Thoughts on MK Indy R?

[Ferrino]

Former bike-engined Caterham 7 owner here, contemplating getting back into the fold. Although, for various reasons, I am considering the MK Indy R. I was wondering if anyone with a Caterham (specifically the non-SV "imperial/Arch" chassis) has driven the MK Indy R and can give some feedback on the differences in handling? For the uninitiated, the MK Indy R has a pushrod inboard front suspension and an independent rear suspension. It's also available with an integral rollcage and sports donor-based uprights/hubs, typically from Ford/Mazda sources. I am specifically looking at a 1-litre bike-engine build. While build-quality and aesthetics are indeed important to me, in this instance I am merely interested in comparing the driving experience and handling of the 2 chassis. I appreciate it's hard to give an apples-to-apples comparison with the chassis as the only variable. For the record, a fully-caged MK Indy R with a 1-litre bike engine and independent rear is supposed to weigh in the region of 450kg. Thanks!

[mnrvortxf20c]

ive had 2x mnr vortx. very good and i would say better engineered than the mk. both of them are huge compared to an s3 which i have now,and are no way 450kgs with cage.not a chance. if you want any info feel free to ask as have way more experience with these cars than i do with my caterham.
both mk and mnr seem decent chassis as is the raw striker/fulcrum. mnrs after sale help is also superb.and having dealt with danny keenan fron mk, he is a good guy too!

[Ferrino]

Thanks. Is the MK as big as the MNR and therefore "huge" compared to an S3 chassis? I'd love to see a picture of them side-by-side. I really don't want to lose the diminutive nature of the S3 style chassis - I think the size and proportions are perfect.

[mnrvortxf20c]

mk probably bigger and geo is totally different.have a look on locostbuilders. loads of info in mk section about the indy.
if not registered ust sign up and post. very very helpful guys.very good forum! im sure tehre is a pic on there of a 7 next to various cars.ill try and find it for you.
both cars can accomodate 2x 6'6" guys.

[Noger]

Oh my god !

[Ivaan7]

Ferrino,
Really pleased to hear you're getting the bug again. I'm sure you'll build another great car.

We're just off to Spain in the R1 next weekend. Still an awesome car.

[Ferrino]

Thanks - yes I used to frequent Locostbuilders ages ago and still have a login. It's hard to find images comparing the MK Indy R with the S3 Caterham chassis though.

Noger - how's it going? Tell me you've finished your Gixxerham?!?

Ivaan - glad you're still enjoying the car - Spain trip sounds fantastic - the car would be very much at home in the mountains of Southern California too, hence my motivation to return to the fold!

[Noger]

A BEC in SoCal sounds like a lot of fun

Mine is nearly done, no really !