E28 Race Car Project Begins

[fryerfighter94]

Hmm what do you mean the Volvo's rear engine? Looks pretty front (if not mid-mounted at the very least) engined to me! Anyway, you guys are fairly dead on about my ambitions for this first project: I do not want to end up completely redesigning the suspension or sub frames, but I do acknowledge the fact that geometry design has come a looong way in 20+ years. In all honesty, if this thing works out, it may lead to more complex machines with newer suspension technology. Double wishbones would be nice... But that's where I'm at right now, just trying to get this thing put together and drive, so I'll have something to look forward to in the future. One of the main reasons I went with this e28 and not an e34 or even e36 is because of the cost: I am really happy with the deal I got this thing for and nothing on craigslist came close. Summer classes at College of Marin start June 14th, which means I'll be moving the car there to begin taking it apart. Oh, anyone have any tips for keeping track of all the wires??? I'm hoping it wont be a week long process just sorting them out, but I can see that as a possible outcome. I'm also planning on buying the e28 Bentley manual, but any quick "DIY Guy" tips are greatly appreciated. Ill keep this updated!

Haha sorry I was looking at the picture the wrong way.

[sbeckman7]

You may want to reconsider using the e28 subframes and suspension. If you have the skills to build a frame, you'd be better served coming up with a custom dual a-arm setup. The e28 stuff is heavy, has poor geometry, and would be tough to implement.

All in good time :)

[sbeckman7]

Hmm what do you mean the Volvo's rear engine? Looks pretty front (if not mid-mounted at the very least) engined to me! Anyway, you guys are fairly dead on about my ambitions for this first project: I do not want to end up completely redesigning the suspension or sub frames, but I do acknowledge the fact that geometry design has come a looong way in 20+ years. In all honesty, if this thing works out, it may lead to more complex machines with newer suspension technology. Double wishbones would be nice... But that's where I'm at right now, just trying to get this thing put together and drive, so I'll have something to look forward to in the future. One of the main reasons I went with this e28 and not an e34 or even e36 is because of the cost: I am really happy with the deal I got this thing for and nothing on craigslist came close. Summer classes at College of Marin start June 14th, which means I'll be moving the car there to begin taking it apart. Oh, anyone have any tips for keeping track of all the wires??? I'm hoping it wont be a week long process just sorting them out, but I can see that as a possible outcome. I'm also planning on buying the e28 Bentley manual, but any quick "DIY Guy" tips are greatly appreciated. Ill keep this updated!

[fryerfighter94]

Are you trying to make it rear engined or front engined? IIRC the caterham is front engined with left side exhaust, and that volvo is rear engined.

Volvos raced back when dtm was great, remember ;)


Anyway, if I were in your situation, I would decide what you want to do, then start drafting a frame. During the drafting, try to keep in mind the e28's suspension components, drivetrain, etc. as it seems that you want to just use everything out of it without fabricating something new.

[2002maniac]

You may want to reconsider using the e28 subframes and suspension. If you have the skills to build a frame, you'd be better served coming up with a custom dual a-arm setup. The e28 stuff is heavy, has poor geometry, and would be tough to implement.

[ZM Blue Devil]

excellent, if we can help in any way please let me know.

thats a great deal on that car, you should be able to get what you paid and then some with the extra parts.

L

[downernsp]

Nice!

[UDelaware30]

good luck on the project.
keep us posted every step of the way.
Im very interested to see how it turns out and what you decide to do.

[sbeckman7]

So, here it is. The other side is the one that got hit, but overall it actually doesnt look terrible from... however many feet away ;)

The last picture is actually of a 1962 Volvo race car (sounds ironic, doesnt it?) that may be a cool style to base my project off of.

[downernsp]

Keep me posted for sure, and keep me in mind I also have E28 and lost of parts!!

[fryerfighter94]

Thats good. Looking forward to progress / drawings, etc. :up:

[sbeckman7]

The floor pans will be sheet metal for sure. If I need body panels to make it road legal, I will be doing fiberglass panels. It'll be good practice if nothing else

[fryerfighter94]

Whats your plan for the body panels? Sheet metal?

[sbeckman7]

I think it will! I've spent hours on the phone with the DMV, CHP, and Bureau of Automotive repair as well, and I may even have a shot at getting this thing road legal! Of course that's so far into the future its not even funny. And yeah, if all goes right the frame will be the only thing I have to make custom. My friend even has a bucket seat to lend me. Hopefully i can find another one cheap, or I will have an extremely unhappy passenger :)

[fryerfighter94]

Ya, I dont have the skills / money / everything else to make custom shit haha. Thats why im thinking atv parts, and simply custom making the frame. For the seat I could use a spare kart seat that I have at my dads house, spare kart wheel, spare kart steering column, and atv suspension. Really the only thing that I would have to make is the frame (of course things never go as planned lol). Im sure that a caterham will be plenty fun.