You can run it mid engine with a standard axle. The indy car had an independent axle, but even that's not to difficult these days! The only ones that would look "period" behind it is a Jag or Corvette axle, but even a 280Z/ZX axle should be sufficient. The tires will break loose before the axle gives up. The Halibrand IRS setup was similar to a Jag. Standard Halibrand quick change center with very short "stub" axles right up against the case, drive shafts out to hubs that were on control arms. The big difference in the Jag and Corvette setups is the springs -- Jag uses four coil overs that require mounts out near the wheels, the 'vette uses a leaf spring mounted on the cast diff cover. So the 'vette is a bit easier to mount.
I've seen a really old mid engine car (something built in the 50s or early 60s) that used a standard rear axle about 6" from the transmission. The engine and axle were mounted on a sub frame, axle welded to it, which pivoted in front and had a transverse leaf spring in the back. Needless to say it wouldn't have rode good with all that unsprung weight, but it worked good enough that the guy had some fun with it anyway!
On November 15, 2005 Tom Jennings wrote:
It's not forgotten -- I stare at it nearly every day, making me feel guilty for not continuing the documentation.
Randy Guynn was kind enough totake the custom, one-of-a-kind Navarro six camshaft and profile it. I've had the specs for months now, too ! @#@!!#$@ busy to do ANYTHING on projects 'til recently. I'm entering it into a spreadsheet to make a nice table, will post it and mail the URL to the list.
(I'm thinking now that the only decent project to use that motor would be a hot rod, something 50's-ish with a track nose. I doubt I could ever afford a Hallibrand rear to make a mid-engine car like it ought to be, putting the turbo intake behind the drivers left ear :-)
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