Group Build: Lotus Super Twelve

[Martin S]

Small update:

The general idea for the front end is to use the testarossa A-arms and later add a pushrod suspension here too.
The track of the front axle will be almost as wide as the rear axle with these A-arms.



Then I started to layout the exhaust headers.
The first idea was to just make 3 to 1 headers and lead them out through the body side panel and to have 2
pipes running along the car side panel on each side.
The headers are made from solder. My first try, but it works super !



But after a test fit you could hardly see the headers:



So I came up with these a little bit more visible ones. Just to make sure no one misses that there are twelve pipes





Maybe a bit too much? They are not exactly discrete..
I'm still not sure wich ones to use..?!

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by Martin S

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

I hope I haven't commited you to doing something you hadn't wanted to- but your scratchbuildin' skills are obviously up to it. I'm really enjoying this one- this is exactly the kind of crazyness I was hoping for when I started the group build. (Mine is going to look completely pedestrian by comparison! )

As for the pipes- I think what I would do is patch the round cutout holes, and then cut two new horizontal slots, just below the top edge frame rail (or I suppose you could do one long slot for all six pipes). Then do the 3 to 1 headers outside the body, running to a pair of resonators. Something a bit closer to this-



I like the look of all the pipes parallel exiting the body, but running them over the top of the frame looks a bit contorted. Below the frame rail will be a more natural (and better breathing) angle, but they'll still look great!

Just a thought....

[willimo]

Wow! Your suspension work is awesome! It really makes the V12 work out! I agree with MPWR - cut out the top edge of the engine bay sides, and have the pipes come straight out. BAM! There are the 12 pipes, and they'll flow (and look) better. Keep it up!

[Martin S]

I'm still struggling with how to make the headers, so I decided to take a break and begin some other stuff.

I have made reinforcements that will go in the side walls of the cockpit to stiffen up the chassi.
These will be aluminum finish while the sidewall behind will be carbon fibre.
(They will sit flush with the sidewall, not like in the second picture..)





Then I started the front suspension push rod linkage and shock absorbers.
No real thought behind using this layout, it just looks kind of cool and the shocks will be
hidden under the front cowl.
The pivots are angled so that the shock absorber can sit up front where the radiator used to be. The next question is where to put the radiator, and perhaps more interesting: How will I ever be able fit a radiator with capacity for a 6 l. engine under the lotus front cowl. I have some ideas..

It's also premiere for my new project photo background. I have my workbench covered by a layer of sturdy
package wrapping paper. When it gets messed up by paint and glue I just grab the right end and pull out a
new layer from the roll of paper that is attached to the left short-end of my bench. So I cut out a sheet
of this paper and put it in my printer..
Enjoy:

This is one hell of a project! Makes me want to start workin on my stalled projects again...Truly inspirational stuff! Keep those updates comin :P

[deltableh]

Looks good. I wish I could race my LS2 against your Benz 12

[WRC_413X]

Wow dont know how ive missed this one!
Your suspension work is coming out great, and especially for just kinda makin up as you go! its given me some inspiration.
All the different things with the body and width and suspension really seam to make the Benz 12 work, its seemed to change the entire scale of the car.
Good luck with the radiator and the other engine gear. Maybe for the rad. make a custom big mouth front air damn with the radiator mounted at an angle either forward or back.? im not sure what else you could even do.
Idk but whatever you do im sure it will look great judging by so far. Keep up the great work and progress!!

[Martin S]

Time for an update.
No big things but a lot of thinking non the less.
The engine has got some basic painting and blackwash.

The Mercedes intake runners needed some detailing. I made conical filters and intake hoses. A bit of CF finished it off.




Then I fabricated some hinges for the nose cone.



Some cut-outs for the push-rod pivot and the shocks. Somehow there must be space for a radiator in there aswell:




Then It was time to trim off the stock hood and hinge it to the firewall.
This is what was left after a big V12-sized hole was cut in it



Engine compartment open:



..and closed:





started to paint and assemble the rear end:

[deltableh]

DUDE! I love that hood system... if I had the skills, I'd ask if I could gang it from you!

I am SO jealous!

[KTem]

Wow, that looks great! Mind sharing how you made those conical airfilters? They look superb!

[MPWR]

More cool progress every time I look! Looks like the radiator will be some challenge- but that big Merc can't do without one. I'd probably hang the oil and transmission fluid coolers (you are going to include them, right? ) behind the rear suspension. Hey, someone stole your battery, too! I love the way the shortened drive shafts from the Testarossa suspension look mounted up. Really looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.

[WRC_413X]

Excellent work! the "hood" looks great lol
this project is coming along very well it looks almost as though it could be done in 1:1 Keep the updates comin!

[Martin S]

Thanks for the comments !

The conical filters were made like this:
First I made a conical shape of styrene rod using a drill machine as a "lathe"
Then I made the scores around the cone using the edge of a file.
Then just paint and finish off with some "discs" in each end.

MPWR: The battery is removed because I will convert to LHD. Regarding the cooling problem I will install a radiator (and probably an oil cooler) under the nose cone and then one smaller radiator on each side of the nose cone, just in front of the wishbones. I think it might work with a lot of smaller fans..
They will be angled slightly so the front wheels don't scrub them when turning.

WRC: It will probably be a bigger task in 1:1 scale, but the main problem will be to find a testarossa to get the suspension pieces from

[Hiroboy]

Damn this looking cool

[white97ex]

this is simply amazing. A shame that I didn't find it sooner. you have just about inspired me to get back to work on some of my projects. Your craftsmanship rivals that of some of our top award winning builders. Seems as though you have left no detail untouched! or unmodified for that matter!!! The only thing that really pops out at me is the rear fenders. I'd be trying to come up with some way to make the body flare out into them a little bit. They just seem too....out of place. But all in all it looks friggin sweet