94 GSR mid-engine RWD H22A4 conversion

[dfddfd2]

Post #DC2H22-2
Thanks for all of your responses! I'll try to answer them:

Money: I have less than $4k in it now with a budget of $10k. I plan to use the rest of the budget for suspension package and wheels and tires.

Time; Yes, it is very time consuming. I spent about 2 months researching, designing and planning and have about 2 months in the fabrication so far. The progress is much faster now, just welding all the parts together. Designing and fabricatinging all the parts by hand is slow.

Alignment: It's basically a 97 Prelude front suspension with some modifications for anti-squat, roll center and camber gain. Static alignment will start at -1 degree camber, 1/16" total toe in.

Why do it: I had a 91 NSX for about 18 months and loved it, but alas too expensive and worried me to death driving it. A rock chip would have killed me. I drove it 1800 miles and had to let it go. I'd hoped the delSol would be mid-engine RWD, but not to be. I have many track miles in a supercharged MR2, which was the most fun car I've ever had on track, but I've always liked Hondas. My goal with this is to build a really nice driver with decent performance, and excellant ride and handling. It will definately see some track time to fully sort it out, but is not intended as a racecar.

Thanks,
Dave

[MrNiceGuy]

Very nice engineering project. I wish you luck and cant wait to see the result.

Do you have an estimate on what the weight distribution will be after you finish?

Are you gonna put any intake ducts in the rear fenders?

How about engine cooling and insulating the interior from engine heat? Obvioulsy you're gonna need to have engine access from underneath the car.

It's very challenging, so good luck again.

[hpracing007]

what direction is the engine gonna be? like lets say.... what direction will the headers be facing?

If you race on a road course or something, I bet it's gonna get hot in that cabin haha

[StatGSR]

wow that is so amazing! good luck, i cant wait to see the finished product and the rest of the build!

[Me007gold]

very nice! cant wait to see it done

[Hakamoto]

Originally Posted by hpracing007 on Sep/05/04

what direction is the engine gonna be? like lets say.... what direction will the headers be facing?

If you race on a road course or something, I bet it's gonna get hot in that cabin haha

I was wondering the same thing. Also what tranny will you be using? This is, quite possibly, the sickest project I've seen on TI.net, ever. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[hotsuma23]

Wow, excellent work so far! Very unique, possibly one of a kind? So if i understand correctly this will be a MR GSR with a H22A4? I give you madd props on this very gutsy, bold project. Cant wait to see the finished product, and good luck!

[dfddfd2]

Post #DC2H22-3
More answers...

Weight Distribution: I'm shooting for total weight around 2500 lbs. with 45/55 front/rear weight distribution.

Engine Orientation: Engine will be mounted just as it was in the Prelude donor car, transverse, exhaust forward.

Hot Cabin: Good point! The engine bay will be covered with steel. with a removable panel, covered with Dynamat insulation and carpeting. It will also be vented with side air inlets and upper rear outlets.

Racing: It's not intended to be a racecar, but will see some track use at schools and other HPDE's for shakedown and dial-in.

Thanks,
Dave

[jojo]

If you get that weight ratio, I will be very jealous!!Where are you mounting the radiator?

[nicklk]

Monster.....Monster Garage...Monster....Monster Garage....

[M_Shaffie]

looks like a kick ass project. as amazing as this is i have to admit i am MOST interested in how you plan on accounting for all the body stiffness, and structural depletion you have created on the gsr body. i cant wait to see what ideas you come up with to add to the rigdity.

[MeltMan]

OMG, hold on a second

*picks jaw up off floor*

I've always wanted to see this done with an NSX engine, but the Prelude is much cheaper to play with.

Sweet project man. Definately keep everyone updated!

[dfddfd2]

Post #DC2H22-4
Wow! I am amazed at the overwhelming response to this project and really appreciate your words of encouragement. I can't wait to see it finished either!

More answers...

Trans: Using the stock 97 Prelude trans...seriously considering adding a Phantom Grip...any thoughts, suggestions?

Unique: I've had this idea in my head since I started autocrossing an 84 Civic S back in 1991, but it is not unique. There are a few similar projects that are completed or in various stages of development.

Radiator: Using stock 94 GSR radiator in stock location. The GSR radiator is the exact same size (cooling capacity) as the stock H22A4 Prelude radiator. I'm also considering a louvered hood to keep the hot air from underneath the car.

Thanks,
Dave

[JeRsEyLoOn]

Seriously, this better not be one of those topics that drift into nowhere w/ updates. I want updates as often as possible Awesome work thus far, as i cant wait to see it as it progresses. Best of luck.