Group Build: Lotus Super Twelve

[Martin S]

Update time!

I'm making this build up as I go, depending on what parts I find in the scrap-box.
It's a lot of fun testing different parts !

I'm currently working on the suspension. I will use Tamiya Testarossa A-arms and up-rights
both in front and rear since the Lotus stuff just isn't made for neither V12-power nor -weight...

Suspension will also incorporate push-rod shocks.
The rear pushrod mechanism will be fully visible from above, being placed behind the rear seats on top of the gas tank.

But first the installation of the Testarossa rear suspension and the BMW diff.
Nothing is painted yet until all styrene work is finished.

Uprights converted to fit Fujimi Brembos and wheels:


A subframe between the left and right side, that will also contain the diff, is made from strong tubes
and some light-drilled sheets of styrene:




The big bracket will connect to the original mounting points:



Some smaller brackets connects the upper and lower subframe and are also the mounting point for the diff:


Added some nuts made from hex-rod to complete the suspension:


The diff is in place:

[CeeElle]

That's some impressive workmanship.

I love seeing that something like reality is having little influence on the group build and people are letting their imaginations go nuts.

[Martin S]

Thanks for the comment !

Working on the push-rod linkage and rear shocks...
Cut out the stock shock mounts and made new brackets. The openings will be filled
later as much as possible when I have decided exactly how the linkage will look:


This is how the schocks will be mounted:


The "thing" in the middle is the pivot for the stabilizer linkage. It pivots around its axle when
both rear wheels moves in the same direction, up or down, but when cornering it acts as a leaf spring
resisting body roll. It will be connected with a rod in each end leading to the upper holes in the
outer shock mount pivots.

[porschenut]

Wow. thats a great idea with the rear suspension. In fact its so good ive just stolen it.
Euan

[wouter1981]

Finaly, the first big engined caterham with a decent suspension. You're right when you say the standard suspension couldn't cope with all that power. Great work.

[deltableh]

Dude, that rear suspension idea is SICK!

[Samurai75007]

wow, looking good. I think I may need to do a super seven.

[deltableh]

Originally Posted by wouter1981

Finaly, the first big engined caterham with a decent suspension. You're right when you say the standard suspension couldn't cope with all that power. Great work.

Heh, I didn't get pictures of it yet, but my LS2 powered Lotus has suspension transplanted from a Corvette. I'll grab pictures when I go home for mid-semester break.

[wouter1981]

Originally Posted by deltableh

Heh, I didn't get pictures of it yet, but my LS2 powered Lotus has suspension transplanted from a Corvette. I'll grab pictures when I go home for mid-semester break.

ow i wasn't critizing you're build. This is just the first modded suspension I see. my caterham will have the standard suspension and engine, because I'm not up to this work. Srry if I offended you, it wasn't my intention.

[Mr. Me.]

AMAZING! that`s really cool!

[MPWR]

Looks awesome. I really like your new frame work, terrific bit of scratchbuilding. But tell me you're going to cut apart those plastic dampers and replace the springs with wound wire!

Should be a spectacular build, looking forward to seeing the front end!

[deltableh]

Originally Posted by wouter1981

ow i wasn't critizing you're build. This is just the first modded suspension I see. my caterham will have the standard suspension and engine, because I'm not up to this work. Srry if I offended you, it wasn't my intention.

I'm not offended d00d, promise. The Super Twelve has WICKED suspension, as we all agree, and I can't do anything like it. But like I said, keep an eye out for my Lotus Super 2 (LS2) build to pop up again in mid-October, when I go home for a few days. Mine is nothing like this scratch job, really; it's mostly a chop-job hack and glue.

[Ferrari TR]

That looks great!
What are your plans for the front fenders?

[Martin S]

MPWR: How can I not rebuild the dampers after that comment..

For the front fenders, I haven't decided yet, but I think it will be just normal CF cycle fenders.

[sportracer02]

Shock-mounting looks great and yes, like MPWR wrote, use wire to replace the plastic springs