First self-build kit car, mk Indy?
Discussion
This is my first post in the kit car section, so apologise for any faux pars or repeats.
I am look to get a kit car for mainly track use, possible weekend blasts. I currently own a tvr sagaris, but for various reasons I don't use it enough or want to take it on the track, it's now worth to much money now tbh.
I've been in a catheram and thought it was great, which got me thinking about kit car similar to this which I could properly enjoy and use. Catheram seem pretty expensive to me, especially the faster models.
My dad is interested in this also as he's always fancied building up a lotus '7', we're both what could be described as good amateur mechanics, swapped few engines, fixed most problems, happy to get our hand dirty. Not only to we like the idea of building the car, I'm not sure how confident I would be at picking a good second hand one!
I've done a bit of google research and I couldn't believe how many makes and models are out there!
I've been drawn to the MK INDY as it ticks a lot of the boxes, but would appreciate any advise.
What sort of build costs are we looking at?
Engine choices?
Adv/disadvantage of bike engine?
Insurance/tax costs? (If road used at all - may just tow to track)
Mk Indy r1/rr1?
Do the companies offer engine plants/kits rather than sourcing own?
Other marques worth considering? Who offers most complete kits etc.
I think I will be most focused on handling rather than all out power, but obvious I want it to be fast(ish)
I think we would not want to spend more than £7-8k, is this realistic?
Thanks in advance!
I am look to get a kit car for mainly track use, possible weekend blasts. I currently own a tvr sagaris, but for various reasons I don't use it enough or want to take it on the track, it's now worth to much money now tbh.
I've been in a catheram and thought it was great, which got me thinking about kit car similar to this which I could properly enjoy and use. Catheram seem pretty expensive to me, especially the faster models.
My dad is interested in this also as he's always fancied building up a lotus '7', we're both what could be described as good amateur mechanics, swapped few engines, fixed most problems, happy to get our hand dirty. Not only to we like the idea of building the car, I'm not sure how confident I would be at picking a good second hand one!
I've done a bit of google research and I couldn't believe how many makes and models are out there!
I've been drawn to the MK INDY as it ticks a lot of the boxes, but would appreciate any advise.
What sort of build costs are we looking at?
Engine choices?
Adv/disadvantage of bike engine?
Insurance/tax costs? (If road used at all - may just tow to track)
Mk Indy r1/rr1?
Do the companies offer engine plants/kits rather than sourcing own?
Other marques worth considering? Who offers most complete kits etc.
I think I will be most focused on handling rather than all out power, but obvious I want it to be fast(ish)
I think we would not want to spend more than £7-8k, is this realistic?
Thanks in advance!
Budget wise £7-8k is probably on the lower end of a seven built these days particularly when you take into account the £500 IVA fee plus costs of hiring a van to pick it up, fluids etc. But possible if you are careful.
MK Indy is a good choice and has a good number of builds out there so plenty of help. As a Jeremy Philips devoteee I also look at the Raw Striker. I also like the look and idea behind the Roadrunner SR2 (MX5 based) but these may stretch the budget. If it it to be used on track and you don't mind wearing a helmet on the road you can simplify the build and reduce costs by going for an aeroscreen (no heater or wipers).
As for engine, you will need to test drive a bike engine as it is a very different experience to a car, paerticularly if you are coming from a TVR. Most manufacturers will help source an engine (raw do a really good Toyota twin cam kit (20v kit is stunning in the striker)) and if not at least give you a list of bits and suppliers. Personally I prefer revvy, all alloy NA car engines like the toyota twin cam, ford sigma or possible the mx5 but best to have a test drive and see.
Typically my insurance ona Zetec Fury was around the £150-200 for a 40 something with 3k limited mileage. if you are lookign to track it then check this is in the policy.
My main comment would be to spend the time and visit the factory before you buy, you will then find out what sort of people they are as you will be calling them regularly for help/info/parts and you need to make sure you will get the service you need. £50 of petrol now can save you £1000s or lots of extra hours later.
Hoep this helps.
MK Indy is a good choice and has a good number of builds out there so plenty of help. As a Jeremy Philips devoteee I also look at the Raw Striker. I also like the look and idea behind the Roadrunner SR2 (MX5 based) but these may stretch the budget. If it it to be used on track and you don't mind wearing a helmet on the road you can simplify the build and reduce costs by going for an aeroscreen (no heater or wipers).
As for engine, you will need to test drive a bike engine as it is a very different experience to a car, paerticularly if you are coming from a TVR. Most manufacturers will help source an engine (raw do a really good Toyota twin cam kit (20v kit is stunning in the striker)) and if not at least give you a list of bits and suppliers. Personally I prefer revvy, all alloy NA car engines like the toyota twin cam, ford sigma or possible the mx5 but best to have a test drive and see.
Typically my insurance ona Zetec Fury was around the £150-200 for a 40 something with 3k limited mileage. if you are lookign to track it then check this is in the policy.
My main comment would be to spend the time and visit the factory before you buy, you will then find out what sort of people they are as you will be calling them regularly for help/info/parts and you need to make sure you will get the service you need. £50 of petrol now can save you £1000s or lots of extra hours later.
Hoep this helps.
Worth having a look around locostbuilders.co.uk for some ideas
this thread for example:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=179398
this thread for example:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=179398
TBH, I probably wouldnt build another kit, primarily because of the total ball ache that is IVA.
At that sort of budget, I think you would get better value buying an existing car and ripping it down and building it back to the spec you want. That way you still get the build up experience but without the aggro and expense of IVA.
At that sort of budget, I think you would get better value buying an existing car and ripping it down and building it back to the spec you want. That way you still get the build up experience but without the aggro and expense of IVA.
Turn7 said:
TBH, I probably wouldnt build another kit, primarily because of the total ball ache that is IVA.
At that sort of budget, I think you would get better value buying an existing car and ripping it down and building it back to the spec you want. That way you still get the build up experience but without the aggro and expense of IVA.
If you want a 7 I'd say do this as there are so many around. There was a Westfield minus its Zetec on here for £1500 recently. At that sort of budget, I think you would get better value buying an existing car and ripping it down and building it back to the spec you want. That way you still get the build up experience but without the aggro and expense of IVA.
Turn7 said:
TBH, I probably wouldnt build another kit, primarily because of the total ball ache that is IVA.
At that sort of budget, I think you would get better value buying an existing car and ripping it down and building it back to the spec you want. That way you still get the build up experience but without the aggro and expense of IVA.
This.At that sort of budget, I think you would get better value buying an existing car and ripping it down and building it back to the spec you want. That way you still get the build up experience but without the aggro and expense of IVA.
Best of both worlds with the least hassle.
I don't see the IVA as a ball ache just a necessary part of the process
Building your own car is a journey and a development, it individualises the car and gives you full control of the end product.
Having gone through SVA in 2008 and accompanied several club members to IVA since I can say that to pass this test is an accomplishment coupled with emotion on a par with achieving a completion win or high academic qualification.
Stress during relief after followed by elation and when you are asked about the car you will say "I built that"
Build your own car
Building your own car is a journey and a development, it individualises the car and gives you full control of the end product.
Having gone through SVA in 2008 and accompanied several club members to IVA since I can say that to pass this test is an accomplishment coupled with emotion on a par with achieving a completion win or high academic qualification.
Stress during relief after followed by elation and when you are asked about the car you will say "I built that"
Build your own car
Life Saab Itch said:
Turn7 said:
TBH, I probably wouldnt build another kit, primarily because of the total ball ache that is IVA.
At that sort of budget, I think you would get better value buying an existing car and ripping it down and building it back to the spec you want. That way you still get the build up experience but without the aggro and expense of IVA.
This.At that sort of budget, I think you would get better value buying an existing car and ripping it down and building it back to the spec you want. That way you still get the build up experience but without the aggro and expense of IVA.
Best of both worlds with the least hassle.
Be aware that kit build costs tend to escalate and cost way more then originally planned. Way more then what manufacturers will tell you too.
I have just finished building an MK Indy with GSXR engine. Build cost is about £13,300. I had planned on spending £8.5k so was way over budget.
The build process has been loads of fun and really satisfying. IVA isn't that bad if you do a good job of the build, follow the manual, read the locostbuilders forum and pay attention to the little details.
Link to my build diary in the build diary thread should you be interested.
I have just finished building an MK Indy with GSXR engine. Build cost is about £13,300. I had planned on spending £8.5k so was way over budget.
The build process has been loads of fun and really satisfying. IVA isn't that bad if you do a good job of the build, follow the manual, read the locostbuilders forum and pay attention to the little details.
Link to my build diary in the build diary thread should you be interested.
As someone who seriously considered building a car, but then bought on secondhand, for me I think you have to separate 'wanting to have a car' from 'wanting to build a car' and work out what you want.
If you want to spend a year or more building a car, which you can then drive, or do whatever with, go for it.
If you you want car to drive, look for a secondhand one which meets the majority of you needs and budget.
IF you go down the buying route that I did you do have to get used to fielding the 'did you build it' question, but if I'm honest while it would be really nice to say 'yes I did' saying 'no, but ive had most of it bits since' is a lot easier the dedicating every weekend of my life into it for two years. My car was 17yo when I bought it, but was pretty tidy and you really cant tell, since Ive fitted a rollbar and different seats, replaced the rear dampers, rebushed the rear end, fitted an electronic ignition system and short sump, and bought the bits to refurbish the rear axle. But I have also driven the car in between, on track, in the sunshine, to france and the nurburgring, and competed in national autotest competitions. Its also cost me less 5 grand to buy it and maybe 6-8 weekends do the above work, which if nothing else means that should the worse happen and I stuff it into something the emotional and financial loss is manageable.
Daniel
If you want to spend a year or more building a car, which you can then drive, or do whatever with, go for it.
If you you want car to drive, look for a secondhand one which meets the majority of you needs and budget.
IF you go down the buying route that I did you do have to get used to fielding the 'did you build it' question, but if I'm honest while it would be really nice to say 'yes I did' saying 'no, but ive had most of it bits since' is a lot easier the dedicating every weekend of my life into it for two years. My car was 17yo when I bought it, but was pretty tidy and you really cant tell, since Ive fitted a rollbar and different seats, replaced the rear dampers, rebushed the rear end, fitted an electronic ignition system and short sump, and bought the bits to refurbish the rear axle. But I have also driven the car in between, on track, in the sunshine, to france and the nurburgring, and competed in national autotest competitions. Its also cost me less 5 grand to buy it and maybe 6-8 weekends do the above work, which if nothing else means that should the worse happen and I stuff it into something the emotional and financial loss is manageable.
Daniel
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