|
|
Post by eman on Jul 9, 2016 9:02:17 GMT
Looking at my Exocer (XSR) chassis that's now separated from the ppf I can see that the chassis could be shortened to get rid of the space behind the seats.
The prop would be easy enough to to get shortened, and cant see shortening the chassis being a problem.
All I was wondering is how the car might feel being a bit shorter?
just feel it would look rather cool being that bit shorter!!!
Thoughts? (And don't make any of those thoughts... That's gonna be hard work!!) haha
|
|
|
|
Post by Toed64 on Jul 9, 2016 12:01:00 GMT
How much would you like to cut out? I'm sceptical about what you would gain.
I know that Stuart lowered the side tubes on some models. Does your Exocet frame have straight side tubes, or are they curved like the standard Exocet frame? Anything is possible, but if they are curved, you'll have a job making a clean job of shortening the frame.
They are superbly balanced with the standard MX5 wheelbase and I wouldn't interfere with that. Unless you want to autocross it, I can see no advantage.
|
|
|
|
Post by eman on Jul 9, 2016 15:19:43 GMT
Was just a passing thought as I keep seeing the gap behind the seats. Having looked at the chassis, the side rails are very curved, and I thought the same about how clean a job I could make.. Always worth asking at this stage, so shortening the prop is easy enough and wondered about handling. But as you say the standard is spot on. So will continue with what I have  |
|
|
|
Post by ikarl on Jul 9, 2016 22:10:31 GMT
A shorter chassis would help with the torsional rigidity I guess, and it may change direction quicker, but if it's too short, it might be harder to catch if/when it goes sideways.
Interesting topic
|
|
|
|
Post by Toed64 on Jul 10, 2016 10:25:32 GMT
I just looked at the pics of your frame. It would be easier to shorten than the original Exocet frame because your side tubes are not the full length of the car.
The Exocet has a very large passenger compartment in comparison to most other open kits. There's sufficient leg room for medium sized giants to sit comfortably, so you could probably take out quite a chunk. Have a look at pics of the Rocket frame - the length from front to rear bulkheads looks quite a bit shorter.
The concept is growing on me! I'm still not quite sure how you would finish the job cleanly though.
|
|
|
|
Post by eman on Jul 10, 2016 17:40:37 GMT
I have a metal work guy in a unit close by, will have a chat to him and see what he thinks.
Just fancy something different from the different!! Plus seems an easy thing to shorten the mx5 parts.
I didnt want to totally screw up the handling, that was my main concern..
What the worse that could happen? 😄😄
|
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Jul 11, 2016 9:18:20 GMT
It is quite often that you need space behind the seats;
1. To slam the seat back on its runners to aid getting out of a harness.
2. To stick your water proof coat in there.
3. To take a tent for a weekend, and still room for tinnies.
4. To take tools or spares or a space saver wheel.
5. To let your tall mate drive it or a subsequent owner.
6. To retain the perfect 50-50 balance.
7. To ensure you don't weld tubes that have already turned blue.
If shortening then the PPF is too long, so is the exhaust, so is the handbrake cable, prop shaft and loom, AND if you shorten a curve it becomes narrower so it will be difficult to get the lines to flow. The triangulation may also be compromised.
|
|
