I’m an engineer and like bad ideas, so for a long time I’ve had this plan for down the road (5-15 years) after I’ve finished the build and become proficient driving the Spec Boxster. I’d like to (probably keep the SPB or something similar and) build a prototype or formula race car from scratch with less of an eye towards good class racing and more as a creative outlet for a personal sense of achievement. I’d run it in time trials, open track days, and occasionally unlimited classes, but it would mostly be something cool to generate big grins and mess around in.

I’d like to start with a tube frame roll cage compliant with NASA/SCCA club racing requirements, attach front and rear subframes and flooring, get an eBay/Copart powertrain or donor car (American V8/Audi 01E or Cayman powertrain for instance) and bolt in a dry sump, attach cooling, hydraulics, etc., design and attach a simple double a-arm suspension (like rods and joints), and then do a ton of work on interface design to get production parts adapted to fulfill the consumable part needs. I’d like to start with a simple Lotus 49 type car to get rolling, get a big grin, and prove out the powertain, chassis, and suspension performance. If I hadn’t gotten enough after a few years, I could then develop and add an underbody and prototype bodywork to generate downforce with modest drag and increase the performance envelope. Using front and rear subframes would allow me to largely redesign the powertrain, front, and/or rear end without having to scrap the rest of the car so I could significantly change the project over time.

Has anyone here done or been involved with a build that has some parallels to this? Can you provide insight and/or links to build log threads or videos? It’s fun to peruse and learn from others.

I’m following project binky and have read up on palotov’s progress - both have been a lot of fun to see and fuel my imagination with. At times I check out Formula SAE/student but it’s hard to know what decisions were good or brilliant or ignorant or criminally underdeveloped due to cost/schedule issues.

Could i suggest an admittedly different outlet for your enthusiasm for crazy ideas and rewarding outcomes? Somewhere near you is a local university with a a team building some sort of race car—maybe a nasa car, maybe something electric, maybe ?—in an engineering and fabrication competition that needs your skills and enthusiasm as a team advisor.
Just saying it could be a fun outlet if you’re an enthusiast kind of guy.

GRM? I think I set up account there once upon a time. I’ll have to lurk around and read up on threads there. Thanks!

You know, I really hadn’t thought of volunteering or similar opportunities, thank you. I have an MS in Mech. Eng. so there are a number of roles I could be a good fit for - usually design and theory oriented roles are where I have harder to find skills. The right role, maybe guiding Formula student for instance, might scratch the same itch and be more helpful to others. I’ll have to start to keep my eyes open.