Maddog's buggy build

[maddog]

OK guys I'm going to start a thread for this buggy build up, will post info and pics all along the way for anyone that might be interested.

It's gonna be a slow process, so don't expect updates that frequently, but as soon as I get anything worth posting I'll put it up.

As you may have already seen, I've been playing with designs etc. came up with a basic outline that I wanted it to look something like this.



There are two options for me with regards to the chassis which I'm still considering at the moment and won't make a decision until I finish purchasing the running gear.

I can get an off the shelf ABT chassis, which suits my needs fine, or Suburban are willing to make a chassis for me to my specification. Both have their pro's and cons. I'll decide on that once I've completed puchasing the running gear and have a better idea how I want to go about completing the project.

On Saturday I purchased a Powerglide auto box for what I believe was a good price. I'm just trying to find someone in Melbourne who can pick it up and put some basic packaging around it so I can get a TNT courier to pick it up and bring it to me. Once i receive it, I'll send it off to an auto shop to get it built.

I'm currently in the process of trying to find a cheap but good set of Dana60 diffs. Have a few people in the US looking for stuff for me, there's a guy in WA with a set, but they're slightly more expensive than I'm willing to spend at this point.

After the discussion in the other thread, the spec that I'm aiming for is:

- Front mounted engine
- Engine will be Holden 3.8L V6 out of a VN commodore (probably supercharged)
- Gearbox is Powerglide 2 speed
- T/case is AtlasII with 4.3:1 reduction
- Diffs. I'm aiming for Dana 60's, high pinion, 35 spline at this point. I'll run them with the factory axles in them, but possibly with CTM u-joints.
- Steering will be hydro, front only
- Shocks will be Swayaway air shocks
- Tyres will be 39.5" iroks on 17" alloys hopefully (depends on price)
- 3 link with panhard front and rear (seems pretty standard with buggies now)
- Wheelbase 108"

The diff choice may change if I can't get a set of D60's for a reasonable price.

[FireTruck]

Wicked. Very happy to see that you are targetting a quality, strong driveline... it'll pay off in the long run.

S.

[DIY]

I think it was Haultech that said to keep away from the VN V6s as they are the series 1 engine and have oiling issues when used in a buggy.

Running gear sounds tops, while everyone else is trying to fix there gear in the dark u will be kicking back with a coldy around the fire

[FireTruck]

Originally Posted by DIY

I think it was Haultech that said to keep away from the VN V6s as they are the series 1 engine and have oiling issues when used in a buggy.

Running gear sounds tops, while everyone else is trying to fix there gear in the dark u will be kicking back with a coldy around the fire

...with me!

[maddog]

XJ Moses is picking up the powerglide for me tomorrow.

Still no luck getting a reasonably priced set of D60's.. Very hard to justify spending $5k when there are 2 people selling complete GQ diffs for $1k (a pair)

[Cpage66]

What's the lowest you can gear the Nissan is what? 4.6?

[maddog]

5.12 or 5.35 I think. Reduction isn't a major concern (and I won't need to go that low in a diff) as I'll have either 4.3:1 or 5:1 in the Atlas, and the Powerglide auto.

$5k and $1k are the respective prices for open/unlocked centres and ratios that might need replacing (4.56 in the D60 and 4:1 in the GQ). So it's comparing them on a level field. Still waiting on a few D60 leads though, but the general consensus of people that I've spoken to is that D60's are about $9k ready to go for a budget built set.

It seems that a lot of people that I speak with are keen on the D60's and say that they should have beefed up knuckles and alloy shafts etc, but I often wonder how many people do this in reality. Looking at WE rock and Ozrock photos, it looks as though a lot of people use Nissan gear, even 60 series diffs

I'm trying not to make this a discussion thread, as that's what the other one was/is for, but I'm tracking where I'm up to with the next part of the drive train that needs to be purchased.

[Moses]

i belive the VN series 1 did have a few issues but if you can get a series 2 or a VP engin these were all sorted out

[Gojeep]

Not positive on my D60's but swear I saw one yesterday in the metal scrap bin at a wreaker complete!!! It was a full floater with 8 studs. Still had the leaf springs and the chassis brackets attached to it as well as the drum brakes complete.

[CJ6np435]

if its a dana 60 with full floater axles, grab the axles and I'll pay you for your trouble!

[MMKNOT]

mike have more axels if you want them made sea me when come down

[CJ6np435]

Thank's MMknot sent pm

[FireTruck]

Hey MD,

yes, alot of people are still running Datsun and Yota running gear... and yes, it's a cost thing. If you go to one of these events, have a look around after each stage at the people who are changing CV's/shafts/etc... guess who they are?

It's pretty simple - you break a CV (or whatever), you point out and get 40 points. You do that on a couple of courses and there is 80 points... even if you are 1m from the end of the course, you still get the 40 points (minus a few points for progress gates).

If you want to be competitive, build it so it doesn't break. If you just wanna get involved and build from there, use what you can afford and get amoungst it!

Watch the top 3 placings from now on and you will see that the guys who are in the winning circle have learnt how important it is NOT to break...

S.

[wendle]

did you find a powerglide that bolts up to the v6 OK? v6 and v8 patterns are different, i'm not sure if any car with the v6 pattern ever left the factory with a 'glide??

[maddog]

Has a Holden bellhousing on it, but if not, I'll have to change the bellhousing I guess to one that suits.

[wendle]

Originally Posted by maddog

Has a Holden bellhousing on it, but if not, I'll have to change the bellhousing I guess to one that suits.

i don't think there is one that suits, therein lies the problem. it kind of defeats the purpose of running a cheap v6 becasue custom bellhousing and v6 will cost more than standard bellhousing and v8.

i'm only asking because i want to know this for my own future reference.

[maddog]

Hmm ok, I'd assumed you could adapt a powerglide to a V6.. When I receive it I'll take a look before I build it up and work out the plan.

Worst case scenario I either stick with the V6 and run the T700, or consider the Holden 5.0L

[FireTruck]

You'll have to do some digging me thinks... call your friendly local transmission shop. You could also call Autoboss transmissions here in Vic... don't have their number handy though.

http://www.rodshop.com.au/transmissions.htm

AP 112 V6 Holden to Chev Auto (T350/T400/T700/Powerglide)


http://www.pirate4x4.com/articles/pr...ews/powerglide

S.