RossD's Renault 8

In reply to RossD :

I have some MkI VW inboard axle flanges(?)...I’m not exactly sure what they’re called, but each is semicircular and has two bolt holes. I’ll measure the hole spacing & let you do the math. ;-)

In reply to Pete Gossett :

Can you snap a picture? I'm not sure if I know what you're talking about.

I measured the inside lip of the flange on the transmission, it was 89.75mm pretty regularly... so 90mm. 

In reply to RossD :

These things Ross. The bolt holes are 51mm apart. 

In reply to Pete Gossett :

Rabbit/Golf flanges use 3 of those washer/clip things. The flanges are 6 bolt and come in 90 or 100 mm diameter. A set of left side 90 mm axles might be useable. Getting the right axle lengths will be the next puzzle to solve. 

Ross, if you want a strut type rear suspension look at using the VW Golf fronts. As for the single circuit brakes, you could look at Miata front and rear rotors. The sport brakes on post 2001 Miatas are almost 11 inch diameter front and rear. The rear Miata rotor might fit a VW front hub with a little machining. The real issue would be getting the Miata caliper mounted to the VW upright. Front end could be 100% Miata components. Fitting the Miata master cylinder would give you dual circuit brakes. Lots to ponder !

Edit: I tried a VW hub , equipped with studs, in a Miata rotor and it fits. The rotor center bore is too small for the VW hub and would have to be turned out to 57 mm from 54.

Teaser picture. Rough flange to flange is 51". With typical fwd offset wheel, the track width should be pretty close to the stock R8.

Oh good to see this coming together!

In reply to 84FSP :

Thanks for enabling!

How many more rare/expensive/major bits do you need to collect before installation?  Also has your plan changed or evolved since the last update?

In reply to Indy-Guy :

As of now the plan is to use my Super Beetle transaxle, the short side CV axles from a manual MK1/2 Golf/Jetta/... (90mm inboard bolt circle), and the 1988 Jetta GLi 8v spindles and struts that I bought from 84FSP.

I will be trying to use as close to 10" rotors as possible, front and rear and find a master cylinder with the same cylinder size for both circuits and same size calipers. Why 10" rotors? Thats stock R8 size and with originally a single circuit, the braking was evenly split too. Jumper K Balls suggest not to stray too far away from the original proportions since its rear engined, so I am just playing it safe with keeping it 10". I need to verify caliper piston sizes with master cylinder sizes  though... Or just call Wilwood for a bespoke master. Bespoke is sexy but I love the availability of OEM parts and their costs.

I found as least on Miata rotor that was 10" and with both the Miata and Jetta having 4x100 wheels, I am planning on getting Miata front spindles. I just need to find some to buy, but honestly havent tried yet. The front a-arms will need to be redesigned for the different spindle geometry but I am going to coerce a specific GRMer to help me through that, even if they dont know it yet (cough nocones). Similar with the back suspension.

Here is a picture of the stock rear suspension, but whats not shown are what I will call a radius arm (beause I dont if thats the correct term) that goes towards the front and center of the car to help locate the swing arms. You can see why I think that its not a stretch to think a MacStrut should adapt to the car with how the springs and shocks are located. The one hurdle will be the lower arm and how to mount it. I am thinking a frame around the transaxle attached to the modified upper mount (that connects the springs) should be able to pick up the load.

The Kennedy adapter will be used, and I just need to grab a Zetec from a junk yard for a couple hundred dollars. There is even a Focus specialist yard not too far away. My plan for the Zetec is stock power but to use the Megasquirt 2 and 14point7.com wideband that are sitting in the basement. I would like to use individual throttle bodies from a motorcycle purely for auditory reasons and the likely limited space between the zetec and hood (the stock throttle body points up and is roughly as high as the valve cover). Like I said stock power levels so I dont have to do anything to the transaxle.

This is kind of a back burner build for me. We moved into our house 2 years ago with a 2 year old and an infant, so we havent gotten to all of our projects yet.

Also, 15x7 Konig Rewinds with the centers graphite gray are the leading 4x100 wheels at the moment.

There is a decent amoumt of rust repair needed, and anything rubber is shot. I am not sure about the window/door seals and whether I will order replacement onces from France or try to use generic profiles.

The interior will be fixed but limited to minimal visual impact. No aftermarket Grant steering wheels or flashy bright CD players. I might hide a bluetooth or FM module as this car will be used for summer trips.

Uhh dude. I think I have what you need. I also have all nee ball joints and tie rods that go with them. That project changed track....

In reply to Jumper K Balls (Trent) :

You have an email, dude.

The vw rotor options for you are pretty broad.  You can do 8.9, 9.4, and 10.1 in the 4x100 pattern.

In reply to RossD :

Sounds like a solid plan.

Thanks to Jumper K Balls, I dont need to worry about where I will get Miata spindles!

The miata spindles arrived! Also waiting on a zetec exhaust header from Trigun.

I might have to buy an engine soon...

Got my fancy 4/4 race exhaust header (as opposed to a 3/4 race header).

Very cool.  I'm looking forward to seeing your progress!

I was worried about the title for a while, but I got a title in my name and plates today! I might have to move my expectations up since I will have to renew my plates in 12 months and not having a driving car by then might hurt my feelings. 

Hooray valid title and plates!

R8 Gordini Photo taken this afternoon

50.5" so add a 1.0" as a guess for two rotors. The outside of the tires on the car now are about 55" wide. I think I need some high offset 4x100 wheels that will fit on both Miata and Jetta hub diameters. Any ideas?

After I pulled the one CV shaft off, I struggled to get the second off as the flange had a ding on the inner lip. As I was trying to free it, I noticed the inner CV joint slides. Damn I didnt consider that when I did my measurement.

VW hubs are some of the largest, so you'll need VW wheels or any aftermarket wheel that uses centering rings in a 73mm bore. 35-40mm offsets are pretty common in 15x7 wheels. Most OEM wheels will have a center bore less than 57mm, so you would have to open them up. This car would probably be fine on some 15x6 or 14x6 wheels, so stock Miata wheels (with the bore increased to 57mm) would work and are relatively light, too. Any 14x6 VW wheel would also work. You have lots of choices.