This page is for the Locost (lotus 7 replica) I'm building from a wrecked 1990 Miata. The frame is a steel space frame based on the "book" plans as seen in Ron Champion's "how to build a sports car for under 250 pounds" book. (now out of print) I downloaded the plans from Jim Mcsorley's site and made the necessary alterations to utilize the IRS from the Miata. I have a build log over at www.locostusa.com if you want to see a more detailed chronicle of its construction.
Lots of videos of it running on my YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/chetcpo
Now to the pics:
I still have some work to do to finish it but it's starting to look like a car now. I'm using a clutch type limited slip differential from a 1988 RX-7. It works with the 1990 Miata rear spindles as long as you use 1994+ rear axles.
My suspension which I designed myself keeps the car low to the ground, my ride height is 4.5" and my oilpan sits about 3" off the ground. My roll center is at 1.6" front and rear and I used QA-1 adjustables all around. Spring rates up front are 650# and 300# out back. I used wheel rates that were 70% of the actual corner weights.
Nearly done now. It really just needs a nice paint job. I also now have it licensed and on the road.
I upgraded to a 1.8 liter Miata engine since the 1.6 in my donor had a bad crank nose.
Installed my 3rd brake light today.
Below is a rendering of the "vision" I had for my car back when I was designing it. How did I do?
Total cost of build to date: Just shy of $5000.
www.locostusa.com
