We have not made a peep on the site in week, but I assure you we have been working on the design of our 2009 vehicle. Our previous (and first ever) race car was completed by six undergraduate students in 2008 in time for competition in May. For those of you familiar with the Formula SAE competition, it was basic stuff, spec-wise. we tried to keep it simple and reliable:

• TIG welded 4130 chrome-moly tubular space frame
• Non-parallel A-arm, double wishbone suspension
• Inboard mounted springs and adjustable dampers

• Suzuki LTR-450, 450cc single cylinder, fuel injected, DOHC engine
• Megasquirt ECU, custom tuned
• 5 speed manual sequential transmission with limited slip differential
• Goodyear D2692 20.0 x 7.0 13.0 racing slick tires

From left: Kyle, Drew, Grant

For 2009, we have begun several projects. I am leading a team to design and test a part of the chassis out of cored carbon fiber panels. I won’t say much more because we are in the middle of designing the tests and perfecting fabrication methods.

David, team manager and engine lead, is developing a flow bench and engine dynomometer for engine tuning. Our 2008 car had limited access to the tools and resources necessary, so we are developing our own.

There are a few other designs being developed as well (Drew designing suspension; Kyle, improving our 2008 car) and they will post when there is noteworthy progress to report.