|
|
Post by carlyd on Feb 1, 2017 16:37:09 GMT
After building my Rocket which I thoroughly enjoyed I would like to build an off road kit car like the Ariel Nomad.
I am wondering if it would be possible to modify a Rocket Chassis by adding a big roll over cage so that it looks like the Nomad and add some big suspension etc.
I'm sure it's doable but I know nothing about how sturdy the chassis needs to be or about suspension set up etc?
I guess the person to give advice is Stuart Mills?
Well Stuart? is it doable?
|
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Feb 1, 2017 19:24:49 GMT
Ah, the rally Rocket, all you need is some geometry alterations, new long travel shocks (Ariel suspension travel is poor) new bones, modified pick up points, big tyres, oh and a load of lights for the top.
This has been mentioned with regards Sonic. I suggested that off road buggy suspension could well offer an easier option.
Look at Exomotive video off road in an Exocet, far better suspension travel than the Nomad.
|
|
|
|
Post by kiwicanfly on Feb 2, 2017 9:37:05 GMT
Have you ever looking at using a Mitsubishi as a donor Stiggy? Specifically something using the 4g6s engine? I have an Aitrek Turbo sitting in my paddock with a dead auto gearbox. Looking at using it somehow. |
|
|
|
Post by carlyd on Feb 2, 2017 10:17:31 GMT
Ah, the rally Rocket, all you need is some geometry alterations, new long travel shocks (Ariel suspension travel is poor) new bones, modified pick up points, big tyres, oh and a load of lights for the top. Stuart do you know anyone who would take on modifying the chassis of a Rocket, adding the roll cage and suspension pickup points? |
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Feb 2, 2017 10:28:01 GMT
Have you ever looking at using a Mitsubishi as a donor Stiggy ? Specifically something using the 4g6s engine? I have an Aitrek Turbo sitting in my paddock with a dead auto gearbox. Looking at using it somehow. Funnily enough on a recent visit to China I discussed using crate Mitsubishi engines. They use them at a rate of one every 6 minutes in the Landwind. |
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Feb 2, 2017 10:31:57 GMT
Ah, the rally Rocket, all you need is some geometry alterations, new long travel shocks (Ariel suspension travel is poor) new bones, modified pick up points, big tyres, oh and a load of lights for the top. Stuart do you know anyone who would take on modifying the chassis of a Rocket, adding the roll cage and suspension pickup points? The Exocet has a 50-50 balance with driver on board, it makes a huge difference and so modifying a Rocket is not the way to go. I need one of these. exomotive.com/exocet/off-road/The Ariel Nomad on the other hand has clearly limited cross axle articulation. Probably good on grass or gravel though.  |
|
|
|
Post by kiwicanfly on Feb 3, 2017 1:30:22 GMT
Looking at pictures of dune buggies, the exoskeleton type rather than the panelled type, the majority seem to have the engine at the rear. Rocket/Sonic style more than Exocet.
Also if you were using two wheel drive wouldn't you want the weight over the rear wheels for grip?
|
|
|
|
Post by carlyd on Feb 3, 2017 9:27:32 GMT
Stuart do you know anyone who would take on modifying the chassis of a Rocket, adding the roll cage and suspension pickup points? The Exocet has a 50-50 balance with driver on board, it makes a huge difference and so modifying a Rocket is not the way to go. I need one of these. exomotive.com/exocet/off-road/The Ariel Nomad on the other hand has clearly limited cross axle articulation. Probably good on grass or gravel though. Yes but the Nomad looks awsome  |
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Feb 3, 2017 17:50:54 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by gwnwar on Feb 5, 2017 7:14:40 GMT
Definitely a big boy play toy..
|
|
|
|
Post by nigel on Feb 5, 2017 9:53:52 GMT
Looks like a blast nigel |
|
|
|
Post by jake on Feb 7, 2017 13:09:07 GMT
I wonder what this would be like in some real mud and trying to get up some steep slippery inclines, with front engine and rear wheel drive? I used to have a UVA fugitive copy with a modded beetle engine in the rear. With all the weight over the driving wheels the grip and drive was phenomenal. It would go up any slope that the most modded 4x4 could go up.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Feb 8, 2017 11:38:30 GMT
Having had experience of driving rear engine, rear wheel drive buggies in mud I can say that they do tend to under steer, placing most of the weight over the back ensures there is little load on the steering end.
On soft ground it becomes more important that the load is spread as evenly as possible across the axles in an attempt to resist one end from bogging down.
But of course some will have differing views and try to find fault with a fantastic product offered from Exomotive.
|
|
|
|
Post by mawdo81 on Feb 8, 2017 11:49:32 GMT
I think this will be my next project anyway. Apart from anything else, a dog "seat" could be in the rear...
|
|
|
|
Post by jake on Feb 8, 2017 13:31:58 GMT
I guess there is a bit of a trade off with rear engine rear wheel drive, but once you get the feel of it you learn to steer a bit with the rear when sliding around off road.
This does look like a good product for what it's designed for. Ideal for rally cross and flat track racing where I bet it's got great control, but for me personally If I get an off roader I want it to be able to go up vertical banks and through quagmires, so overall grip and drive is paramount. Different strokes for different folks.
|
|
