View Full Version : Scratch Build? Rear Suspension
schukar
10-07-2017, 02:03 PM
I built a Factory Five Roadster 12 years ago and I'm now looking for my next car project. For decades, I've been intrigued with the idea of moving the engine/suspension of a front-wheel drive car to the back of a vehicle to create a mid-engine car. With the 818, Factory Five has shown the way; plus I own an '06 Wrx so it seems like destiny. My plan, however, is to forgo the kit and use a Miata for the front end to make a vehicle that's a bit more unique.
My first question is this. What is the minimum modification that I will need to make to the WRX front suspension so it will work for the rear suspension of my build? I don't have a good understanding of why Factory Five made the changes that they did but I would like to avoid unnecessary expense and work. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
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Hobby Racer
10-07-2017, 04:29 PM
So your not planning on using the FFR 818 kit? In that case anything is possible since you will be starting from nothing! Not sure how much help we can be here if your not using an 818 though. ;)
UnhipPopano
10-07-2017, 08:16 PM
If this is your priority,
I don't have a good understanding of why Factory Five made the changes that they did but I would like to avoid unnecessary expense and work.
and you already have a fun car to drive, why would you consider building another car? Also consider that one of F5s design goals was affordability with the 818. The car would be better if all of the parts were designed for the car from the Get-Go, but then the kit would be costly. Going the other way and using more of the Subaru parts may have resulted in a car that did not meet the other design goals such as weight and performance.
Bob_n_Cincy
10-07-2017, 09:41 PM
My first question is this. What is the minimum modification that I will need to make to the WRX front suspension so it will work for the rear suspension of my build? I don't have a good understanding of why Factory Five made the changes that they did but I would like to avoid unnecessary expense and work. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks[/ATTACH]
Schukar
I suspect you are familiar with the suspension of the WRX.
To explain the 818 a couple of pictures is with a thousand words.
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To use the front wrx strut based suspension in the rear you would have to duplicate all the front mounting points in the rear.
The big advantage to the 818 is the full adjustability of front double "A" arm and rear 5 link. The 818 has been archiving 1.5Gs on the track.
Bob