Time for a Kit car...
Discussion
Having used ph a few times for advice etc regarding purchases I am kind of after some more information and advice about kit cars.
We at present have a boxster S and a Mini Cooper S which have both been good, fun track cars but the time has come to move on to a new challenge/experience.
We intend to keep the Boxster as it's in great condition and is enjoyable on the road. We have a budget of up to £10k for a kit car and have been looking at MK Indy, Toniq R and westfields amongst others. I really like the idea of a bike engine as I've come across many people on track days running BEC's and they seem to be having a scream. Although we are not discounting car engines by any stretch but my naivety suggests that a BEC will potentially be more fun on a track? (I may be way off the mark here?)..
So has anyone any experience of these which may help in the decision? I imagine that the quality of the build is key, and then after that it is probably individual choice? I may add aswell that me and my brother are 6ft and 15 st so if this restricts us in choice then please tell me. We realised in a recent caterham drive that an SV would be required. We felt having tested the caterham that, with the use being predominantly track then we would be daft to pay £20K+ for one when all sorts of gear can be had for half the price and less.
And genuinely thanks to all who contribute and reply, your help/advice is much appreciated.
Thanks again.
We at present have a boxster S and a Mini Cooper S which have both been good, fun track cars but the time has come to move on to a new challenge/experience.
We intend to keep the Boxster as it's in great condition and is enjoyable on the road. We have a budget of up to £10k for a kit car and have been looking at MK Indy, Toniq R and westfields amongst others. I really like the idea of a bike engine as I've come across many people on track days running BEC's and they seem to be having a scream. Although we are not discounting car engines by any stretch but my naivety suggests that a BEC will potentially be more fun on a track? (I may be way off the mark here?)..
So has anyone any experience of these which may help in the decision? I imagine that the quality of the build is key, and then after that it is probably individual choice? I may add aswell that me and my brother are 6ft and 15 st so if this restricts us in choice then please tell me. We realised in a recent caterham drive that an SV would be required. We felt having tested the caterham that, with the use being predominantly track then we would be daft to pay £20K+ for one when all sorts of gear can be had for half the price and less.
And genuinely thanks to all who contribute and reply, your help/advice is much appreciated.
Thanks again.
There is much more experience of these on Locostbuilders not that I am decrying any advice given on here just that particularly for the MK they have most experience, Tonique is a new car relatively so not much to reference and the Westfield has its own forum, prices tend to be a bit more due to the higher base build price
IMHO the MK Indy has more BEC provenance
IMHO the MK Indy has more BEC provenance
Why not go to the Donington National Kit Car show in Castle Donington in Leciestershire this weekend on the 30th and 31st August and see what there is about? No doubt there will significant number of suitable kit cars to examine. There will be literally hundreds there and many manufacturers offerring thier latest models.
There are always kit cars about at these shows which are up for sale. I do not think you will get a better chance to look at the range of kits and have this many to virpew and consder prices thereof this side of next year. I would expect you to find a decent car well within your budget. I have been building, driving and above all, enjoying, kit cars since my first Lotus Super Seven build in 1963 and I still build several a year. Given me a huge amount of fun and I have learned an awful lot about kit cars. Still learning every day even now! Best of luck to you in your choice.
There is an experience gained when driving a really well set up car on a track that has been specifically designed for track use which cannot be reached in any ther way. The communication between the driver and car becomes two way and it is not possible to achieve the same level of contact between man and machine in my experience in any other way. Good road cars necessarily allow for greater suspension give and particularly much less direct feel and even the best road car isn't the same as a purpose built car designed for track use. Such cars would be hard work on every road because the lack of give in the suspension and hard bushes used are suitable for track use only and are quite unsuited to road use. That is an experience that I think every car enthusiast should experience.
There are always kit cars about at these shows which are up for sale. I do not think you will get a better chance to look at the range of kits and have this many to virpew and consder prices thereof this side of next year. I would expect you to find a decent car well within your budget. I have been building, driving and above all, enjoying, kit cars since my first Lotus Super Seven build in 1963 and I still build several a year. Given me a huge amount of fun and I have learned an awful lot about kit cars. Still learning every day even now! Best of luck to you in your choice.
There is an experience gained when driving a really well set up car on a track that has been specifically designed for track use which cannot be reached in any ther way. The communication between the driver and car becomes two way and it is not possible to achieve the same level of contact between man and machine in my experience in any other way. Good road cars necessarily allow for greater suspension give and particularly much less direct feel and even the best road car isn't the same as a purpose built car designed for track use. Such cars would be hard work on every road because the lack of give in the suspension and hard bushes used are suitable for track use only and are quite unsuited to road use. That is an experience that I think every car enthusiast should experience.
Steffan said:
Why not go to the Donington National Kit Car show in Castle Donington in Leciestershire this weekend on the 30th and 31st August and see what there is about? No doubt there will significant number of suitable kit cars to examine. There will be literally hundreds there and many manufacturers offerring thier latest models.
There are always kit cars about at these shows which are up for sale. I do not think you will get a better chance to look at the range of kits and have this many to virpew and consder prices thereof this side of next year. I would expect you to find a decent car well within your budget. I have been building, driving and above all, enjoying, kit cars since my first Lotus Super Seven build in 1963 and I still build several a year. Given me a huge amount of fun and I have learned an awful lot about kit cars. Still learning every day even now! Best of luck to you in your choice.
There is an experience gained when driving a really well set up car on a track that has been specifically designed for track use which cannot be reached in any ther way. The communication between the driver and car becomes two way and it is not possible to achieve the same level of contact between man and machine in my experience in any other way. Good road cars necessarily allow for greater suspension give and particularly much less direct feel and even the best road car isn't the same as a purpose built car designed for track use. Such cars would be hard work on every road because the lack of give in the suspension and hard bushes used are suitable for track use only and are quite unsuited to road use. That is an experience that I think every car enthusiast should experience.
Thanks for the info there, I may try and get to donnington this weekend if time allows. In your experience, how different is a BEC to a normal car engined variant - I realise that this is dependant on size, power, torque etc but I'm interested to know how the shorter gearing, higher revving engines of bikes suit lighter cars and if they are notably worse/better. Our track use is mainly around cadwell/blyton and in frequent trips to donnington and croft. You'll have to excuse my naivety in kit cars and my intention is to get as much info from here and other sources prior to taking the plunge so all advice is genuinely appreciated so thanks.There are always kit cars about at these shows which are up for sale. I do not think you will get a better chance to look at the range of kits and have this many to virpew and consder prices thereof this side of next year. I would expect you to find a decent car well within your budget. I have been building, driving and above all, enjoying, kit cars since my first Lotus Super Seven build in 1963 and I still build several a year. Given me a huge amount of fun and I have learned an awful lot about kit cars. Still learning every day even now! Best of luck to you in your choice.
There is an experience gained when driving a really well set up car on a track that has been specifically designed for track use which cannot be reached in any ther way. The communication between the driver and car becomes two way and it is not possible to achieve the same level of contact between man and machine in my experience in any other way. Good road cars necessarily allow for greater suspension give and particularly much less direct feel and even the best road car isn't the same as a purpose built car designed for track use. Such cars would be hard work on every road because the lack of give in the suspension and hard bushes used are suitable for track use only and are quite unsuited to road use. That is an experience that I think every car enthusiast should experience.
PaulKemp said:
There is much more experience of these on Locostbuilders not that I am decrying any advice given on here just that particularly for the MK they have most experience, Tonique is a new car relatively so not much to reference and the Westfield has its own forum, prices tend to be a bit more due to the higher base build price
IMHO the MK Indy has more BEC provenance
Thanks for the info - I will look into locostbuilders. Thanks again.IMHO the MK Indy has more BEC provenance
if I were you I'd be looking at this one -
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/k...
IMO the best of both worlds - one of the best handling Seven type chassis (Sylva/Raw Striker, inboard front dampers, ), revvy very light car engine (Zetec SE), bonus of a sequential box like a bike (very rare to have that money spent on a kit car), good brake and wheel kit, great spec for the money and not much heavier than a bike with loads more torque.
With your budget of £10k, spend another £1k with Shawspeed and a remap and you will have 185hp at 8k+ rpm. Leaving £1.5k for trackdays and driving tuition over the next couple of years.
Jobs a good 'en as they say.mk
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/k...
IMO the best of both worlds - one of the best handling Seven type chassis (Sylva/Raw Striker, inboard front dampers, ), revvy very light car engine (Zetec SE), bonus of a sequential box like a bike (very rare to have that money spent on a kit car), good brake and wheel kit, great spec for the money and not much heavier than a bike with loads more torque.
With your budget of £10k, spend another £1k with Shawspeed and a remap and you will have 185hp at 8k+ rpm. Leaving £1.5k for trackdays and driving tuition over the next couple of years.
Jobs a good 'en as they say.mk
L9wul said:
Steffan said:
Why not go to the Donington National Kit Car show in Castle Donington in Leciestershire this weekend on the 30th and 31st August and see what there is about? No doubt there will significant number of suitable kit cars to examine. There will be literally hundreds there and many manufacturers offerring thier latest models.
There are always kit cars about at these shows which are up for sale. I do not think you will get a better chance to look at the range of kits and have this many to virpew and consder prices thereof this side of next year. I would expect you to find a decent car well within your budget. I have been building, driving and above all, enjoying, kit cars since my first Lotus Super Seven build in 1963 and I still build several a year. Given me a huge amount of fun and I have learned an awful lot about kit cars. Still learning every day even now! Best of luck to you in your choice.
There is an experience gained when driving a really well set up car on a track that has been specifically designed for track use which cannot be reached in any ther way. The communication between the driver and car becomes two way and it is not possible to achieve the same level of contact between man and machine in my experience in any other way. Good road cars necessarily allow for greater suspension give and particularly much less direct feel and even the best road car isn't the same as a purpose built car designed for track use. Such cars would be hard work on every road because the lack of give in the suspension and hard bushes used are suitable for track use only and are quite unsuited to road use. That is an experience that I think every car enthusiast should experience.
Thanks for the info there, I may try and get to donnington this weekend if time allows. In your experience, how different is a BEC to a normal car engined variant - I realise that this is dependant on size, power, torque etc but I'm interested to know how the shorter gearing, higher revving engines of bikes suit lighter cars and if they are notably worse/better. Our track use is mainly around cadwell/blyton and in frequent trips to donnington and croft. You'll have to excuse my naivety in kit cars and my intention is to get as much info from here and other sources prior to taking the plunge so all advice is genuinely appreciated so thanks.There are always kit cars about at these shows which are up for sale. I do not think you will get a better chance to look at the range of kits and have this many to virpew and consder prices thereof this side of next year. I would expect you to find a decent car well within your budget. I have been building, driving and above all, enjoying, kit cars since my first Lotus Super Seven build in 1963 and I still build several a year. Given me a huge amount of fun and I have learned an awful lot about kit cars. Still learning every day even now! Best of luck to you in your choice.
There is an experience gained when driving a really well set up car on a track that has been specifically designed for track use which cannot be reached in any ther way. The communication between the driver and car becomes two way and it is not possible to achieve the same level of contact between man and machine in my experience in any other way. Good road cars necessarily allow for greater suspension give and particularly much less direct feel and even the best road car isn't the same as a purpose built car designed for track use. Such cars would be hard work on every road because the lack of give in the suspension and hard bushes used are suitable for track use only and are quite unsuited to road use. That is an experience that I think every car enthusiast should experience.
What the Dutton gives me is sentimental enjoyment, driving a car i have known for over 30 years, the V8 burble and exceptional top gear flexibility pulling like a train from 20mph right up beyond ny never to exceed speed which with the Dutton is anything over 120 mph because the chassis is not capable of dealing with such speed. I have rebuilt the Dutton twice in that time and rebuilt the chassis completely but the entire car is over engined and too light and flexible to cope with it safely. The snap in on deceleration in a corner in the wet produces massive oversteer which has to be caught at once or the car is gone way beyond control and spins. For that reason I never drive the Dutton in the wet and I am extremely careful in the dry with that car. It has vicious over steering tendencies.
BEC cars are definitely not for me on the road. The fundamental problem is inadequate torque and a tendency for the clutches to give up because the set up was never intended to deal with the weight of even a lightweight kit car. I would not recommend such a setup on the road. On the track they can be quite breathtakingly fast and bing inherently light handle very very well. Good luck to you its a nice problem to have. I do wish you well with the choices.
If you want the bike engine track car experience this is worth a look - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-MEV-ATOMIC-road-leg...
Single seater but would be like driving a go cart.
IMO look for Jeremy Philips or Stuart Mills designed cars, you can't go wong with their designs/engineering/bang for buck - so that means for track days -
Philips - Striker, Phoenix, Fury, Menace, R1ot, J15, J16, Vectis (possibly a Mojo)
Mills - Atomic (single seater), Sonic7, Rocket, Missile, Mevabusa (really like that but probably over budget)
A bit of a widecard, have a look at the TR1ke.
Single seater but would be like driving a go cart.
IMO look for Jeremy Philips or Stuart Mills designed cars, you can't go wong with their designs/engineering/bang for buck - so that means for track days -
Philips - Striker, Phoenix, Fury, Menace, R1ot, J15, J16, Vectis (possibly a Mojo)
Mills - Atomic (single seater), Sonic7, Rocket, Missile, Mevabusa (really like that but probably over budget)
A bit of a widecard, have a look at the TR1ke.
Edited by ugg10 on Wednesday 27th August 09:20
I've never been able to find any video of MEVs on youtube showing them as convincing track day weapons - not saying they can't mix it up just find it odd I couldn't find any video whereas MKs, Furys, Rushs and the like no problem. Only stuff I could find of the Atomic made it look like a drift king rather than anything else!
ugg10 said:
If you want the bike engine track car experience this is worth a look - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-MEV-ATOMIC-road-leg...
Single seater but would be like driving a go cart.
IMO look for Jeremy Philips or Stuart Mills designed cars, you can't go wong with their designs/engineering/bang for buck - so that means for track days -
Philips - Striker, Phoenix, Fury, Menace, R1ot, J15, J16, Vectis (possibly a Mojo)
Mills - Atomic (single seater), Sonic7, Rocket, Missile, Mevabusa (really like that but probably over budget)
A bit of a widecard, have a look at the TR1ke.
Excellent informative post IMO. Stuart Mills is undoubtedly the man of the moment in kit cars. His output is just breathtaking and the product range demands the attention of every prospective kit car buyer IMO. Outstanding range and very very good cars which are one donor designs which to my mind massively simplifies the build process dramatically. I would urge every prospective kit car buyer to seek him out and look at the products. They speak for themselves.Single seater but would be like driving a go cart.
IMO look for Jeremy Philips or Stuart Mills designed cars, you can't go wong with their designs/engineering/bang for buck - so that means for track days -
Philips - Striker, Phoenix, Fury, Menace, R1ot, J15, J16, Vectis (possibly a Mojo)
Mills - Atomic (single seater), Sonic7, Rocket, Missile, Mevabusa (really like that but probably over budget)
A bit of a widecard, have a look at the TR1ke.
Edited by ugg10 on Wednesday 27th August 09:20
Jeremy Phillips is an excellent designer and I have bought cars from him and thoroughly enjoyed every one over the years. I bought one of hs very early Sylva cars years ago and have had several since.all excellent well thought through designs. I can even remember fitting the Chevvette rear axles to these cars! Which gives an idea of how long ago it was.
Great to see enthusiasts are still about and I do hope to see as many as possible when I am up at The Donington kit cars show with the 2014 Quantum RS Turbo that I have just registered after IVA this weekend coming. The car will be in the show area somewhere! Looking forward to it. Let us all all pray for reasonably dry days! ( Not that ths is likely to help).
Thanks Steffan.
After looking at a large number of option I eventually built a Zetec Fury, loved every minute of it, simple enough for the amature mechanic but enough "issues" to sort out to make it interesting. Having sold that I was close to buying a MEV Missile (liked it better than the sonic) with the plan of putting a Mazda KL 2.5l v6 in the back as this is about the same weight as a Zetec.
A coupel of years passed and I have a new classic project but was very close to getting a Replicar which again would have had the KL v6 in the front as there is plenty of info out there for converting these for an MX5.
Getting back on topic - if I were to go for a track day tool then my wish list would be something like -
Body - Phoenix or possibly Fury Spyder (no screen) body to help with the aerodynamics
Chassis - Sylva chassis with inboard shocks and a decent set of stoppers.
Engine wise - ideally a Honda S2000 but this may be diffficult to fit, second on the list would be an AJP8 TVR engine (got to love the noise and it is tiny comparitively), but would settle for a decent duratec, poverty spec would be a 1.8 MX5/4AGE.
For the OP, the Sylva/Raw Striker would be my choice if you are after a seven type car, a significantly better chassis then almost any other car (look at the race wins this chassis has (same as fury and phoenix pretty much) !) with an R1 engine and everything else kept as light as possible.
This would take some beating but personally I'd go for a 4AGE or better still a Zetec SE/Sigma car engine to give that flexibility if I wanted to use it on the road. My 1.7 Puma Zetec SE tips the scales at less than 100kg fully dressed with flywheel and oil, 140kg with gearbox and clutch, this can give a relaible 185hp so bhp/kg is pretty high and in a 500kg car would be more than a hand full.
Happy hunting
After looking at a large number of option I eventually built a Zetec Fury, loved every minute of it, simple enough for the amature mechanic but enough "issues" to sort out to make it interesting. Having sold that I was close to buying a MEV Missile (liked it better than the sonic) with the plan of putting a Mazda KL 2.5l v6 in the back as this is about the same weight as a Zetec.
A coupel of years passed and I have a new classic project but was very close to getting a Replicar which again would have had the KL v6 in the front as there is plenty of info out there for converting these for an MX5.
Getting back on topic - if I were to go for a track day tool then my wish list would be something like -
Body - Phoenix or possibly Fury Spyder (no screen) body to help with the aerodynamics
Chassis - Sylva chassis with inboard shocks and a decent set of stoppers.
Engine wise - ideally a Honda S2000 but this may be diffficult to fit, second on the list would be an AJP8 TVR engine (got to love the noise and it is tiny comparitively), but would settle for a decent duratec, poverty spec would be a 1.8 MX5/4AGE.
For the OP, the Sylva/Raw Striker would be my choice if you are after a seven type car, a significantly better chassis then almost any other car (look at the race wins this chassis has (same as fury and phoenix pretty much) !) with an R1 engine and everything else kept as light as possible.
This would take some beating but personally I'd go for a 4AGE or better still a Zetec SE/Sigma car engine to give that flexibility if I wanted to use it on the road. My 1.7 Puma Zetec SE tips the scales at less than 100kg fully dressed with flywheel and oil, 140kg with gearbox and clutch, this can give a relaible 185hp so bhp/kg is pretty high and in a 500kg car would be more than a hand full.
Happy hunting
Steffan said:
Excellent informative post IMO. Stuart Mills is undoubtedly the man of the moment in kit cars. His output is just breathtaking and the product range demands the attention of every prospective kit car buyer IMO. Outstanding range and very very good cars which are one donor designs which to my mind massively simplifies the build process dramatically. I would urge every prospective kit car buyer to seek him out and look at the products. They speak for themselves.
WTF?! He briefly mentioned two manfucturer and it becomes an "excellent informative post" providing a springboard into yet another one of your MEV eulogies. Someone's overdone the Berroca...Edited by smash on Wednesday 27th August 13:13
smash said:
Steffan said:
Excellent informative post IMO. Stuart Mills is undoubtedly the man of the moment in kit cars. His output is just breathtaking and the product range demands the attention of every prospective kit car buyer IMO. Outstanding range and very very good cars which are one donor designs which to my mind massively simplifies the build process dramatically. I would urge every prospective kit car buyer to seek him out and look at the products. They speak for themselves.
WTF! Someone's overdone the Berroca...
Steffan is a great admirer of Mr Mills - and with good reason. Although I'm not a massive fan of any of his cars at the moment (me not being into exos doesn't help!) I really don't think you can question his commitment to the industry and the quality of his products.
You are right though, I don't seem to recall anybody raving about how great MEVs are on a track - I'm sure they would be great fun and great value, but they don't appear to be quite as focussed as a typical Striker or an MK.
YMMV
If you can't make Donnington (and even if you do) there's a charitytrackday run by PPC mag'at Blyton on the 18thSept where there'll be a few BECs. No charge for passengers (donation to the charity would be nice) and you should have no problem blagging a few rides (I'll be in the orange Fury R1).
BEC's are great on track, especially tight circuits like Blyton/Cadwell. the light weight doesn't just effect acceleration; Cornering and braking benefit as well.
To save Lee typing yet again (I realy should save this somewhere to save the effort every time)...
Don't rule them out on the road either just because some won't accept they're OK; Properly set up they're not a problem. I've been to the Alps in mine for the past 5 years.
Clutch issues? 20000+ miles of hard track and road miles later and I've not had one yet (and none of the mates I tour with have).
No torque? I could point you to videos with the rears lighting up whenever I feel like it. Even running 2up with double luggage/camping kit one year, we still had to wait for the CEC to catch up at the top of the cols.
Noisey? Yes, but like any kit 90% is wind buffeting.
Short gears? Mine will break NSL in first and max's out just shy of 150 (and yes, it will get there).
High reving? Whats not to like?
BEC's are great on track, especially tight circuits like Blyton/Cadwell. the light weight doesn't just effect acceleration; Cornering and braking benefit as well.
To save Lee typing yet again (I realy should save this somewhere to save the effort every time)...
Don't rule them out on the road either just because some won't accept they're OK; Properly set up they're not a problem. I've been to the Alps in mine for the past 5 years.
Clutch issues? 20000+ miles of hard track and road miles later and I've not had one yet (and none of the mates I tour with have).
No torque? I could point you to videos with the rears lighting up whenever I feel like it. Even running 2up with double luggage/camping kit one year, we still had to wait for the CEC to catch up at the top of the cols.
Noisey? Yes, but like any kit 90% is wind buffeting.
Short gears? Mine will break NSL in first and max's out just shy of 150 (and yes, it will get there).
High reving? Whats not to like?
Interesting variety of posts which is helping the OP get a fair degree of opinions. Good. I am aware that I am on my own with being unhappy with BEC cars on the road. On the track I am very happy with them because they are the nearest thing to a motorcycle on four wheels and quite brilliant on the track.
I included my bit on the Dutton, which many think I am mad to own, which I still have and enjoy thoroughly after 30 years and I would suggest that my reasoning of loving the top gear pull like a train from 20 mph (15 if you push it!) probably betrays my thoughts on cars.
Lazy flexible top gear performance redolent of the old V8 monsters that used to be around is my idea of fun. A good BEC would leave them dead. But for a relaxed ride OTR? Not for me. But the OP wants a track car. Now there I can see the advantages of the BEC designs. Best of luck with your choice OP! Hope to see you at Donington.
I included my bit on the Dutton, which many think I am mad to own, which I still have and enjoy thoroughly after 30 years and I would suggest that my reasoning of loving the top gear pull like a train from 20 mph (15 if you push it!) probably betrays my thoughts on cars.
Lazy flexible top gear performance redolent of the old V8 monsters that used to be around is my idea of fun. A good BEC would leave them dead. But for a relaxed ride OTR? Not for me. But the OP wants a track car. Now there I can see the advantages of the BEC designs. Best of luck with your choice OP! Hope to see you at Donington.
AdiT said:
To save Lee typing yet again (I realy should save this somewhere to save the effort every time)...
Don't rule them out on the road either just because some won't accept they're OK; Properly set up they're not a problem. I've been to the Alps in mine for the past 5 years.
Clutch issues? 20000+ miles of hard track and road miles later and I've not had one yet (and none of the mates I tour with have).
No torque? I could point you to videos with the rears lighting up whenever I feel like it. Even running 2up with double luggage/camping kit one year, we still had to wait for the CEC to catch up at the top of the cols.
Noisey? Yes, but like any kit 90% is wind buffeting.
Short gears? Mine will break NSL in first and max's out just shy of 150 (and yes, it will get there).
High reving? Whats not to like?
I can agree with all that (R1-engined Fury). 22K miles now, first 7K used solely for sprints and hillclimb, the rest on road and still on original clutch plates (with YEC competition spring).Don't rule them out on the road either just because some won't accept they're OK; Properly set up they're not a problem. I've been to the Alps in mine for the past 5 years.
Clutch issues? 20000+ miles of hard track and road miles later and I've not had one yet (and none of the mates I tour with have).
No torque? I could point you to videos with the rears lighting up whenever I feel like it. Even running 2up with double luggage/camping kit one year, we still had to wait for the CEC to catch up at the top of the cols.
Noisey? Yes, but like any kit 90% is wind buffeting.
Short gears? Mine will break NSL in first and max's out just shy of 150 (and yes, it will get there).
High reving? Whats not to like?
No torque? Rubbish, it will easily cruise up Wraxhall hill a local 1/2 mile hill reaching 15% at 24-28mph in top (6th) behind the lorries. 1in tens two up over similar speed range also. BEC tractability is entirely about getting the fuel mapping sorted (e.g powercommander and an hour or two on an informed dyno. Always worth it.) - after which the short gearing and available power:weight overdominates this concern.
Noisy?short gears/High revving? Hell yes, wuouldn't have it any other way. It's not like running some wheezing Golf up to 12K taking an age - a BEC's flywheel is about the size of a 4" ashtray and has the inertia of a spinning penny; blip the throttle on a downchange and revs jump 3-5K in a splitsecond. There's zero penalty for running fast and light at all times, it will teach you how to drive all over again in a good way
R1 5PW with 3.38 Quaiffe ATB diff: 60 in first, 80 second, 100mph 3rd and closer increments in gears to about 130 in 6th. Done two-up and braked to zero long before you've read this post
Long story short: BECs are about intensity - think of it as spending 20mins at a time in a spin dryer when you are really trying to crack-on, or a quad -shot espresso where some want a cappucino. BECs are rewarding and knackering in equal measure, but you really can also trickle around country lanes at 40-50 on a day out to the seaside if you want.
Edited by Huff on Wednesday 27th August 22:15
Huff said:
AdiT said:
Good stuff about BEC
More good stuff about BECFor me it was not a question of wanting a bike engine, I wanted the sequential box which is great fun.
Huff said:
Long story short: BECs are about intensity - think of it as spending 20mins at a time in a spin dryer when you are really trying to crack-on, or a quad -shot espresso where some want a cappucino. BECs are rewarding and knackering in equal measure, but you really can also trickle around country lanes at 40-50 on a day out to the seaside if you want.
I took a mate who owned a Cerbera round Abingdon in my Fury9R, and he was a molten mess at the end of five laps. He said to his mate - "that thing is either accellerating or braking -its mental"......Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff