Paul Carey wrote:

Hi Paul

I gave thought to a space frame originally, but opted against for a couple
of reasons.
1 - in my car the chassis is the original RX-7 Series 1 - which twists on
launch. I originally had a rear engine plate bolted to the engine and upper
blower plates - but my drag racing experts soon had me change that. To
assume that the whole engine will not turn on launch was a mistake. So all
engine hardware was transferred to the engine only - as then the
engine/gearbox has flexibility to turn under torque.
2 - the room around the engine is very tight, and must allow for access to
exhausts, quick plug changing etc. A space frame design would be compromised
in this particular installation.

If I build a full frame chassis, I will defenitely do the space frame for
the engine - makes perfect sense.

snips..........

Regards PC

I would think any wind up in the drive train would cost
a slight delay at launch time. Drag races are won and lost on thousands
of a second.  Even street car manufactures are eliminating wind up.
Look at all the trouble Chevy with the Corvette and Mazda with
the RX7 and the RX8 went to tying the engine/transmission
and the rear axle together with a long beam to eliminate differential 
housing twist.

What is the reasoning for allowing the engine to twist in the chassis?
 
Paul Lamar
 
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