performance

13

Sep

Built January 16, 1958 in Osanbrueck, Germany..

By basil
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The “birth certificate” arrived from the Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkwagen! Original color was Aero Silver with Grey White roof. It’s cool to see this and know that the new color will be very similar, just a darker roof.

performance transaxle

04

Sep

Torsen limited slip differential (LSD)..

By basil
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SubaruGears sent photos of the Torsen limited slip differential (LSD) that will be installed in the transaxle. Torsen = Torque Sensing. It senses the difference in torque between the wheels and locks them up for better traction. With the horsepower we’re shooting for and the lightness of the car, Todd suggested that we add it.

This stuff is beyond me in terms of mechanical understanding but I know its cool as southerner in a seersucker suit eating a cucumber sandwich. The picture of the two tire tracks made by the Tempest from the movie My Cousin Vinny comes to mind. Here’s an animation of how a Torsen LSD works.

Actual pictures sent from Australia:

transaxle

29

Aug

Transaxle setup detail.

By basil
2 Comments

Todd over at SubaruGears.com has started the build of the hybrid, reverse pinion transaxle. According to Todd,

“The hybrid is the best and strongest combo of new factory subaru parts and will give years of good service. I have sold plenty of these to 300hp turbo owners.“

Further,

“The WRX/STi is the factory gearset and ratios for that engine. The hybrid uses slightly different gearing and post treatment to achieve maximum strength.”

We also decided to add a Torsen Limited Slip Differential. If we’re going to lay down rubber, might as well have two lines. ;)

Traction graph:

chassis performance suspension

13

Aug

Ghia Road Course Setup

By basil
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This is one of the best threads ever regarding suspension tuning on a Karmann Ghia:

The first question anyone who knows racing should ask here is why run a Ghia?

To win, you can’t just run a car you love and hope it will win. You have to run a car you know that can win.

The VW Karmann Ghia is that car. Here’s the bullet points of why it can win.

The Ghia is light, 2000lb. and under. In today’s racing world that is usually 1000lb. less than the competition. And by competition, we mean anything you pick out on the track to beat. Forget classes for a moment, think lap times.

The Ghia has the advantage of a rear engine, which greatly helps accelleration traction, and weight distribution in braking over almost any front engine car.

Old Doc Porsche knew what he was doing with the suspension design, and general chassis dynamics. It was the layout of his Grand Prix Auto Unions just before WWII. The Ghia’s chassis comes from an old race car, but one that works.

–FJCamper, ShopTalkForums thread (“Ghia Road Course Setup“)

build updates chassis

10

Aug

Mendeola chassis/body fitment

By basil
One Comment

Mendeola testing the body/chassis fitment. It actually looks like a real car in the picture of the shop. Kevin also put both seats in the car to see how they looked. Still too big.