The Bugatti Build Project - a design exercise

[toolmanMike]

I don't have a completed model but I'm close to having a systematic approach figured out for SolidWorks. With everything else that's going on it may be another week before I have it and a partial model ready to post.

Mike

[Wray Schelin]

Originally Posted by tdoty

Wow, a whole day with no posts on this subject?

I have to agree with Wray that we should see just how much room we'll have before we start spec'ing drivetrain parts and etc. Then again, I also think we should go with "off the shelf" stuff - crate motor with a warranty, new trans and "street rod" suspension components.

Now, if it weren't for the "used parts stigma", anything would be fine - but not for a car of this caliber. How much is a new Viper V-10? Jag V-12? BMW V-12? BMW 6? Chevy TrailBlazer 6? Hopped up 292 Chevy built with all aftermarket parts and the new aftermarket head? The LS-1, LS-6 or just plain old small block Chevy is cheap, has plenty of spares available - everywhere - and is easily adapted.

The chassis stuff, as I mentioned when I first started this thread, is available from the street rod guys. Maybe Kugel's stuff is a bit high-end, Heidt's and FatMan Fabrications have some nice, well-sorted stuff on the market too. By keeping options open and doing some research, sponsorship might be something to look into for suspension components too.

Hope the CAD and 3D guys are having fun with this one If RodDoc wants to share his .blend file for this, I'd love to take a look at it

Tim D.

Hi Tim,

Good to see you back! I looked at your Chevy crate motor choice when you first mentioned it and it is very appealing because it comes with a computer and it is a rock solid design. It also meets the Sultan's power requirements. The actual choice of the components used will be made by the "the heavy lifters" on this thread. When the time comes ( after we figure out how much room we have) everything possible to use will be considered and then "THL's" will make the final decision.

I also agree that we should use off the shelf suspension bits. For the frame I think we should consider Richard Pauza who is very well versed in sosphisticated tube frame construction techniques and his shop is in IL close to Robinson/Oblong. He isn't a member of our group yet, maybe someone that knows him could ask him to take a look at what we want to do.

Thanks Tim for your many contributions on this thread and your help in moving it forward.


Mike wrote:

I don't have a completed model but I'm close to having a systematic approach figured out for SolidWorks. With everything else that's going on it may be another week before I have it and a partial model ready to post.


Mike

Hi Mike,

That sounds excellent! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Thanks!

I wonder if Anders was successful with his attempt to project a fullscale image on a wall and photograph the result yet?

[Kerry Pinkerton]

If we run into space considerations in the engine compartment, a small block ford is a considerably smaller engine and can easily make the HP desired. Don't know about the new 4.6L engines but the 302's are considerably narrower than a SB Chevy.

If we really want the look, we could put a front mounted crankshaft mounted blower (Potvin??) under that LOONG hood.

[Gonejunking]

Hi Richard
I have a file with most all engine size's in it. I will try to upload it as soon as I find it. I know I put it somewhere where I could find it!

I number of years ago, I had a car that I wanted to build. It was like the Bug, I started with a design, then tried to build it. It was a cross between a Fraizer-Nash and a MG-TC. I built the frame and body, then tried to fit the engine-trans-radiator. Nothing fit! When I got done modding the design to fit the engine that I wanted, it now looked like a T bucket on a bad hair day!

One of the things that I look at, is the whole picture. My 2c say's that we should be looking at a I-6 for an engine. The reason that I say this, is because of my own experiance from building Lotus 7 clone's and a few other cars. With a I-6, you only have to worry about one footwell getting hot, the steering is on the side away from the exhaust, they are narrow, this free's up more room for a narrow hood, they will make 300 hp. There are others, but this is enough.

As you mentioned, things are getting tight under the hood.

As alway's
This is just my 2c
and that is all it's worth.

[anders nørgaard]

Wray wrote:

I wonder if Anders was successful with his attempt to project a fullscale image on a wall and photograph the result yet?

I tried to project the Bug on the wall in my garage. Oops, the garage wasn't wide enough to have a full scale side view! This is a front view showing track at 61". I'm 5'10" and the measuring device in my hand is 2 meters (78.74"). The Bug is only 117 cm high (46"). I think we have to make the roof taller if it should fit a 6' person. Not to mention seeing anything through the small windows!

Sorry the projection isn't very sharp/clear, but I think you should be able to see that the top of the roof is at app. same height as my elbow.

I also think we have to go for a I-6... not sure there'll be room for a V.

[Gonejunking]

Anders

Please tell me you moved everything out to take that picture, and don't really have that much free space to work in!!!!!!!!

[anders nørgaard]

Originally Posted by Gonejunking

Anders

Please tell me you moved everything out to take that picture, and don't really have that much free space to work in!!!!!!!!

Hi Buddy,
Sorry I didn't sweep the floor, before my wife took the pic <LOL>.
It's a 2 car garage (21' x x26') and there's almost never anything in it, except from my golf clubs, a little garden tools, some of the kids' toys... and leaves on the floor <grin> didn't move anything out. There's a basement below the garage.... LOTS of stuff down there!!!
I also have a little shop (14' x 30') below the house (direct entrance from the garden, no stairs) There I got my wood working machinery and my E-hammer plus my helve and E-wheel in progress... DA**, work takes up alot of one's good free time.

[Wray Schelin]

I played with the picture a little.

The first is Anders original photo although cropped.

The second version I tried to scale more appropriately.

We will need to scale the Sultan down if Anders version is correct! Scaling a Sultan can be tougher to do than scaling a car. <grin>

[anders nørgaard]

Hi Guys,
Yeah, but if we have to scale to proportions, we're definitely having to use truck wheels! <grin>
Wray, editing the pic, you could have cleaned the floor! <LOL>

[Wray Schelin]

Hi Anders,

This is a perfect example of why fullscale drawings, clay models, and wireforms are so important. We won't be able to do the fullscale clay, or the wireform, but we will be able to do the fullsize drawings.

Scaled drawings can have a million problems hidden in them...

Tall tires are not a problem and I think to keep the design theme intact we will need them. How tall is still the question. The most important element right now is determining the size of the cockpit. We have agreed on a 48" interior width but we need to insure that you can get in and out of the car without a trip to a chiropractor. <grin> I think the door which is a great design and has a killer look (airplane like) will be a major problem. We might need to cheat by making a fold down or receding lower body section allowing your feet easier access.
When you open the door automatically the area below it will get out of the way. The same might need to happen with the roof allowing less ducking by the passengers.