Bugzilla - Mid Engine Madness

[Bugzilla]

I am getting close to posting up the first big update. I am waiting on one more part to show up and that should happen tomorrow. Hopefully by the end of the week, all of you can see what I have been working on! I am excited to see the outcome and even more excited to see if it helps on the track.

On another note, Tommy over at Hotrod Hotline did a nice little feature article on the Bug. Thanks Tommy!

https://www.hotrodhotline.com/node/19997#.Wt90Z24vyUl

[Bugzilla]

Sneak peak anyone?

[ryeguy2006a]

That manifold looks to have 8 cylinders!

[Bugzilla]

Well ya, I am bolting 2 Ecotecs together side by side and need to join them somehow! And dont forget about the 4.0L Whipple that bolts on top of it.

[Bugzilla]

Update part 1 - Making of the front air splitter

Like most people, I started by making templates out of cardboard and thick paper.







After that, I pulled the splitter off and started taking some measurements. I transferred those measurements into Autocad and sent the file off to get CNC cut out of ABS.



After a couple weeks, it showed up looking exactly how it should.



From there, it was mock up time.









I got as far as getting the side skirts mounted and got 2 of the hinges on (yes its a real adjustable splitter). Still need to get the adjusters and make 2 more outside mounts. But it is starting to take form nicely! While I wait for the adjusters to come in, I am going to trim and smooth the side skirts and finish them off with a fresh coat of paint.

[andrewb70]

Nice progress!

What is the V8 intake that is in one of the pictures?

Andrew

[Bugzilla]

Thanks Andrew! More to come later.

Its a 4.0L Whipple base for a LS7.

[Bugzilla]

The splitter for the most part is done! I think I am going to add 2 more small supports (you wont be able to see them) in the back but we will see. I like the outcome so far! Once it stops raining, I will pull it outside to get some better pictures.

[70CougarXr7]

What material is this splitter made off?

Looking good this bug!

[Bugzilla]

Thanks Cougar! Material of the splitter is ABS. We will see how it works out. Its pretty stiff how it is but need to do a couple 100 mph runs to see if it rips off or not haha. I will most likely end up switching it out with a carbon fiber one in the future.

[70CougarXr7]

Thanks , been breaking my head over how to make one myself,
will follow your example with the cardboard first

[Bugzilla]

Now that the splitter is done, time to move on to the next thing. Suspension work. 3 main things I will be working on. First is simple. Rear spring change. Going from 300# to 450# springs. Next up is going to be the steering. I dont like how the angle is on the heim that mounts on the spindle. At full droop, which isnt much, its at the max angle. Even at ride height its at a bad angle. So I am going to chop off the part of the spindle that the heim mounts to and weld in a new mount that sits at the correct angle. I need to do this mainly because I am also going to raise where it mounts to the rack by about an inch. I am doing this to help with bump steer. I still have a little and this should solve it. Let even more fun begin!

[Bugzilla]

With the Bug off the ground, I decided to tear into the front suspension. First thing first, off with the spindles!



After that, it was time to chop up the spindle. This is where the new sleeve will be welded in at a much more user friendly angle. Pretty ugly for now.



Test fitting and tacking the sleeve into place. Much better of an angle.



And finally, pulled the spindles back off so I can take them to work to tig weld. That will be my lunch time activity today.



I forgot to take a picture of the horrible angle before I started. So this is the best "before" picture I have. Keep in mind too, this is at ride height. And of course, dont mind the bent arm!

[Bugzilla]

I dont know why but I really dont like welding cast steel. Too much prep work maybe. Should work though.

[andrewb70]

Spindles are generally forged.

Andrew

[Bugzilla]

Odd. They were super easy to drill and cut. They even welded like cast. I could very well be wrong though.

[Bugzilla]

I thought I already typed up an update but looks like I didnt... So anyways, I got the spindles back on and everything buttoned up. The angle on the heim is much better now. I also did another alignment since I changed up some stuff. Lets just say that nearly everything was off, even in the rear where I did not change anything. So all is good now! 8° caster, 2° camber and 1/16" toe up front. 1.25° camber and 0 toe in the rear. Much better. Need to put some more gas in it so I can take it for a test drive. The weather has been nice lately so I need to start driving it to work again!

I have no idea why this picture is flipped. Even if I rotate it 180° it still comes out like this.

[Bugzilla]

Sadly, its been nearly 3 weeks since I got the Bug back together and ready to drive and it has done nothing but sit in the garage. Now its too hot out to drive it. So I have a feeling it will be sitting in summer hibernation for quite a while until it starts cooling back off. Sad, I know. I guess I have been too busy finishing up the restoration on one of my Jeeps. At least that project is almost done. Note to anyone who has a XJ and needs to replace the heater core. It really takes forever. Took me one week @ 1-2 hours a day. Everything has to come out. But its now done and I can move on to the next things.

[JayinMI]

Have you posted your Jeep projects anywhere? Got a link?

Jay

[Bugzilla]

Jay - I sure do. Here is the link to my stock one that is getting the restoration. I will have to see if I can find the link to my other one which is the built one.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...t-auto-240930/