My DDR GT4 build

[killerferret666]

Hi All,

I suspect I started like a lot of people with a do I, dont I type of start. In the end I decided to go for my build as it had been a lifetime dream and now at 29 it was probably the right time in my life to do so.

I actually looked into many kitcars, including cheaper ones (not sure cheap should be included anywhere in kitcar building mind you!) but basically the other half rule'd out a few...helmet required, hair would get messed up... there is a theme

So I considered an ultima, but I did want something a bit different and although ultima's look great it didn't quite push every button I wanted and although you could customise bits the body / shape was its own.

So I started looking further afield and came across many in the end. It was a company called ddr motorsport that I went with. One of the biggest bonus's is I could use an MR2 for all my donor parts,

Engine, drivetrain, electrics, suspension, brakes etc...

Making the learning curve for me simpler (Or I thought), these parts I would then refurbish as I wanted to work on a new, clean looking car and then finally rebuilt on to a tubular chassis.

Anyway I wanted to finally start a thread, because as I progress with the actual rebuild after the refurbishment I'm sure I'm going to have questions regarding the IVA although I've read the manual many times as its the first time the car will be built in the UK.

I have also started a blog which is an overview, rather than in depth technical guide of the refurbishment so far.

http://miamigt4kitcar.blogspot.co.uk/

their website is

www.ddrmotorsport.com

any views and tips already be great!

[rdodger]

Brilliant!

I have been teasing myself looking at their website for years! That must be the first in the UK? A brave choice and may take some head scratching to get through IVA but not imposible.

When does the kit arrive?

[khm]

was very tempeted to do one of these too, have watched this car from it being created in dominica, there used to be photo's of creating the plug, also originally looked more like a mclaren f1 than it does now, think someone had words with them

very interesting car, sure it will get through iva, after all i got mine through and nobody thought i would, just make the car fit the test, if you need any advice at any point just ask

shame you're at the other end of the country !!

keith

[khm]

the only other issue i would have with the car is what is the front screen, is it available in the uk or just from them? might be worth getting a spare while you're paying for shipping it over????
if i remember right the side screens and back screens are plastic?? if so they will need to be e marked for iva so check that they are, if not i know the man who can make them for you

[dom9]

Always been interested in these, too!

It will be good to see one on our shores and please keep this thread updated with plenty of pictures!

[killerferret666]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I know ive chosen a challenge but I'm hoping one that will be worth it.

Khm - thanks for the idea on two windscreens and yes they are plastic and I've also told them they must all have an e marking or won't pass and see the road. The plastic windows, I always knew I could get them made over here in worse case scenario, just worried a little about the main windscreen. Anyone you recommend will be great if required.

After reading the IVA 270 odd pages close to 20 times, I believe I can get around all hurdles I've spotted so far.

I'm hoping the kit will be here in may, but shipping may well push this out, or late delivery of course. I'm just trying to make sure I do all work properly and to a good standard.

Anything you all learnt I'll definatly take on board as at the moment its all prep for the build.

[Fastpedeller]

Look good - I should think Complete Kit Car Mag will be interested in this.

[matlee]

Ive looked at this kit a few times but never realised it was could be done with an MR2 (i should pay more attention).

What sort of costs are we looking at when it comes to shipping the kit to the uk?

[Gingerbread Man]

Looks nice. You mentioned taking the engine from the MR2. Will you being doing engine work on it as it looks a fast car and the engine should match it's looks!

[killerferret666]

matlee said:

I've looked at this kit a few times but never realised it was could be done with an MR2 (I should pay more attention).

What sort of costs are we looking at when it comes to shipping the kit to the uk?

Shipping I'm expecting to be about £2500 + import tax. This kit car is far from the cheapest for this type of kitcar because of the shipping but at least its a bit different I suppose!

Gingerbread Man said:

Looks nice. You mentioned taking the engine from the MR2. Will you being doing engine work on it as it looks a fast car and the engine should match it's looks!

At first I'm concentrating on getting it through the IVA, but have thought ahead regarding this area. So the valves have been lapped whilst I have the head off and the headgasket is being changed for a metal one so as I mod I don't have an issue. I know the MR2 engine I currently have, has a CT26 turbo although does have an aftermarket Piggyback ECU (and some other basic supporting mods), so I reckon currently about 235BHP. I will change to a CT20b turbo which was on the later models and also do fuelling at the same time + up the boost. Ill be happy with about 280BHP. The car will only weigh about 900 /950Kg so that should be fast enough for me.

[Fastpedeller]

Forgive me asking the question but....... Is this a genuine car?
When I saw on the website the miriad of donor car options, I wondered if it was for real.
Have you seen the car 'in the flesh'?
Again, forgive me if I'm being ultra-cautious, but alarm bells started ringing somehow.

[matlee]

Fastpedeller said:

Forgive me asking the question but....... Is this a genuine car?
When I saw on the website the miriad of donor car options, I wondered if it was for real.
Have you seen the car 'in the flesh'?
Again, forgive me if I'm being ultra-cautious, but alarm bells started ringing somehow.

Ive had a similar feeling. Ive done numerous searches and all seem to include someone asking whether or not someone else has actually built one yet with nobody coming forward saying they have. The only 2 i can find are both the demo vehicles (the orange one and the blue one).

I really thought a car that looks that good and is that versatile (option wise) would have a much larger following.

[killerferret666]

Fastpedeller said:

Forgive me asking the question but....... Is this a genuine car?
When I saw on the website the miriad of donor car options, I wondered if it was for real.
Have you seen the car 'in the flesh'?
Again, forgive me if I'm being ultra-cautious, but alarm bells started ringing somehow.

matlee said:

I've had a similar feeling. I've done numerous searches and all seem to include someone asking whether or not someone else has actually built one yet with nobody coming forward saying they have. The only 2 I can find are both the demo vehicles (the orange one and the blue one).

I really thought a car that looks that good and is that versatile (option wise) would have a much larger following.

You're both right, for such a lovely car you'd expect to see loads and completed ones. There appears to be very low number completed if any customer wise at the moment, I haven't seen one in the flesh, but the pictures etc... that I have been sent which are not in the public domain as I have raised questions definitely show the car exists as you wouldn't release them as there is no benefit to others.

I am their first UK based customer so I know there are risks and there are some others from other countries being the first as well but hopefully this helps broaden the market.

All of their updates are on their facebook page (news link on their website) which have been showing production of various cars. I spent a long time keeping an eye on kitcar manufacturers as its a tricky business but decided after a year of watching to go with them. I actually first saw it in the Sunday times.

[dom9]

Looks great in that article (i.e. very much like the F1) and I am surprised so few have been bought/ built.

We are living in Texas at the moment and get over to Florida relatively regularly, so if you want someone to head over to the factory to 'check' anything - just let me know

[Fastpedeller]

dom9 said:

Looks great in that article (i.e. very much like the F1) and I am surprised so few have been bought/ built.

We are living in Texas at the moment and get over to Florida relatively regularly, so if you want someone to head over to the factory to 'check' anything - just let me know

I think I'd be inclined to take up that generous offer - just to make sure it's not just a mailing address!

[Triggsy]

Complete Kit Car did a feature on them a year ago - link to back issue below if that helps.

http://www.completekitcar.co.uk/Issue/march2012.ht...

[matlee]

Killerferret666, is your name James by any chance?

Edited by matlee on Friday 29th March 20:50

[killerferret666]

Yep but it does say on the blog lol

Which forum are you from, I've been on a few over the years as I've moved from car to car.

[matlee]

killerferret666 said:

Yep but it does say on the blog lol

Which forum are you from, I've been on a few over the years as I've moved from car to car.

I was having a browse through all the posts on the DDRGT4 facebook page and noticed some fella by the name of James from the UK post on there. Thought it might have been another uk resident taking the plunge as well but then realised it would more than likely be you.

How long are you expecting it to take to complete the build once the kit has arrived?

I will be keeping an eye on your blog and the IVA side of things and if it all goes to plan for you i may seriously consider one of these as my next build.

[killerferret666]

matlee said:

I was having a browse through all the posts on the DDRGT4 facebook page and noticed some fella by the name of James from the UK post on there. Thought it might have been another uk resident taking the plunge as well but then realised it would more than likely be you.

How long are you expecting it to take to complete the build once the kit has arrived?

I will be keeping an eye on your blog and the IVA side of things and if it all goes to plan for you i may seriously consider one of these as my next build.

I'd like to have a running rolling chassis under 6months, as I've done a lot of prep. I can then work on the body / electrics. I'm sure I'll get through the IVA, everything is possible, just hope there aren't too many issues to work through.