Piranha double a front module

[RickS.]

I've been working on this for about 8 weeks now. designed first in Autocad and finished up the first prototypes this week. Just waiting on the Fox 2.0 x 10" shocks. I'm hoping they will show up later in the week or early next.
It's raked 15 degrees and has 18" travel. 63" track width. Frame clears the ground by 3" at full compression.(26x8x12 tires)Fully adjustable castor and camber. Zero camber at full droop through about the first 4" of the travel, then it climbs to -7 1/2 at full compression. The pedal sets can be moved forward 2 1/2" from the standard Piranha location. (creating more room in the cockpit) It's blocked up on the bench at it's mounted position with suspension compressed to approx. ride height.
This design lifts the nose up so it's no longer like a wedge. It's also designed with true Ackerman for a Piranha that's been extended 6".
Steering is 1 1/2 turns lock to lock & bump steer is basicaly zero.
critique it please.

[Bugpac]

I got a chance to see this project evolve from cad to about 60% off what is shown in person, Superb craftsmanship as always, And a real treat for pirahna owners so they can cut the factory front section off and put this right in its place...

[RickS.]

A couple more

[Gene]

Beautiful work Rick. Any Pirahna owner would be wise to contact you for more information about this product. Savvy ones will buy it.

[RickS.]

I've got one going out to a Piranha owner next week. I'll post up photos of the transplant and should have feedback on how it handles soon after.
I'm starting on a new frame for one of my own also. This one will get a new rear design as well.

[Gene]

How about posting a thread in Projects in Progress to show the conversion? that would be very intereting.

[RickS.]

I can do that.

[Artie on Edge]

Excellent excellent excellent.... damned impressive Rick. Youve taken several existing issues with the original design and resolved them all in one motion. Im looking forward to seeing this in action.

In your email you mentioned this as a rival for the Cuda front. I think it goes a couple of steps further than the cuda. Youve eliminated the potential for the chassis hitting the ground issue and introduced ackermann. The designer of the Cuda feels that ackermann isnt required. Well let me tell you that pulling back into the pits at slow speed after 3 hours of competition...it sure is appreciated!

Well done mate.

[RickS.]

I've never driven a buggy with Ackerman. But after listening to all of the debates on these forums I decided to go with it. How often do you cut your wheels to full lock at speed? It certainly can't hurt to have it.
In my mind the reason you don't see it used much is because it's very difficult to achieve. Especially on a car with front steer geometry and disc brakes.

[RickS.]

Just finished up on the module. Here are a few more pics with the tires and shocks mounted. And a shot for comparison next to a single a Piranha.
This is all shipping out Monday and will be transplanted into a Piranha and tested in a couple weeks.