Vodou chassis some arsey pics

[Talonmotorsport]

I know this is not the best way to show off a new product so please excuse the state of the build table, I was clearing another bench when I decided to take some pics. As you can see the Vodou VR5 diff mounting is all tubular, very stiff and very light.

[baz-r]

you could have tidyed up!

looks great btw

[voodoo]

Just shows you are busy mate.

The design also allows for a pretty big fuel tank which you plan to maunfacture IIRC?

Matt

[rdodger]

Hi

Can you confirm what the wheel base and track width will be please?

Cheers

Rog

[TQ_uk]

Hi Talon,

couple of questions
i) are you doing/plan on doing flat pack chassis kit for MX5 or fully welded only (had a quick look on your ebay shop)
ii) is the geometry for the Mk1 & 2 MX5 the same, as I've a Mk2 front end already, but have only seen mention of Mk1 suitablity

Cheers

[voodoo]

Originally Posted by TQ_uk

Hi Talon,

couple of questions
i) are you doing/plan on doing flat pack chassis kit for MX5 or fully welded only (had a quick look on your ebay shop)
ii) is the geometry for the Mk1 & 2 MX5 the same, as I've a Mk2 front end already, but have only seen mention of Mk1 suitablity

Cheers

Hi

If I might hijack, I'm sure Phil won't mind...

As far as I know the MK1 and MK2 running gear looks different and has different functionality but mounts in exactly the same places with the exception of the steering arms on the uprights, the MK2 arms are a few mm higher so would need to be considered when setting up the steering rack.

I have to caveat that statement by saying I have never actually measured the MK2 bits with any accuracy so I am basing that on information from the workshop manuals and searching the web. If in doubt give the chaps at MX5 Heaven a ring - top blokes and VERY helpful

Edit: - I just followed my own advice and had a check with MX5 Heaven - the MK1 and MK2 parts are mounted the same but internally different so they should work with our chassis.

Matt
Vodou Auto Kits Ltd

[TQ_uk]

Thanks for the confirmation

[rdodger]

The running gear differences between the MK1 (NA) and MK2 (NB) are very few.

The mk2 steering arms are 7.1mm higher than the mk1

Suspension geometry is different but comes from the different subframes and wishbones.

The mk2 rear uprights are slightly different and will give a 5mm per side wider track. The drive shafts may be slightly longer, but they fit the mk1 so it's not a problem.

Engines, gearboxes, propshafts etc are also interchangable between 1.8 models.

The mk1 1.6 has lighter weight prop and smaller diff. Also smaller brake discs. Calipers are the same but different carriers.

MK2 gearbox is stronger. The 6 speed gearshift is not as good as the 5spd. The 6spd is stronger though. Both 5 and 6 speed gearboxes/diffs are known to be good for 300bhp+ in a 5 so even more when the Haynes is half the weight.

Exhaust manifolds are different from mk1-mk2 but only in length for the connection to the exhaust.

The ports are different on the head between 1.6 and 1.8 so manifolds aren't interchangable.

Diffs came in many flavours.

Most are open, but there are a lot of lsd's either torsen a, b or the viscous ones. Also the plate type that wear out by 100,000 miles so become open.

So in summary

I would go for a mk1 or MK2 donor with the 1.8 engine.
Use mk1 front uprights
5 speed gearbox
Torsen B diff from a mk2

If I didn't already have my donor I would be looking for a damaged 1999 1.8is sport (what I already have) as it has the diff and lots of good bits to sell like leather and hardtop.

Or look for an imported Miata 1.8 mk1 that is an early import (rusty as hell) as many of these were ltd editions with a lsd.


Phew. Sorry it's a bit of a ramble but I wrote it as I thought about it.

This link may help identify uk models.

http://ox.mx5oc.co.uk/guide_mx5.htm

I will give it some thought and maybe knock up a better donor buying guide.

[rdodger]

Originally Posted by Talonmotorsport

The chassis work is 90% done I'm just waiting on a steering column to make the support frame and have got to write out a cutting list to speed the process up alittle. The Vodou VR5 chassis will be available in a few days as complete flat pack kits including basic chassis plates,wishbone brackets and as a fully welded finished item. I'm just waiting on some sun so that I can take some better pics and it will be out there for all to see. I've then got two different pedal boxes to make one using the OE master cylinder and one that uses twin cylinders.

Will the pedal boxes be interchangable? ie fit the OE one then upgrade after IVA to the dual master cylinder?

[verbel]

Hey all

Small question, as i look at the mx5 chassis, two things:
- how the much tunnel can be narrowed in upper part ( insetad of | | to / \ )
- For the LHD version due to diff offset there is possibility to widen the chassis in the driver back area right?