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Subaru Mid-Engine Sterling

frodoz737

Member
Does anyone have any info about any completed/running/street legal Sterlings (or variants) using a real frame with the mid-engine Subaru EJ 4 cylinder and matched transmission...like the partial assembly David Aliberti had displayed on his SSC site?

Thanks
 
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Brett Proctor

Well-known member
Can't help you but I have been thinking of building a chassis like this for about a year now.

I'm thinking of using Mazda Miata suspension components.
The sub frames would bolt up to the main chassis and the track width is real close to that of the type 1.

Also if I keep the main center tunnel section of the VW chassis I could keep the serial numbers to the VW and keep it registered as one. That would keep insurance rates down and not require any smog tests

I think if you had to register a vehicle with no prior history it may be considered a new car, but I'm just guessing. I haven't researched it any.
 

sector

Active member
I've actually inquired about Dave's tube chassis for my build, but couldn't justify $10K price tag as I could build it myself for under $2k. But as I started the measurement process I couldn't get measurement to work out the way I wanted. From the drivetrain perspective that was the easiest setup to implement (take subaru setup as is and just lock rear diff), just follow FFR 818 concept with tweeks for our bodies. But I've stumbled when I had to balance seating position (mainly angle of the seat back), ground clearance and location of the repositioned rear firewall needed to clearance mid-engine setup. I am average height, 5.11" and with 4" floor drop I need to tilt my seat far back to have comfortable seating position. According to my measurements I would be hitting modified bulkhead way before my seat would be at a comfortable angle. Lowering the floor further would compromise the ground clearance which is a known big issue with FFR 818 cars. And I am also not a fan of straight seating position like in Lotus Esprit as I drove that car for 30 min and just couldn't find a comfortable seating position, I was either too close to the steering wheel or too upright to be comfortable. So after many hours modeling mid engine chassis on a CAD software I scrapped this project and went with conventional rear engine setup. Now after actually installing a reversed full subaru drivetrain I am glad I took this route.

Certainly would have been interesting to look at finished mid-engine Sterling.
 
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frodoz737

Member
The VW chassis/motor part of the Sterling/variant equation just never sat right with me. As stated soon after joining this forum, it was a personal thing, not a judgement, so please don't take it the wrong way. This was why my interests peaked with Mid-Engineering back in the day...and probably why I bought the custom I have now. I looked long and hard at Dave's chassis option, but this unproven, unrealized product was not a $10,000 gamble I was willing to make...even after talking with his designer. Titling and Registration are State issues, but somehow the original owner of mine managed to navigate through California without smog equipment, a single VW part or triple-square installed.

sector, if you would be kind enough to get me some measurements from your vehicle. The primary ones I need are transmission axle output centerlines to the farthest aft piece on your motor, but any and all power-train dimensions relative to those centerlines would be beneficial.

Thanks Guys. *thumbs up*
 
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ratrog64

Well-known member
The VW chassis/motor part of the Sterling/variant equation just never sat right with me. As stated soon after joining this forum, it was a personal thing, not a judgement, so please don't take it the wrong way. This was why my interests peaked with Mid-Engineering back in the day...and probably why I bought the custom I have now. I looked long and hard at Dave's chassis option, but this unproven, unrealized product was not a $10,000 gamble I was willing to make...even after talking with his designer. Titling and Registration are State issues, but somehow the original owner of mine managed to navigate through California without smog equipment, a single VW part or triple-square installed.

sector, if you would be kind enough to get me some measurements from your vehicle. The primary ones I need are transmission axle output centerlines to the farthest aft piece on your motor, but any and all power-train dimensions relative to those centerlines would be beneficial.

Thanks Guys. *thumbs up*

I have to ask, what are you cooking up? *hmmm*
 

sector

Active member
I'll take some measurements over the weekend. Out of curiosity, what is the purpose of your research? Are you looking at options to replace your big block setup or some other reason?

Just for reference below is the FFR 818 chassis with subaru drivetrain.
546b0ba04734e_-_roa070113fea_kitcar_1r1p1-lg.jpg
 
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frodoz737

Member
No...but now knowing the weight distribution and 3-axes of my set up, I wanted to compare with a Subaru package...mid-engined.
 
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islandman

Member
a new chassis designed and developed in the UK to replace beetle chassis for a range of kit cars is available with the MGF drive train.

Chassis

There are two Nova builds underway with this new chassis in the UK. it does fit.
 

frodoz737

Member
I have to ask, what are you cooking up? *hmmm*

Let's just say I think David was on the right track with his mid-engine chassis...though over-priced and unproven. Re-bodied VWs could "compete" with like priced production vehicles in the 70's, but not a current year base model Corolla or Civic (let alone a Mustang or Vette)...if you (or someone else) catches my drift. ;)
 
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sector

Active member
I don't think these cars were meant to compete with mustangs or vetts even if they were to be built on tubular chassis. They are not build for comfort, safety or speed. They are completly different breed.
 

sector

Active member
The measurements of my setup are as follows:
1) Centerline of axle to the outside of crankshaft pulley is 24". There is at least another 1" of clearance needed for protrusion of plastic covers and exhaust manifold.
2) Centerline of axle to the back of modified Subaru transmission case is 15".

rps20170331_123203.jpg

Therefore in mid engine configuration, subaru engine would be located where shown by the red line, about 6" into the cabin. This would require rear firewall to be moved into the cabinet by about 8".

So how does that compare to your setup?
 

sector

Active member
FFR 818 has the following dimensions:

20170331_130640.jpg

Note that reversed subaru transmission used in my setup has trimed case (at 15") whereas 818 uses unmodified case with black of plate (at 21").

Engine location in 818 and as in most mid engine cars limits driver's seat adjustability. For this reason most mid-engine cars utilize either long wheelbase, forward locating cockpit or pushed back rear axle to improve weight distribution and ergonomics of the cockpit.
 
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frodoz737

Member
*thumbs up* Thanks sector. Have not pulled the body yet, but my CTR axle to motor assy FT dimension is about the same or slightly less...just roughing it.
 

frodoz737

Member
For Cimbria SS owners...this should give an approximation of how far forward the aft bulkhead was moved to clear my Toronado 455ci/THM425 pkg. The rear ducting used to supply the aft cabin, now it's in the engine compartment...and there's still room behind the seats. I'm inclined to believe a mid engine-ed EJ20/EJ25 and it's transmission would fit just fine using a similar bulkhead mod for either the Sterling or Cimbria on a real frame with the same 94.5" wheel base. YMMV.

PS - I have a panel on this bulkhead to access the front of the motor from the cabin for belt changes, alternator changes, ect....

CIMBRIA SS0004.jpg
 
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