Indy-T, Nocones 2026 Challenge Build

I would have kept the guibo for the $40 of budget plus I could fab sloppier.

Also, shouldn't this be in the builds section of the forum?

maschinenbau said:

Also, shouldn't this be in the builds section of the forum?

We can move it if Nocones wants 

It can go wherever it "should". I thought low budget builds of challenge cars tended to go in here but I'm fine with it moving to the build forum if that's where people would want it.  

So that steering rack isn't going to work.  It isn't bad stuff and parts but the rack housing is plastic.  It's probably fine for a kart but I was hoping it was aluminum or steel.  So it is heading back to the jungle.   

I've ordered a Empi Dune Buggy rack.  It's a relatively expensive option but I believe I will have budget space and it is simple. 

I have brainstormed methods to use a car rack however the pinion is always very angled where it joins the rack, and they are much to long.  I could shorten them but the pinion angle is always a problem.  I've thought about running strange belcrank systems to make it work but I would prefer simple.  I looked at SXS racks but they arent substantially cheaper, still have an offset pinion, and the ratios kinda suck.  

I need a 911 rack but those aren't exactly cheap 😕 

Side by side racks are very similar to golf cart racks, just a lot more expensive.

Hyperracing.com

600 Mini Sprint steering rack.

I've used them on multiple builds and they are a high quality unit.  

Have you looked into steering racks from kei trucks? The ones from Hijet, Damas, and Wide models are short and only slightly offset. They should also be stronger than kart parts

So the inspiration and layout of this thing may be taking about a 60 year adventure back in time.    A few weeks ago this bugatti clone popped up for sale for $500 semi locally.   I for some reason decided I had to have it and here it is on my Trailer.

I am Sending all the VW stuff away for $300 so I now have this $200 Bugatti body.  I have not made a ton of progress on the Indy T, or at least not enough to justify thinking that I will get the large scale project that it is done in the next 5-6 months.    The Indy-T would be near LMP360 levels of work and I just don't want that right now.   The Indy-T requires suspension, bodywork, and a lot of things that are not required If I can just use all of the Subframes I have in a more "traditional way". 

So I'm pivoting.  Same Basic parts.  Still Model T frame.  Still silly wide Circle Track tires.  But should be much less work overall.

I posted these pictures in my other projects thread but they belong here as well since this is the direction I am heading.  I'd still love to do the Auto Trans bolted directly to a Subframe sometime, but probably not this year.  

I'm hopeful to have a roller in a month or so.  I will use a Miata front Subframe and the LS400 Rear subframe so the suspension is a matter of mounts not full on design.  Steering rack, etc. will be much simplified.

In reply to nocones :

GRM approves!

It took me a bit to transition from the rear engine Indy to PreWar front engine Indy inspiration but I did some image searching and realized everything will be okay.  

So one thing I REALLY like is the way all these cars tended to have names, and have that name hand painted on the car.  I think that will be a key part of this one.  

I'm still messing with a name but I am leaning towards.   

NOCONES Bugaa-T Special.  

It combines the Bugatti body with the Model T frame.  See what I did there.  I'm clever.  

I always thought Indy roadsters were sweet. Pre- and post-war. 

That body you landed will be great for this. 

- Bill C

That will be a great looking car!  Still using the Lexus suspension/cradles?

nocones said:

But should be much less work overall.

"should be..." ?!?! Dang man, all the hard work is done. And you know what you got.

I liked the previous plan, but I like this one too.

In reply to ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ :

Honestly I feel the same.  I do have 2 Model T frames... ..