The neo914-6 Concept, the details... Options

[neo914-6]

Bling for Mike Mueller... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[neo914-6]

Count down to SEMA as the registration is in. I don't know how I got myself into this schedule crunch (well I do actually) but it will be late nights for 3 months and some parts of the project may be postponed time permitting. The last thing I want is a non-runner so I will be asking for more "favors" ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

What must happen:
-Fabricate designed body pieces and mount all Audi components in August
-Body & Paint in September
-Work on details and functionality in October

Transport to Las Vegas Oct 29th (IMG:style_emoticons/default/boldblue.gif)

[neo914-6]

Worked on plumbing yesterday and fitting the radiators. I beaded one end of my formed aluminum tubes and like the Earls tool. I was pleased that I used "most" of the stock radiator bracket. I may need brackets welded in as I've cut out so much metal. The neighbors must love my racket.

Today, I had to lift the engine an inch to pull out the old shifter rod. The engine mount didn't quite match the hole when I lowered it so I had to creatively "persuade" it to align. I have to run the cable lengths to locate the shifter.

I spoke to a fiberglass fabricator today about whether to build a one-off composite bumper or a plug for a mold. I wanted to make the "plug" removable so he can work on it at his shop but will likely build it on the car given the shape. I need to get a fiberglass stock valance and the fender straightened first.

My friend from Art Center gave me some good advise and a lead on a fabricator in LA that I plan to use for the articulating spoiler. He is supposed to be very good, I just hope I can afford him.

Got another lead on a local upholsterer, I need to bring them the back panel and seat for quotes.

Booked an appt with a painter to look a my project. He only does one car at a time. I have several local options but schedule and cost will be the driver.

Got a source on an inexpensive windshield @ $200.

I found a mechanic/fabricator on carsdomain who added 944 power brakes and VW Corrado power steering on his 914. These are definitely in the phase 2 (post SEMA) plans...

sorry no pics...

[mrdezyne]

Add my name to your list of people to meet up with at SEMA. I will be there with LOWRANCE and our GPS systems but should have plenty of free time to mix and mingle. Maybe we can get a group together one day and go bug the guys at Renegade.

[Brian Mifsud]

Drivetrain mounts, cooling pipes formed, downpipes fabricated. Excellent work Tony! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

Hi Felix,

Wow.. those huge "hats" on top of your stock hubs really look like they will cantilevering your wheel bearings quite a bit. What do you think?

[neo914-6]

Drivetrain mounts, cooling pipes formed, downpipes fabricated. Excellent work Tony! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

Hi Felix,

Wow.. those huge "hats" on top of your stock hubs really look like they will cantilevering your wheel bearings quite a bit. What do you think?

Brian,

That's a good topic for discussion. These spacers are made to fit the positive offset wheels many manufacturers are producing. You hardly see the negative deep dish (negative offset) wheels anymore. I just wanted to stay with the modern trend and use available large diameter factory alloys and I liked this design for my car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) We'll have to see the affects on the wheel bearings...

Did you do your SD to Bay Area run yet?

[byndbad914]

That's a good topic for discussion. These spacers are made to fit the positive offset wheels many manufacturers are producing. You hardly see the negative deep dish (negative offset) wheels anymore. I just wanted to stay with the modern trend and use available large diameter factory alloys and I liked this design for my car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) We'll have to see the affects on the wheel bearings...

Offset for moment in the bearings depends upon the centerline of the tire contact patch itself, not necessarily where the mounting surface is.

So you can have a really wide wheel with a major backspacing so you need a big-arse spacer, but the moment may be no different than the stock wheel. Probably just have a rubbing issue on the inner fenderwell instead <for instance>.

Easiest just to assume that where the plane at the center of the tire is is where the reaction force is thru, not where the plane at the end of the spacer is.

btw Felix, what is up with the headlight in turnsignal bucket deal??

[TonyAKAVW]

btw Felix, what is up with the headlight in turnsignal bucket deal??

First batch of lenses will be arriving here about a month from now. As far as I know thats the 'critical part.'

-Tony

[byndbad914]

btw Felix, what is up with the headlight in turnsignal bucket deal??

First batch of lenses will be arriving here about a month from now. As far as I know thats the 'critical part.'

-Tony

Hey Tony... are you having them made from glass? I thought you guys were talking something injection molded - but did you find a plastic than can take the heat? I am waiting to buy a fiberglass hood to see if yous guys can make this work - then I can ditch my headlight assemblies altogether on the tube car. If so, I get the big hood, otherwise I need the one with headlight cut-outs (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Would be nice to 86 those headlight buckets altogether!

[guiltless]

So which Audi engines will mate up with the Boxter transaxle?

This is an inspiring project for me. After seeing this, and contemplating some engine options, I am pretty sure I am going to be ditching Suby Power.

[TonyAKAVW]

The lenses are being made from plastic by injection molding. The die is steel, and pretty much any plastic or ruber can be used. I am not sure of the name of the material being used, but I told him (my father inlaw) that it must withstand high heat, UV, and be crystal clear. He seemed to have no problem with those requirements.

I'm really suspecting that the HID headlights won't put out nearly as much heat as standard incandescent or halogen bulbs. The color temperature of the HID bulbs are much higher, so their spectral content in the infrared is lower than for a halogen. Also, they are much more efficient, meaning thatless energy is lost as heat. So I'm betting that heat isn't going ot be as much of an issue as people think.

-Tony

[neo914-6]

First batch of lenses will be arriving here about a month from now. As far as I know thats the 'critical part.'

I'm really excited about Tony's lenses, they will certainly add a "production" look to this car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/boldblue.gif) Having many sets available will make replacement feasible. My old Mercedes has clear plastic surrounds for the fog light that yellow over time but my bet is modern plastics are better formulated.

I am waiting to buy a fiberglass hood to see if yous guys can make this work - then I can ditch my headlight assemblies

Tim, the lights will work as they are plug and play but how the lenses hold up are the question. I will keep mine vented inside the fender to help manage the heat.

Add my name to your list of people to meet up with at SEMA.

Let me know if anyone will be there Sunday 29th, I may need help setting up and have an "assistants" badge.

So which Audi engines will mate up with the Boxster transaxle? This is an inspiring project for me. After seeing this, and contemplating some engine options, I am pretty sure I am going to be ditching Suby Power

We know the 2.7TT and probably the 1.8T. Sonu used the stock A4 gearbox but it is very similar to the Boxster. You'd have to really like the Audis since the Suby engines are easier to transplant.

[byndbad914]

I am waiting to buy a fiberglass hood to see if yous guys can make this work - then I can ditch my headlight assemblies

Tim, the lights will work as they are plug and play but how the lenses hold up are the question. I will keep mine vented inside the fender to help manage the heat.

kosher - just want to see if the covers work, then the conversion would be a clean setup. No cover would look a little funky me thinks... my car is a POS but I must have a lens that works (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) Won't be painted, but that signal bucket better look sweet (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[neo914-6]

I'm on a 90 day mad SEMA schedule so excuse me if I don't post, email, or call you back. I have a daily diary and may post it as a blog but here are the highlights:

Ordered a Rennspeed full fiberglass hood, I cannot work in the Getty CF for my design. It cannot be "filled" to match the pattern. A metal hood would have cost me more and add more time. I can always have one fabricated later.

I mounted the fog lights below the signal pods, as a "backup". If the single Hella HID's don't provide enough light, I can easily replace the fogs with another set of HID's.

After removing the stock dash, I test fit the Audi dash. It's a nice fit but I still have to align the climate system ducts. The steering column is ~2" to the right relative to the instrument panlel and the pedals are even further right. If I correct the alignment to the instruments it will be more awkward for the legs. I may move the steering column only an inch left which will require a longer shaft and a fabricated mounting plate.

I cut out areas of the front bulkhead to fit the climate control unit and so far looks like it will fit albiet with very little leg room for the passenger. Oh well the seat is non-adjust anyway, LOL.

I fit the 996 radiators, the stock mount brackets worked well after I trimmed them. I even used the stock inlet and outlet ducts, see the bumper thread for a pic. I cut down the Boxster Y tubes and will get the right fittings and hoses later. I used an Earl's tool to create hose beads on the tubes TC Design bent to the trough under the car. It required a huge wrench.

The stock intercoolers are ~1" too wide and the inlet/outlets won't work, I may buy some from Bell Intercoolers.

I worked on the doors, the 996 regulators are quite a challenge but will make them work...

[byndbad914]

I'm really suspecting that the HID headlights won't put out nearly as much heat as standard incandescent or halogen bulbs. The color temperature of the HID bulbs are much higher, so their spectral content in the infrared is lower than for a halogen. Also, they are much more efficient, meaning thatless energy is lost as heat. So I'm betting that heat isn't going ot be as much of an issue as people think.

-Tony

I think you are right about that. My friend works for Honda and had a new S2000 the other night and we drove around a bit, got back, and I asked him to leave the headlights on real quick. Jumped out and felt the plastic and no heat at all. So, plastic should be fine assuming it doesn't sun fade (I figure you already considered that in material selection...)

[neo914-6]

I think you are right about that. My friend works for Honda and had a new S2000 the other night and we drove around a bit, got back, and I asked him to leave the headlights on real quick. Jumped out and felt the plastic and no heat at all. So, plastic should be fine assuming it doesn't sun fade (I figure you already considered that in material selection...)

Tim,

last Dec '05:

Tony,

The specs are:
*Same size and shape as original (except the diamond diffuser features)
*Quality UV resistant, non-yellowing clear plastic
*Crystal, preferably optically clear, no features on both sides of lense
*Original channel features of the outer seal but not necessarily the "flutes" in the channel
*Original mounting for two screws
*Low cost per lense, delivered (need quote)

Thanks,
Felix

[guiltless]

So which Audi engines will mate up with the Boxster transaxle? This is an inspiring project for me. After seeing this, and contemplating some engine options, I am pretty sure I am going to be ditching Suby Power

We know the 2.7TT and probably the 1.8T. Sonu used the stock A4 gearbox but it is very similar to the Boxster. You'd have to really like the Audis since the Suby engines are easier to transplant.

I was thinking more along the lines of the W12. I know there are a TON of issues to work out (which I am well on my way to working out), I just want to see how bad the tranny issue would be.

[neo914-6]

So which Audi engines will mate up with the Boxster transaxle? This is an inspiring project for me. After seeing this, and contemplating some engine options, I am pretty sure I am going to be ditching Suby Power

We know the 2.7TT and probably the 1.8T. Sonu used the stock A4 gearbox but it is very similar to the Boxster. You'd have to really like the Audis since the Suby engines are easier to transplant.

I was thinking more along the lines of the W12. I know there are a TON of issues to work out (which I am well on my way to working out), I just want to see how bad the tranny issue would be.

What's a W12? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

BTW, I started to trim the Audi dashboard to fit. Climate Control, yeah! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[guiltless]

So which Audi engines will mate up with the Boxster transaxle? This is an inspiring project for me. After seeing this, and contemplating some engine options, I am pretty sure I am going to be ditching Suby Power

We know the 2.7TT and probably the 1.8T. Sonu used the stock A4 gearbox but it is very similar to the Boxster. You'd have to really like the Audis since the Suby engines are easier to transplant.

I was thinking more along the lines of the W12. I know there are a TON of issues to work out (which I am well on my way to working out), I just want to see how bad the tranny issue would be.

What's a W12? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

BTW, I started to trim the Audi dashboard to fit. Climate Control, yeah! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

Picture 2 vr6's stuck together at an angle. It is 12 cylinders packed into a space just larger than a standard v6. 450hp N/A. Audi puts it in the A8L and VW puts it into the Phaeton.


I can't wait to see the dash. I would have never thought to integrate the Audi climate control.

[AndrewBlyholder]

Love the Neo914 project. I've had similar dreams, but I've several years from starting on anything. My long term goal is to create a comfortable highway cruiser with all the modern amenities, like good climate control/AC. My wife's family is in LA so we do the highway 5 boggie down from SF several times a year. I'd love to do that in a 914.

So I'm most interested in your new climate control system. I see you're splicing in an Audi system, but how much of it? Including the heater mixing box? If so, how are you mounting that? In the front trunk or behind the front bulkhead in the passenger compartment? AC? Condenser location?

Sorry so many questions,

Thanks,

Andrew