006 RX-7. That was the closest car that I could come up with to title this project. I am designing and building a lightweight Formula Car, something along the lines of an Ariel Atom or a large Formula SAE car.

The goal is a sub-1000 pound empty weight and a power to weight ratio at least 66% higher than my supercharged Miata. That also happens to be the power to weight ratio of a Lotus Elise. The car will be motorcycle powered for that insane high-revving sound, and to keep the propulsion unit weight down.

This will be a trackday monster and street legal.

Status 6/1/2008

Welding Frame
Chassis 33% Complete
Have Engine, Incomplete Wiring Harness
Have Hubs, Spindles, Brakes, Wheels
Have Steering Rack

Assembly of the chassis is in work shown here along with the mock-up which was used to figure out the structural layout. Detail design of the suspension pick-ups is being re-worked to improve ease and precision of adjustment. The front end of the racer will be welded to completion before I begin framing in the rear of the car with the motor, drivetrain, and rear suspension mounts. I need to purchase the brake pedal and master cylinders soon as well as a stock '99 R1 header to work packaging and set all the hardpoints in good positions.

As seen here, the car will be mid engined with rear wheel drive. It's a bit wide for a racecar pod but narrow for a street car. The initial roadgoing configuration will have minimal bodywork. Eventually, I plan to build a full streamliner pod with a fighter style cockpit canopy. Front and rear wings will flesh out the normal body kit while a wingless setup with wheel pants are what I hope to build for Bonneville to see what the car can do. They say a Miata with 165 hp can manage 130 mph. With about half the frontal area, sleek fairings, and 150 hp, I should be able to manage better. Getting up to 155 or 160 might not be out of reach.

Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: Construction
Page 3: 1999 Yamaha R1 Power
Page 4: Drivetrain
Page 5: Brakes and Steering
Page 6: Suspension Design
Page 7: Wheels and Tires
Page 8: Instruments
Page 9: Basement Racer (Layout Mock-Up)

Cool Links for the Builder/Engineer:
DP Cars - DP1 Full Body Racer
Brake Design Info
Types of Differentials