Reviews and Articles
Building a Rock Racer Buggy - Part I
|
|
This is a multipart series in the concept, build, and
using, a competition Rock Racing Buggy.
Part I
(Click on Pics for larger Version)
Building a Rock Racer takes time and planning. In this
multipart series, we will look at a build in progress that Andrew Paulson
is currently undertaking. The target is to be able to compete in some of
the X.R.R.A. and W.E. Rocks events. It will also serve double duty as a
trail rider so, a two seater version was given the nod. Visibility and
overall balance was also important so a mid engine design was also decided
on.
|
 |
Since this rig was planned for Rock Racing events a
Chevy 6.0 was sourced for a power plant. These are potent engines from
the factory and there is an abundance of power upgrades on the market
if needed. The power to weight ratio should be very good. Cooling is
handled with a Ron Davis aluminum radiator. |
| A GM TH350 (3 speed automatic) was grabbed for the
shifting duties. Being a common transmission, there are a host of
aftermarket parts and when all else fails, replacements can be found
fairly easily. For a transfer case, no expense was spared on a Lovell
clutch driven pneumatic unit. The one here in the picture is an Atlas
used for mocking up the locations but as of this writing, the Lovell
has been delivered. The advantages of the Lovell is that with the
clutches, the front and rear can be flipped in and out without
everything binding up. The shifting is done pneumatically (with air)
so there are no levers, it is simply done with the flip of a switch. |
 |
 |
Axles are Spidertrax units with custom Ford 9" centers
flipped upside down for the reverse rotation of the mid engine setup.
The rear with get Dana 60 outers and both ends will get ARB lockers
with 4:88 gears. |
| The structure itself is being built using 1 3/4"
Chromoly tubing for maximum strength and weight savings. Seating is
handled by PRP and the rest will be pretty much custom built. Link
material for the suspension will be 1 3/4" DOM with 1 1/4" Flex Joints
on each end. Damping duties are taken care of by 2.5" diameter, 18"
travel, Fox Air Shocks on each corner. |
 |
|
 |
Here are some of the goodies ready to go in. You can
see the CNC dual master brake system along with the components for the
CNC cutting brake system for cutting tight corners. Also shown is one
of the bump stops for handling those big air jumps and two of the
suspension links are also pictured. |
Stay tuned as part two shows more of the components being
added, some modifications in the cage design, and the motor gets fired up!
The goal is to be competing this year. Think Andrew will make it? Lets
wait and see.
Planet 4x4
|
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:18 AM.
