Hi guys,

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. My next project is to build a rotary car that is somewhat competitive with some people who have a 2700#, 1350bhp, .35cd supercar.
I will be using a semi-pp 3 rotor with the goal of 1400bhp@10k RPM.
I will not be attempting to compete in the top speed department, but would like to stay competitive up to ~230mph.

I am having trouble deciding which chassis to use as a base for this project. I don't care too much about looks, which IMO is the FD's major advantage. FD suspension design is better, but also more complicated. The FD has better ABS. The FC has better visibility and a simpler body shape. It is quite possible that I will have to stretch the body to get the aero and weight distribution I need. Stock for stock, aero numbers are similar for both cars, but I will have to modify the aero for high speed stability anyway.

I already have an FC with the 20B in it, but this is not really a factor as it will have to be almost completely redesigned to meet my goals anyway.

So my question is, which would you choose, and why?

Also, I know there used to be some CAD tinkerers on here, does anyone have a reasonably accurate solid model of either FC or FD that I can use for CFD?

 

FC because everything is cheaper and this is going to cost lots and lots of money.

 

Fc , because the 20b's easyier to put in it.

 

FC, assuming a cage, and just buy circle track bits for the double A arm suspension. dunno what you'd do for the rear on either FC or FD...

the FC is better because theres more room for radiators and mufflers, or hell just go custom, and build a half radiator half muffler (and half gas tank!) with a seat 4 wheels and an engine....

 

Don't do either.
Put the engine where it belongs; in front of a transaxle.
http://superlitecars.com/superlite-coupe/

 

that sounds pretty sweet, but it is roughly double the budget for the rx7 version. I don't see myself having that size project budget unless I got rid of my wife, and I'm pretty fond of her...

I would like to see pics of yours though!

I thought you were originally working on a different chassis?

 

turbo 20B on a go kart frame sounds pretty tempting.

 

fd.... but really since your thinkin about stretchin the body maybe you should think about a rx8, they have great susp setup and they are still fairly light if you strip the guts out

 

if its all the same to you than the FD . the suspension like you said is more advanced .. super car isnt just about going fast in a straight line

.. 99 ABS With a good widebody , some modest aero for stability.

most of this 230 mph driving will prob be done at night , I dont think I've seen a good conversion for the FC for the lights so they aren't flip ups to save on drag .

the FC's .33 to the FD's .29 inate (no wings or ground effects added) drag coefficient will make a big difference when you get to those high speeds

but this all comes at a price.. ofcourse..

 

I have basically decided on an FD. Mostly because in considering goals for my rx7 fleet, I realized that I want an FD street car and a track car, and since you can't class an rx7 with a 20B and more than 550HP in SCCA or NASA, the 20B car will have to double as my high power street car. The FC, even with the best styling, just isn't classy enough to be a street car for me anymore...

My wife is getting a lotus exige in a couple of months, so there is a slight possibility that I will fall in love with that chassis and use it for the basis, but most likely it will be an FD.

I am currently working on patenting a different engine design, once I get my prototype running for that and papers filed (and my house finished..) I will tear down the 20B and start modifying it for my power goals. I will be using alloy steel rotors for lighter rotating mass, and a semi-pport configuration. The rest of the details will have to wait.

 

get a dealer permit and peruse the copart auction site, i saw a 2005 lotus elise that went for $5800 2 weeks ago that was just missing the front FG shell and rear tail light section.