.12 class racing project
 

hello chaps.

im new to the whole world of r/c racers, but as part of my motorsport degree, ive got to build an r/c trike.

not on my own, but as part of a team, and my specific job is engine, clutch and gearbox.

we are allowed to purchase an engine (maximum 2.5cc, or .12 cubic inch), but we have to build our own chassis, suspension, tank, exhaust etc.

unfortunately, any parts we buy in come out of our own pockets, so the budget is pretty tight.

my questions are:

anyone built something like this from scratch, any problems to look out for?

am i better off buying a cheap engine (were looking to spend £60 or less), or getting one second hand off ebay?(i am aware that engines of this type need running in properly before full performance can be achieved) [my thinking is that a second hand one will be run in already, hopefully well, not just razzed from cold]

we were thinking of using a chain and sprockets for the final drive, any experience or advice on this?

any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks.

loaf

whoops
 

just re-done the maths and realised that we can use up to a .15 cubic inch engine.

Yes, you can easily find a used motor on e-bay. Considering you are not racing it, you may be able to get it fairly cheap.

You might consider using a transmission system from a RC car, Kyosho, X-Ray, Serpent or Mugen transmission, pulleys and belts should work for your project.

Why not buy a used RC car and use the whole rear end and half the chasis? You could then just design, build and attach the front end of your tricycle to the RC rear half.

Good luck!

sorry i wasnt a little more clear, but we have to build basically the entire theing, apart from engine and wheels.

which means i have to build a transmission from scratch.
and axles, subframes and chassis.

and the culmination of the project is a set of competative trials at a yet unspecified karting track.
we have a sprint, endurance and figure 8 to complete, as well as a drag race.