Dwarf Car Project

Alright, So most of you will think I'm nuts! Perhaps.
I know there are a lot more current engines available; Fuel injected, etc...
This '80 KZ1000 was what ended up being in my budget.
I'll post some pics, questions and progress as things start coming together.
I just wanted to get a project thread started to track how the project is comming along.
Really enjoying the site! A lot of information to sort through and figure what will work for me.
Thanks to Wireman for his input on my project!

Steve

OK; Bike stripped down and engine is out. Was a very productive day! :woohoo:
Just a little untangling of the wiring harness and that will be off also.
Carbs look very clean. Will still need to re-jet. So a good spraying down isn't going to hurt.

Next step will be to pull the pan. I want to check the pan for any ugly stuff; Check the oil pump; And install a trap door in the pan. The bike was pretty clean, so I am hopeful that things are good on the lower end.

Stay tuned for pics!



Steve

Because everyone knows a project thread is no good without pics, let me see if I can load one.
As some will note, the rear clip was cut and some moron put trailer leaf springs on the chassis. I am working on repairing the rear clip and putting Carerra coil over shocks and springs on all 4 corners.

Steve

So, I've been collecting some parts. Oil pan trap door, magnetic oil drain plug, oil cooler fittings, oil cooler, manual cam chain tensioner, Rev limiter and velocity stacks have arrived. Awaiting gasket set and oil catch can/ breather. Also picked up a set of digital calipers and carb sync gauges.

Working on building my new air cleaner assembly; Hence the velocity stacks. Bought some aluminum plate and a 14"x4" K2C air filter. For those familiar with current "hot trends" in dwarf car racing, it will be very similar to the velocity system that Rossen Racing builds. Hopefully, all will work out well with my build. As the original air box has rubber velocity stacks inside, I think it should work out well. I'll try to post a pic so you all can see what you think.

Transmission on my truck went south. Awaiting my tax return to buy a tow vehicle so I can get the chassis off to the welder.

I guess that's my entry for today. Making progress; But slowly.

Steve

Here is a pic of the Rossen system. Of course it will have an air filter and a top cover.

I'm just trying to figure out how a KZ motor is going to move all that weight at any reasonable amount of speed. That looks awfully heavy for what torque these motors put out.

Engine sits in the chassis sideways and connects, via an adapter, to a driveshaft, then to a Toyota rear end. Total weight of the car will be around 1100 - 1200 pounds. They use anything from 600cc to 1250cc engines in these dwarf cars.For their size and weight, they get some pretty good speed.

As I mentioned in earlier post, it's what my budget could afford at the time. At some point in the future I will look towards a newer engine. For now, this should get me going. Going to be using the car for autocrossing.

Steve

I know they use these motors for this purpose all the time...even in dragsters....just doesn't seem like it would work but I know it does. This motor worked over will make a good one for what you are doing. Will be interesting to see how your car moves along. Keep us in on your progress with......pictures!!!

The heaviest parts of the chassis, at this point, are the rear end and wheels/ tires.
It looks heavier than it is. While I am waiting on my new (to me) tow vehicle, I removed the engine from the donor bike ('80 KZ1000 LTD)along with the wiring harness and all the electronics. The bike was in pretty decent shape; Just been sitting awhile. My plan is to pull the pan, check the oil pump and install a trap door to keep the oil around the pump. Cam cover is next. Want to check the valve clearences and make sure everything looks sound up top. Cleaning up the carbs and working on my air filter right now. Hope to install the engine in the car and get my wiring and electronics hooked up as soon as possible. I'll post some pics as things come together.

Steve

justfreaky wrote:

Attachment sedan.jpg not found

Because everyone knows a project thread is no good without pics, let me see if I can load one.
As some will note, the rear clip was cut and some moron put trailer leaf springs on the chassis. I am working on repairing the rear clip and putting Carerra coil over shocks and springs on all 4 corners.

Steve

Its been 20 years since I helped with a dwarf car chassis,maybe Im crazy/maybe things have just changed a lot but I seem to see a serious lack of any kind of triangulation and support in that chassis and roll cage. :blink:

Still working on the chassis. Some of the bars in there are just temporary. When I get my tow vehicle, it is headed straight to the welding shop. Bracing for the cage, finish off the drivers compartment, doors... The main frame rails are 1x2x.125 and the main cage bars are 1 1/4x.125 tubing and more 1x2. I know I still have lots to do.

I picked this chassis up from a local guy that was wanting to build his own car. The project was scrapped after our local track dropped the dwarf cars. My plan is to use it in SCCA autocross events. I'm not crazy about the stock Datsun front suspension, btu it will do for now. Will change that at some future date.

The car under the tarp in the background is my other dwarf car. '40 Ford Coupe.I started that one 15 years ago with nothing but a pile of tubing and an idea. I've spent these past 15 years doing a lot of research and parts collecting. I moderate on a legends car site and plan to use a lot of the knowledge I have gained there over the years.

For now; Things are at least looking like I am making some headway. Once the welding on the cage is finished, I am hopefull that the rest will come along quickly.

Steve