Lambo Miura Kits

[chris_n]

I know they must exist because I've seen pictures, but does anyone know who makes (or has made) a Miura replica, and if so what they are based on?

Lamberti show a pic of one in their ad in Kit Car mag but their web site has no details.

Just thinking about potential future projects!

Chris

[grahambell]

Prova did one (as well as their Countach copy) a few years back, which used a Renault V6. Only one I know of at moment is the Lamberti you mentioned, but don't have any details I'm afraid.

[goin2fast52]

please post that pic! a miura replica would be awesome.

[Ex-Biker]

I think you might find one for sale in Kit Car.

Finished of course, but pic looks v. nice & the seller must be able to offer some info.

[v8thunder]

There's one at the moment for sale in Kit Kar magazine for £10k with a Renault engine.

I'd love one. I'd fit an Alfa Romeo V6 for that Italian Basso Profundo sound that you just don't get with anything else.

Lamberti have moved their premises to Italy, so I've no idea whether they've set up properly yet, but there are plenty of Prova ZLs around.

Only slight problem is that they never got the interior right, although I'm sure that could be put right with a bit of luck.

[Dutchie]

Kick!

Hi guys, I'm not really into kitcars (shoot me ), but I'm planning on selling my trackday car, and the thought of replacing it with a Parallel Designs Miura is growing ever stronger by the minute. Just love cars that combine old looks with modern technique. I'd be using the car mainly on the Nurburgring and at other track days and maybe an occasional driftday; I'd never dream of using an original Miura (or any other Lamborghini for that matter) in such a way.

Anyway, I still have two questions that someone here might be able to answer:
1) How far along is the kit now? I've been checking to PD site regularly for a couple of months now, but there doesn't seem to be much going on there.
http://paralleldesigns.co.uk/miurabod
2) Would a kitcar be strong enough to cope with the regular abuse of trashing it around the Ring and other tracks?
It would definately be fitted with a welded rollcage, but I still have my doubts about the strength of the design. Fair point or prejudice against kitcars?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[grahambell]

Dutchie said:

2) Would a kitcar be strong enough to cope with the regular abuse of trashing it around the Ring and other tracks?
It would definately be fitted with a welded rollcage, but I still have my doubts about the strength of the design. Fair point or prejudice against kitcars?

Prejudice against kit cars. Here in the UK lots of kit cars get well used on track days and plenty more get used in special race series.

Couldn't tell you how far on Parallel Designs are with their Miura replica though. When I first saw it at a show a couple of years back it had an inline engine which put the driveshafts through a stupid angle. Pretty sure they've seen sense and stuck a transverse engine in now. Would imagine they'll be showing it at Stoneleigh in May.

[busa_rush]

Mmmmmmm Miura.... the most beautiful car ever made

[ricola]

grahambell said:

When I first saw it at a show a couple of years back it had an inline engine which put the driveshafts through a stupid angle. Pretty sure they've seen sense and stuck a transverse engine in now.

I guess you saw it with the BMW V12 Graham? They have switched to an inline Audi V6 twin turbo now, driveshaft angles look fine from the pics on their site..

Rich

[grahambell]

ricola said:

I guess you saw it with the BMW V12 Graham? They have switched to an inline Audi V6 twin turbo now, driveshaft angles look fine from the pics on their site..

Rich

Hi Rich,

Yes, did have a V12, which was clearly too long for the chassis. Audi V6 no doubt fits better, but considering Miura had a transverse engine the Alfa V6 that's been mentioned earlier would be more natural - and more suitable - choice.

[Dutchie]

grahambell said:

Prejudice against kit cars. Here in the UK lots of kit cars get well used on track days and plenty more get used in special race series.

Now, that was the answer I was hoping for.

As far as I know you get a choice between an Alfa V6 and an Audi V6.
I drive a 147GTA as daily driver and the V6 is a glorious engine, but I've never seen one putting out more than 400bhp (Autodelta). The Audi V6 has been tuned to extreme figures (I've seen 880bhp in an RS4 on a conservative dyno), so I think 400/500/600bhp would be a good output to go for without the need for a rebuild every couple of months.
And I rather like the Audi engine because of the Audi/Lamborghini ties nowadays.

It is mounted longitudinally yes, which is a bit of a shame given the original Miura's transverse V12, but a modern day V12 simply wouldn't fit in such a small car anymore.
Why the V6 isn't mounted transversely I don't know.

Does anyone have a link to the Stoneleigh Kitcar show?
I found the address and that it is on 6 and 7 May this year, but an official site would be nice.

Edited by Dutchie on Sunday 28th January 15:06

Edited by Dutchie on Sunday 28th January 15:10

[gpdude]

Dutchie said:

2) Would a kitcar be strong enough to cope with the regular abuse of trashing it around the Ring and other tracks?
It would definately be fitted with a welded rollcage, but I still have my doubts about the strength of the design. Fair point or prejudice against kitcars?

Thanks in advance for any help!

I have a feeling you have no real knowledge of what the kitcar industry can produce these days. A perception that mass manufacturers like to keep up. But in fact, there's some real gems available if you do your homework. I've worked on real Lamborghini or Ferraris, worked on Morgans etc. and there are manufacturers in this industry that produce cars which a far better develloped than some of the models those 'respected' companies turn out! In fact, except for the engine bit, a manufacturer like Ultima or Chesil or GTM or so would do a much better Miura than Lamborgini- if they put their effort to it. But stop thinking kitcars are the cheap alternative and start from there.

No pun inteded off course, just some information.

Cheers,
Bart

[Dutchie]

gpdude said:

I have a feeling you have no real knowledge of what the kitcar industry can produce these days.

Hi Bart,

I'm inclined to agree actually.
For instance the Ultima GTR's (don't like the looks, do like everything else) are very capable trackday cars. I've read somewhere (think it was on the Ultima site) that when McLaren was developing the F1 they bought a couple of Ultima's to use as a test case for their engine and suspension development.

But, although I agree that the technological development of a 'kitcar' can be more advanced then that of brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini or even Porsche, I am (or: was) never quite so sure about the build quality. It's easy to build a really really fast car that falls to pieces once you really try and use all that performance.
A car that is fast and that is engineered to withstand years of abuse, that is something else (for instance: Porsches claim that 1km of Nurburgring use equals 1km of road use for a GT3, because it was made with that sort of use in mind; maybe a bit of marketing frase, but they are indeed put together very well).

So that was basically my concern, but very good to hear reassuring messages from everyone here.

[peterpsg]

Often Kit cars are much lighter than their doner's where such parts are required, and thus would tend to put less stress on the parts in any circumstance, track or road.

However, any car part, will suffer more on the track, consider that F1 engines are 'designed' for motorsport, yet, they require frequent rebuilds...

My 'kit' car has embarassed many a car worth several time's it's value and the servicing costs are often a lot less, as you can do more of it yourself!!!

[Theo_nr1]

Old discussion but ok why not give a reaction. I got a Prova ZL Miura that I might sell also as I have no time the coming years but it is stored nicely so no need to sell. An Audi V6 is easy option. A lexus V8 could be nicer but possible bit long and what transaxle to use?

Here are a few pictures, hope this works..






Cheers, Theo

[turbonutter]

Looking at the photo of the Audi V6 in the chassis, Is it using the standard Audi box with the drive to the rear disconnected. If so is this an easy thing to do? Also what capacity is the engine and from which audi is it taken.
I ask as I am also looking for an engine for a mid engine car project.

Thanks

[Davi]

turbonutter said:

Looking at the photo of the Audi V6 in the chassis, Is it using the standard Audi box with the drive to the rear disconnected. If so is this an easy thing to do? Also what capacity is the engine and from which audi is it taken.
I ask as I am also looking for an engine for a mid engine car project.

Thanks

Just mate it up to one of the 2WD Audi boxes - still good strong boxes without the faffing about. The v6 is fitted in a variety of different models, and the capacity and power varies depending on which you go for. The RS4 is the most powerful in standard guise - twin turbo'ed - but you'll be very lucky to get hold of one and be prepared with a stiff drink when you get the bill...

[Snapper7]

Seems strange that you didn't get the Chassis powder coated.

[turbonutter]

Davi said:

turbonutter said:

Looking at the photo of the Audi V6 in the chassis, Is it using the standard Audi box with the drive to the rear disconnected. If so is this an easy thing to do? Also what capacity is the engine and from which audi is it taken.
I ask as I am also looking for an engine for a mid engine car project.

Thanks

Just mate it up to one of the 2WD Audi boxes - still good strong boxes without the faffing about. The v6 is fitted in a variety of different models, and the capacity and power varies depending on which you go for. The RS4 is the most powerful in standard guise - twin turbo'ed - but you'll be very lucky to get hold of one and be prepared with a stiff drink when you get the bill...

Thanks that sound like an easier way to go.

[jeffw]

Getting an engine from a S4 (B5 1998-2001) will be cheaper than getting a RS4 engine. The S4 is capable of 330BHP with standard turbos and a remap up to 420BHP with new injectors, fuel pump & RS4 turbos and then on to 500 if you change the induction and exhaust side for custom parts. The advantage with the 2.7 V6 30V Audi engine will be that it runs 2 intercoolers as standard which will work better for a mid-engined car than a single front mounted intercooler. Don't know what the transmission will do without the rear diff and there isn't any other FWD gearbox/front diff in the Audi range that would cope with the power and fit. The engine has been used in various kit cars including the Farbound and the German Elise thing.

I've run a S4 with 420BHP for 5 years and now have a 528BHP RS4.