[meat]

M40 Update #1:

Chassis description: The M40 chassis will be a semi-monocoque design (a steel chassis with stressed alloy panels), set up to meet SCCA homologation standards for safety. It will include a roll cage structure at mid bulkhead and a forward hoop located at the dash/footbox area. Torsional lbs/degree will be noted after testing.

The chassis is being designed from the start to utilize as many off the shelf (or "off the donor") parts as possible (everything else will be in the kit). These are proven parts, and are all available from a single donor vehicle, or they can be purchased new from either a dealership or from stores like AutoZone, Pep Boys or other auto parts supply shops. These parts include (this is not a complete list) front uprights, rear uprights, brake assemblies, wheels, complete pedal assembly, rack and pinion unit, radiator, complete steering column, shift mechanism, handbrake, engine, gearbox and halfshafts.

The target design weight of the chassis is ~1,450 lbs.

Keep in mind that there is a fairly sizable aftermarket out there that can supply anything from bigger brakes to gummier tires, all the way up through a hot rod engine and engine management system; I am not using an unknown or unsupported car as the donor!

These are preliminary bulletins. As the M40 gets closer and closer to production, some of these items may change.

Your pal,
Meat.