CAD Dimensions?

[kevinthenerd]

I'm working on designing a car, almost from scratch, but I'm having a hard time deciding what engine/transmission/drivetrain to use. Are there CAD drawings on the Internet to aid in designing engine mounting points and space considerations for these components?

I'm working on a longitudinal mid-mounted engine setup with the transmission bolted directly behind the motor with the differential directly behind the tranny (or, better yet, as an integral part of the tranny). I have many reasons for this.

If you have any suggestions and anecdotal advice, I'd appreciate it.

[astroracer]

There is not a lot of data out there. I have some stuff that I modeled up in UG but it's not what you're looking for.
You need to make a decision on what you want to design around and then get some photos and measurements and model it up. That's what I did.
Do you know what 3D program you will be using?
Your description fits a transaxle equipped car such as a Ferrari or Porsche. Another option would be an older Eldorado or Toronado FWD set-up. Just move the motor/trans to the back and build some toe rods to replace the steering tie rods.
Mark

[kevinthenerd]

Originally Posted by astroracer

There is not a lot of data out there. I have some stuff that I modeled up in UG but it's not what you're looking for.
You need to make a decision on what you want to design around and then get some photos and measurements and model it up. That's what I did.
Do you know what 3D program you will be using?
Your description fits a transaxle equipped car such as a Ferrari or Porsche. Another option would be an older Eldorado or Toronado FWD set-up. Just move the motor/trans to the back and build some toe rods to replace the steering tie rods.
Mark

A typical FWD setup is what I'm trying to avoid. The transmission typically prevents the motor from sitting as low as it normally would be able to sit. One common advantage to both this kind of MR and FF is their efficient use of space and lack of chasis stresses during heavy acceleration, but the common disadvantage is their high center of gravity.


Yes, the only cars currently on the road with the setup I want are very expensive. I'd prefer to keep the conversation on a technical level rather than a practical level. (I'll sort out the feasibility... I'm just looking for advice.)


I'm considering SolidWorks or AutoCAD, but I'd be willing to learn just about anything. I have access to quite a bit of software here at my school.


Whoa... You live in Flint? How's Roger doing?

[kevinthenerd]

Originally Posted by astroracer

Your description fits a transaxle equipped car such as a Ferrari or Porsche.

After doing some searching, I found out that it seems that a lot of transaxles have a lot of overhang on the rear axle. I don't particularly like this. It would be better to have a short driveshaft from a conventional transmission to a differential. This would lower the polar moment of inertia by allowing the motor and tranny to be moved closer to the passenger seats in a long-wheelbase car.

[astroracer]

Look at the C5 and C6 Corvette.

[kevinthenerd]

Originally Posted by astroracer

Look at the C5 and C6 Corvette.

Good stuff. (C5 auto shown)

[kevinthenerd]

C5 differential and transaxle with installed transaxle strut for demanding drag racing application