I didn't know where to post this, but I figured given the direction of the project, this forum was appropriate.

So a couple years ago, I got this wagon from my dad, a 1958 Triumph Estate, and embarked on an ambitious project to turn the wagon into a little race car. The original build included a LS2 with bolt ons, a T56 6 speed, and a narrowed 240sx IRS.

Unfortunately, the design had too many limitations, and the engineering wasn't on a level that i was comfortable with, resulting in a car that was as dangerous as it was scary to drive. I've since abandoned the notion of finishing it wth the ls2, and an now looking at a mid engine configuration. I've been playing around with the idea of an inverted porsche transmission and using an ej20t, 13b-rew, v8, b series, etc, but i just dont have that kind of room behind the seats. So, it looks like i need something with the engine directly, or not too far forward of the rear axles. I've measured a 3s-gte, which seems to be a little too big with the transmission, given then i have roughly 39-40" between the interior body panels (narrow, i know. The car is TINY). But i like the power potential, aftermarket support, and the notion of using a Honda engine.

So, what I'm looking for is the measurement of the engine and trans width, at their widest point. Ideally, looking for a b series, but I'll take any measurement i can get.

I've been reading up on threads here where people have done mid engine conversions, and it looks very feasible.

Thanks for the help.

Some pics of the original car and the build:

 

This thing is awesome

 

Are you converting it to FWD? I would just do a S2000 swap, since the chassis is setup for RWD. Cool project btw.

Adriano

 

I was planning on rear engine, rear wheel drive. I'm going away from front engine and rwd because the transmission tunnel is too limiting on seat placement/adjustability, and pedal placement.

 

I forgot to add in my original post that the car is being completely rebuilt from scratch, starting with a shell only.

 

http://www.midlana.com/ Here is a build diary you might want to take a look at. He uses the K series and has measurements and tube structure on the site you might like.