Another rotary buggy is under way
 

Hi Folks,

My name is Bob Moon, and I'm quickly becoming a big fan of rotaries. Well, ok, I've loved them for a long time, but I've never had one before. My background has been varied from building V8 Fords (Mustangs, Mavericks, Rancheros) to AWD turbo imports (DSMs), and even a little Alfa GTV. About eight months ago, I picked up a crummy rail with a VW 2.0 and Bus transaxle. Had the good suspension setup for a low travel, so I dove in though I knew the frame was poorly designed.

Fast-forward eight months, and after having cracked the frame in 7 places after only one day of relatively easy-going trailing, the new frame is nearly complete, and the VW engine has been replaced by a 12A from a wrecked '84 RX7 dirt-tracker. Have to fix a couple of oil leaks in the front cover, bolt the harnesses in, secure the wiring and brake lines, adjust the rear drums, and she should be ready to hit the trails. In my little test-spins around the neighborhood, I've been extremely impressed with the smoothness of the 12A. Granted, I won't be dusting any LS6 buggies, but it has plenty of power for the trails around here, and will be lots of fun, I'm sure.

Cheers All,

Bob

Well, got to test it today, on the streets, and she's working like a charm! Water temp gets to 200 and stays there (I am using a big honkin' BeCool Mustang radiator, so no surprise there...), oil pressure is good, she's running well, and the trans is working great.

Turns out the grinding issue I had was a failed pilot bushing. Put a new needle bearing in (instead of an Oilite), and she shifts flawlessly.

Biggest problem I have now is that the turning brakes are really close to the shifter, so it's tough to get a good hold on the handle to pull it back when I'm in second. No big deal, but may need to bend the turning brake handle a bit more.

Seat belts are in, wiring harness is tied out of the way, brakes are adjusted... Just need to fix the oil leaks in the front cover (two of them), and I can say she's ready for a real test in the dirt, then paint.