Question on transverse engined vehicle, axle angles important?

bbbrad · Jun 25, 2015

Hi there, I am putting a large v6 engine into a toyota mr2-spyder. I am wanting to offset the extra rearward weight gain by moving the engine forward as much as possible. This will mean the axles will be tending to angle towards the rear of the car slightly.
So my question is, are straight angled axles best/important? As in the example above, and also as in pointing upwards or downwards, (as in a lowered or raised vehicle).
I do know that most transvere engined cars do have angled axles from factory. I do not know if this is just for packaging issues, or there is a performance reason?
Thanks in advance.

GregLocock · Jun 25, 2015

No, there is not much disadvantage in angling the half shafts in plan or front view for a rear axle. The inboard and outboard CV joints will have articulation limits that you will need to be careful not to exceed in jounce and rebound, but compared with the juggling act required for steering axles the rear axle is pretty easy.

Cheers

Greg Locock

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tbuelna · Jul 3, 2015

The angle of the half-shafts in plan view will depend on the position of the transaxle rather than the engine. If the crank CL of the transverse V6 is located at the same longitudinal point as the original I4, the F/R weight distribution should not be affected much.

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Question on transverse engined vehicle, axle angles important?

bbbrad

Automotive

GregLocock

Automotive

tbuelna

Aerospace

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