Transverse Middy Rotary Locost?!

x2percentmilk · 11-22-2013, 10:08 AM

Hi all. I've never owned a rotary powered car before, but I know its the right engine for the project I'm planning. My end goal is a rear transversely mounted naturally aspirated 13B in a custom framed two seat roadster. 13B in a transverse setup was chosen to keep things simple (it makes more sense to me to have the engine rotating in the same direction as the wheels) and weight down. I'd like it as an autocross/hillclimb/fair weather car. I originally wanted to buy an FD but I couldn't justify the cost. This will also be a better performer, and will be quite a bit more under the Saab's tow rating

I've been lurking various forums and reading quite a bit, but I know I still have a lot to learn. More importantly, I probably need to stop lurking and actually start. The plan is to pick up a welder soon and do some practice projects, then really start sometime next summer.

Random stuff:
First car: 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT
Current Car: 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero
Admittedly have never been auto-crossing or to a hillclimb (cant risk not making it to work the next day if something happens)

85rx-7gsl-se · 11-22-2013, 10:19 AM

Plans for transmission?

djmtsu · 11-22-2013, 12:01 PM

See if reddozen chimes in, he's working on something quite similar.

x2percentmilk · 11-22-2013, 12:10 PM

Current plans are to use the entire drivetrain from a 2000's Ford Focus to keep costs down. From what I've read the MTX75 is stout enough for my eventual power goals, has aftermarket support (diffs, gears, final drives), and cheap donor cars are everywhere. I've looked into other options, and im not happy abuot the 4x108 bolt pattern, but I'd consider that a minor inconvenience. The MTX75 also shares the same input shaft size/splines as the rx7 transmission, and doesnt use a pilot bearing, so adaptation should be easy. That being said, I'm still open to suggestions.

Cool to hear about someone working on something similar! I've only seen a couple instances of rotaries mated to a FWD transmission, so i'd be interested to see what else is out there.

kraftjason413 · 11-22-2013, 07:41 PM

welcome! Should be an interesting project.

11-22-2013, 10:08 AM	#1
x2percentmilk The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Transverse Middy Rotary Locost?! Hi all. I've never owned a rotary powered car before, but I know its the right engine for the project I'm planning. My end goal is a rear transversely mounted naturally aspirated 13B in a custom framed two seat roadster. 13B in a transverse setup was chosen to keep things simple (it makes more sense to me to have the engine rotating in the same direction as the wheels) and weight down. I'd like it as an autocross/hillclimb/fair weather car. I originally wanted to buy an FD but I couldn't justify the cost. This will also be a better performer, and will be quite a bit more under the Saab's tow rating I've been lurking various forums and reading quite a bit, but I know I still have a lot to learn. More importantly, I probably need to stop lurking and actually start. The plan is to pick up a welder soon and do some practice projects, then really start sometime next summer. Random stuff: First car: 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT Current Car: 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Admittedly have never been auto-crossing or to a hillclimb (cant risk not making it to work the next day if something happens) Last edited by x2percentmilk; 11-22-2013 at 12:12 PM.

11-22-2013, 12:01 PM	#3
djmtsu My minds tellin' me no... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 4,043 Rep Power: 22	See if reddozen chimes in, he's working on something quite similar. __________________ 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 2003 Toyota Tundra TRD 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5

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11-22-2013, 12:10 PM	#4
x2percentmilk The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Current plans are to use the entire drivetrain from a 2000's Ford Focus to keep costs down. From what I've read the MTX75 is stout enough for my eventual power goals, has aftermarket support (diffs, gears, final drives), and cheap donor cars are everywhere. I've looked into other options, and im not happy abuot the 4x108 bolt pattern, but I'd consider that a minor inconvenience. The MTX75 also shares the same input shaft size/splines as the rx7 transmission, and doesnt use a pilot bearing, so adaptation should be easy. That being said, I'm still open to suggestions. Cool to hear about someone working on something similar! I've only seen a couple instances of rotaries mated to a FWD transmission, so i'd be interested to see what else is out there.

11-22-2013, 07:41 PM	#5
kraftjason413 The Newbie Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Gulf Coast Posts: 23 Rep Power: 0	welcome! Should be an interesting project.