Performance figures

[ground-rush]

Hi Guys (general euphemism for both boys & girls)

I'm interested in a lotus 7 styled car.

I've read some forums on the various plus and minus of different models.
Would like a bike engine if possible but I don't think the budget would stretch.

If I bought a 2.0 pinto tiger cat E1 what sort of performance would I get? (There are quite a few comments about them being quite heavy.

Or would it be better to go for another model. £4-6k budget. Fun car and the occasional commute on country lanes. I'm 6ft 1 and not skinny.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Norbury90]

Having regularly been a passenger in a quite highly tuned 2.0 litre pinto tiger cat (150bhp), i can safely say that they arent particularly slow. 0-60 time i think is around 5-6 seconds depending on spec.... may be slower for a bone stock motor.

However, when in the tiger, you can really feel the speed due to its very basic nature, you notice the acceleration a lot more, and so the pace always feels pretty fast IMO.

Im 6 foot 1 also, and the height aspect isnt a problem for me, the pedal box can be moved quite far back i think, making it easier for taller people. The car might be a little bit tight for some, its a case of making sure you have nothing large in your pockets! I think the best way of knowing is just to try one and see.

I think that the tiger is a pretty good way into Lotus 7's, but i would think that, cos my mate has one!

Edited by Norbury90 on Thursday 1st March 19:25

[Paul Drawmer]

I'm guessing, but a 'heavy' Tiger cat will weigh about 600Kg. With 150 BHP, it will have the same power to weight ratio as......

An 1800Kg car with 450BHP.

Late model V8 BMW 5 series are about 1800Kg kerb weight. The M5 V8 Old model has 400BHP.

So; how fast do you want it?
What's the weight and power of what you drive now?

[Norbury90]

How about this - www.pistonheads.com/sales/115789.htm

A little bit over budget but bike engined. Not sure about the width on these however, as i have never seen one.

[Sam_68]

Paul Drawmer said:

I'm guessing, but a 'heavy' Tiger cat will weigh about 600Kg. With 150 BHP, it will have the same power to weight ratio as......

An 1800Kg car with 450BHP.

Late model V8 BMW 5 series are about 1800Kg kerb weight. The M5 V8 Old model has 400BHP.

So; how fast do you want it?
What's the weight and power of what you drive now?

Remember power:weight ratio is only part of the story, though, when it comes to performance!

At risk of gross over-simplifcation, acceleration at hgher speeds depends on how much power is left over after overcoming the aerodynamic drag.

A 150bhp Tiger will probably be flat out at around 120mph... ie. all the power will have been absorbed by aero drag and there will be nothing left for acceleration.

A 400 bhp M5 (admittedly much bigger, but with much better Cd) might be absorbing round about the same 150bhp in drag, but still have 250bhp left over for acceleration...

In answer to your question, it will very much depend on engine spec and tyres, but I'd guess at around 6 seconds 0-60, but much above 90mph the lousy aerodynamics will start to take their toll and the acceleration will flatten off dramatically.

[DamienCBR]

I bought a Tiger Cat E1 last October to replace the motorbike after a bad accident. Mine is a 2.0L Pinot running twin 45's and dyno tested at 130bhp.

All i can say is buy one. Absolutely great fun! I did allot research on here and wwww.locostbuilders.co.uk and www.tigerownersclub.co.uk/forum.ht

There are allot of variation to kit engine and body size. Make sure you look around there is allot of crap out there. Like i say i have been very pleased with mine. I found that bike engines were prefered on the track car on the road. The Tiger is based on a sierra doner so parts are readily available and cheap.

Best of luck and ask any questions.
D

[ground-rush]

Thanks guys for your help.

What should I be looking out for when buying, common pitfalls and problems for Tigers?

Thanks

Ben

[DamienCBR]

ground-rush said:

Thanks guys for your help.

What should I be looking out for when buying, common pitfalls and problems for Tigers?

Thanks

Ben

I know it sounds obvious but look at how well it has been built, you will be able to tell a good one more of less straight away. I look a quite a few some are really bad. Wiring is always something to look for, see if they have taken the time with it, look at the riviting, clips, brackets etc. Small things that might not make that much difference but have been put on because they builder has taken the time about it.

Try and find one with paperwork ie: Reciepts from Tiger etc. Allot of builders will keep this type of paperwork, you might even find one with photos. With the budget you are looking at then it will be a Pinto engine. Dont do for the 1.8 not worth it, 2.0L with twin 45's it was the majorty will tend to be.

Tiger is know for not having the best body work but this can be easily sorted with fibre glass and paint. Tyre to get one with all the dials personal preference but i think they look better. Depending on how tall you are then sliding driver seat.

Best of luck, i you come to Kent at anytime you are more than welcome to have a look at mine.

Damien

[gefopsman]

As has been said, do search on locostbuilders.co.uk. I have a seven which had a tuned Pinto.

It was quick but not quick enough for me. I am now upgrading to a Zetec with TBs. Ther are many good variants about so don't limit yourself to one make. Bike engines are great for trackdays but many find them hard work for road use.

While prices are good you may get one with a Zetec or XE in for similar money to a Pinto. A more recent engine will give power and efficiency gains and will be lighter than a pinto.

Don't be put of by the Pinto though. Not the fastest engine but still quick in a car that weights nothing.

[DamienCBR]

gefopsman said:

While prices are good you may get one with a Zetec or XE in for similar money to a Pinto. A more recent engine will give power and efficiency gains and will be lighter than a pinto.

Don't be put of by the Pinto though. Not the fastest engine but still quick in a car that weights nothing.

Agreed!

My ideal was to have a 2.0L Zetec but the prices were out of my league when looking last October. It is a lighter and you would be able to get more power out of it but the Pinto is still a good choice, yes a bit heavier but when the car only weighs around 650KG then it is not the end of the world. If you can get one for you budget then try. I did see on in particular but it was a bit of a dog, remember look at the whole package. When working to a budget it is difficult to tick all of the boxes but make sure you can tick the important ones to you!

D