Building a Front Suspension

[killer_datsun]

What do you guys think is the longest from control arms you could get on a car with the engine set back behind the front axle centerline.

[baz67]

It depends on the chassis. What are you trying to accomplish?

[killer_datsun]

Well I want to take it to Bonneville and try to hit 300 with it, also do the Nevada SilverState Classic, also do some drag racing at Woodburn and some roadracing at Portland International RaceWay. The chassis will be custom built, the engine will be the 6.0L Iron block with Coates heads, and a dry sump oiling system with twin turbos.

[MrQuick]

What body style?

[killer_datsun]

Well it will be kind of like a fast back design like the mustang. But it will be totally one off car. I will try and use as many factory made components as possible on it though.

[astroracer]

:hmm: 300 @ Bonneville? Road Racing? Drag Racing? Open Road Racing? Totally one off? Using as many "factory" parts as possible?
Priceless.... :screwy:
Sorry.. Just my take...

[Beige]

The "longest" control arms would probably by off a twin I beam suspended Ford Pickup, but they're probably not what you were looking for.

[boodlefoof]

Hey, another Datsun fan!

Man! I'm shooting for 200+ mph in my Datsun-Z project and most people tell me I'm nuts. Good luck to you, and don't let the any nay-sayers get you down if you're really serious about achieving that kind of speed.

I haven't really set pen to paper designing my front suspension yet, but I'm probably going to use C5 control arms up front. I forget the exact dimensions, but they are fairly long. I plan on setting the engine back as far as I can without having to sit on it! (probably around 12'').

[killer_datsun]

Well with this one I am going a custom chassis and body, but like headlights and taillights I will use factory produced, and maybe doors off some car, and find windshield, side windows, and a back window that would work for what I want to do

[killer_datsun]

I take it no one else has any ideas or advice to give on this anymore

[astroracer]

I am positive there are tons of advice and ideas here but part of the problem, at least from my viewpoint, is your having to ask the question in the first place. Your lofty performance goals were another red flag. Asking the question as you did makes it sound like you really don't have the knowledge or resources to achieve your goal. I don't mean to be harse but that is my take. Maybe you are the best car builder in the world and you just aren't very articulate about it.
You need to have a realistic plan and be able to follow it to fruition. Going 300 at Bonneville is going to take a purpose built car. Drag racing maybe (with a major motor re-tune and new gearing) but road racing won't be in the picture and using heavy stock parts and window glass won't fly. Do some research, figure out what it will take to go 300 in a door slammer and then formulate a plan.
I think shooting for 200 would be more realistic and work up from there.
Look here...
http://www.scta-bni.org/
Check some of the records and notice what type of car set them. You will see very few doorslammers approaching the 300 MPH mark and none eclipsing it... I will quarantee none of them will be hitting the road course the next weekend either.
I hope you realize I am NOT flaming you here... If this is really something you can afford to do go for it. Just keep in mind that it is going to take a lot of work, dedication and money... and did I say money?...
Mark