Drivetrains as a structural member

[Formula]

I have been searching for pictures an info about exactly how they mount the engine to the chassis in the McLaren F1, Ferrari F50 and Formula One cars, there are probably others but those just popped into mind. Also, on the McLaren road car, does the rear body work and muffler/impact absorber attach to the drivetrain? I see that brace connecting the fenders that goes right behind the engine... Also how well does this work compared to having a subframe? I thought that any, even slight, flex from tremendous chassis loads would twist the engine and effect bearing clearances and then some. Just want some more info, thanks.

Chris

[DaveKillens]

Hi Formula, glad to meet you. The engine, because it already has to deal with incredible loads from combustion, leverage of connecting rods, and all that stuff, has to be a very stout hunk of metal. Even if you didn't have to design in consideration for carrying suspension loads, an engine would have tremendous rigidity. So bolting it to the chassis and gearbox adds negligable loads relative to the internal loads it has to experience.
If you designed in chasis extensions to carry the suspension loads, you would be adding quite a considerable amount of mass to the vehicle. So, in a way, it's getting something for free, two for the price of one.
Heck, in some motorcycles, the front suspension is bolted to the heads, while the rear of the engine is bolted to the rear sub-frame. About the only consideration the engineers have dealt with is putting in inflexible gaskets between the cylinders and block, and between the head and cylinders.

[manchild]

If you need pics check this link viewtopic.php?t=3225&start=0

[Formula]

Much thanks for the info and link.