Kits for the larger framed gentleman

[SillyALFALove]

After a weekend spent immersed in kit car reasearch and bouncing from one idea to another I am asking for a few pointers.
Im overwhelmed by how behind the kit game is in some ways and manufacturers websites and mag website look like I should be browsing them on IE4!

Having not built a kit before but not being a mechanical idiot either im looking for something relatively straight forward.
In terms of styles, Im open, somthing seven based such as a Zero looks promising but Im also taken by most all of the MEV range including the Sonic7.

One of my main concerns is that at 6ft6 and 100kgs Im by no means a man mountain but no midget either.
If im to enjoy the kit I need to be able to fit in it after the build at least!

I put it to the floor....

A kit suitable for a longer body
preferably with a modern ish donor vehicle (I dont fancy a BEC)
Seven or Coupe are options.
Relatively straightforward build with a good instruction guide and / or good web backup (forum etc)
In terms of budget, its flexible but I really cant strech to a Lister Bell Stratos replica which would be the ideal.. Equally Im not on a Caterham budget. It probably has to be on the road, tested etc for less than £10k.
The kit must be a realistic option to get through the SVA / IVA, so something that has been through before and has info available would be great.

It seems my time has come for a "what car" thread

Thanks!

[rhinochopig]

For that money, I'd consider a re-build of an existing kit. You'll get more bang for your buck. From personal experience a westy with a raised and lengthened steering column - an easy job - will comfortably accommodate someone 6'5" with long legs approx 16 stone.

ETA Leg is 35" trouser.

Edited by rhinochopig on Tuesday 14th December 12:08

[jason61c]

you could build a m3 engined GKD legend 6 for less than that OTR

[D7PNY]

I am 6' 4" and weigh about 90kg.

I have a Westfield Sei Widebody. The seat needed moving back to give me the legroom I needed but plenty space for that. It is 'snug' width wise but I do have racing seats in it so could easily give a bit more space without seats that wrap around the side.

Cheers,

Dave

[Steve_D]

When we talk about fitting in a car we aught to be talking inside leg measurements as a tall person could be long in the leg or long bodied.

Steve

[SillyALFALove]

Steve_D said:

When we talk about fitting in a car we aught to be talking inside leg measurements as a tall person could be long in the leg or long bodied.

Steve

Long legged.. I did think to include this but the hands failed to translate my thoughts.

I like the suggestion of redoing a kit but it just does not have that sense of acomplishment that a kit build would give.

Ideally Id use a Italian powerplant but suspect thats just being too dmaned awkward and adding more complexity which serves no real pupose other than to slake my desire.

[Wanchaiwarrior]

NTDWM, but you could have a look at the Viento, a slightly bigger '7' esque:



website here:

http://www.luegosportscars.com/cars.htm

[jason61c]

Do you want to build from a modern single donor or from a mixture of cars?

[B33FY]

I'm 6'3 and 115 kilos, first time builder and currently building a subaru engined version of the V-storm a bit over your budget (and mine!)but a quality product spoken of highly in other pistonheads threads and great support from Simon, the company MD. Scoobystorm.tumblr.com is my build blog site, if you visit leave a message with some feedback and I'll post it.

All the best with whatever you choose, you'll love it.

[stig mills]

I am curious as to what 1E4 is and what is meant. I am a car designer and not a web expert and would be delighted to hear any constructive comments as to how we can improve our site. I am a firm believer that it is best to understand the task b4 instructing the expert. All kit car firms have sites, they all get the message across one way or another, some look more pro than others and give a better more pro message out. So what would you guys like to see to improve our website?
Car wise come over and I will show you the range or see us at a show, regards Stiggy

[Frankthered]

It's IE4, Internet Explorer release 4. The latest version is 8. So I think the OP is implying that kit car websites are not the slickest. Not really surprising as I imagine most manufacturers (and maybe the magazines too??) won't really have the resources or expertise to produce state of the art sites.

Some sites can be frustrating when they don't have basic information on them (kit contents and costs for example) but generally, I'm quite pleased when there's a website at all!!

[SillyALFALove]

Thanks for posting up Stuart.
I have to say I do keep veering towards the MEV range (specifically Sonic 7 space allowing) it seems you are doing things very much right and consitently get good reviews. The appeal in being able to pick a Focus up easily as a donor is a appeal as well as I dont fancy trailing round for a Siera whic in 5 yrs will be even harder for spares.
It seems you guys are certainly flavour of the moment.

Dont take it too personally on the web comments, yours is fine in most ways, though not the pretiest its perfectly functional and tells me what I want to know. One which does stand out as very nice is the GBS site though having read so many poor reviews of the forerunner to the Zero it does put me on the back foot. In many ways Id prefer a good car than a good website ;-)
Having said that my companies website is nothing amazing!

I will be in contact at some point Stuart to get over there, I would like to get to a show to see more but it seems most are in autum (Im assuming so people can plan winter builds) what is the next one coming up?
Ive not been to Autosport show for a few years and willl get to that to see a few other things as well this year.

Pete

[slomax]

Main one is in Stoneliegh on may bank holiday weekend. I think that is the next big one, although i am not 100% sure. I'm fairly sure it is the biggest in the UK and over 4000 kit cars descend on the showground each year. Most Kit manufacturers have stands there, as do most clubs too so you can speak to the builders and pick up handy build tips and ideas.

[chrisxr2]

Haynes roadster is suitable, i am 6ft 3, 93 kilos and 33 inside leg and pedals are maybe an inch further away than perfect but fine for driving spiritedly comfortably. check out the haynes forum or ask on locostbuilders for better advice or more info.

[mirach]

hi.
i know that the quantum extreme is having a makeover with adjustable pedals and steering to allow "larger frames" to fit, i'm sure the new re-vamped car is going to be at the autosport/pistonheads show at the nec in jan.

[nashman]

Stoneleigh is the biggest kitcar show in the world. Aledgedly. My mate is 6'3" and 115kg+ (sorry mate) and he has real trouble in most kits but the MEV Sonic 7 was a great fit for him.

Very popular manufacturer right now. Not sure the budget fits?

.................Neil

[GreigM]

I'd put a widebody westfield in your sights - simply remove the seat and fit a couple of pads/cushions directly to the floor/bulkhead and you'll be surprised how comfortable it can be....

[SillyALFALove]

GreigM said:

I'd put a widebody westfield in your sights - simply remove the seat and fit a couple of pads/cushions directly to the floor/bulkhead and you'll be surprised how comfortable it can be....

What nomenclature denotes the widebody Westfields?

[GreigM]

SillyALFALove said:

GreigM said:

I'd put a widebody westfield in your sights - simply remove the seat and fit a couple of pads/cushions directly to the floor/bulkhead and you'll be surprised how comfortable it can be....

What nomenclature denotes the widebody Westfields?

SEiW - but pretty much all modern westies are widebody (including the "Mega" bike engined range) - not even sure if you can buy a narrow kit.