Midlana, first engine start

First engine start of Midlana, my interpretation of what a mid-engine Lotus 7 would be. Turbo 2.4 liter Honda, though turbo is not installed for first start. You can build one, too: www.midlana.com.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Midlana
• mid-engine
• Locost
• Lotus
• Super Seven

[kiminicooper1]

There's no downside to the engine being behind the engine until rear weight bias becomes "too high", whatever that is. A rear weight bias helps acceleration and braking, both very good things. It also keeps the hot and noisy exhaust away from the driver.

[kiminicooper1]

Sorry, don't check this too often. Yes indeed, that wheel was turning, which could have turned out much worse since I had no idea that it would. Fortunately it stayed "contained" by several wood supports. I've heard (and seen) this happen on other cars, that even with the clutch pedal down, there's some small amount of torque getting through.

[gyrogeerloose]

Nice backfire, Kurt!

[kiminicooper1]

Yeah that kinda surprised me. Also notice how the back wheel starts turning... I couldn't see that happening from my side. Glad nothing bad happened.

[immortalsoul219]

"SOB" it started! LMAO

[91ludesit]

You sir are a legend, I will be looking forward to the book!

[14energy]

what are the downsides of putting a engine behind the driver? How does it affect the dynamic of the car/handling?

Will it be drivable with that much power/torque?

Keep up the good work! Love the site too, you are a big inspiration!

[squirrelgripper]

Good work! Hearing the engine run must be an excellent motivator.

[gyrogeerloose]

I noticed that. I couldn't tell from the video--was the wheel spinning very slowly or quickly but being strobed by the camera?