| Snowphun | 09-05-2002 01:58 PM |
Looking to buy a fun roadster or kit car
Someone suggested that Motorsports was the best forum for getting some good answers to this:
I'm looking to get a second car, something that is streetable, small, pretty quick, open top or convertible, unique and reasonably affordable. I've been looking at old Lotus Elan's, but I see lots of great looking kit car options in Grassroots and online, and that sounds like a lot of fun. Building a car, tweaking out an engine wouldn't be a problem as I have access to some knowledgeable people and tools. I'm thinking at this time that any sort of kit car would need to be a ground up car, not something built off of a Fiero or the like.
So does anyone have any recommendations? I'd probably want to be under $20k for the whole project (be it a kit car or a restore), but would consider more if it's for a good reason.
Thanks,
Paul
I'm looking to get a second car, something that is streetable, small, pretty quick, open top or convertible, unique and reasonably affordable. I've been looking at old Lotus Elan's, but I see lots of great looking kit car options in Grassroots and online, and that sounds like a lot of fun. Building a car, tweaking out an engine wouldn't be a problem as I have access to some knowledgeable people and tools. I'm thinking at this time that any sort of kit car would need to be a ground up car, not something built off of a Fiero or the like.
So does anyone have any recommendations? I'd probably want to be under $20k for the whole project (be it a kit car or a restore), but would consider more if it's for a good reason.
Thanks,
Paul
| TyrannoSullyRex | 09-05-2002 02:24 PM |
Someone posted on this forum (Motorsports) that was building up a Fisher Fury w/ an S2000 motor. I searched and couldn't find it.
| Jaxx | 09-05-2002 04:47 PM |
how about a lotus super 7 replica
there are several manufactures importing rolling chassis in to the us
there are several manufactures importing rolling chassis in to the us
| Jon Bogert | 09-05-2002 04:48 PM |
Check out [url]www.furyous.org[/url]
| johnfelstead | 09-05-2002 05:03 PM |
dont know if thse are legal in the USA but have a look at [url]http://www.xtr2.net/[/url] or [url]http://www.arielmotor.co.uk/[/url] or [url]http://www.westfield-sportscars.co.uk/[/url]
I used to own a very quick westfield, i am currently building an even quicker Ariel Atom and some of my friends are just about to complete the XTR2.
I used to own a very quick westfield, i am currently building an even quicker Ariel Atom and some of my friends are just about to complete the XTR2.
| TyrannoSullyRex | 09-05-2002 05:27 PM |
I wonder if a 13B (two rotor) or a 20B (three rotor) would go well into one of those Fisher Furys (Furies?)??
Jon, did you consider one of those in building yours, instead of the S2K motor (which is still a very cool choice)?
Jon, did you consider one of those in building yours, instead of the S2K motor (which is still a very cool choice)?
| Jon Bogert | 09-05-2002 06:02 PM |
Absolutely. Not easy to find used RX7 drivetrains in good condition, though. And once you start spending money on rebuilds, upgrading the useless gear ratios, etc...
The entire front engine/rear drive kit car world revolves around Ford gearboxes and they're cheap and available with a great selection of gears. So unless you get lucky with a close ratio gearbox like the S2000s, pick your 'box first, then decide on an engine that will bolt to it.
The entire front engine/rear drive kit car world revolves around Ford gearboxes and they're cheap and available with a great selection of gears. So unless you get lucky with a close ratio gearbox like the S2000s, pick your 'box first, then decide on an engine that will bolt to it.
| OnTheGas | 09-05-2002 11:54 PM |
Beck Spyder
I was just reading about such a car today at lunch in the current issue of Motortrend... They did a review of this Beck Spyder... Here's the website...
[url]http://www.chuckbeckmotorsports.com/[/url]
[url]http://www.chuckbeckmotorsports.com/[/url]
| Kari L. Goings | 09-06-2002 01:06 AM |
If you are interested in MG Midgets we have a couple of those 4 sale! They are a 78 Runs went to The all british field meet and took 2 1st places!! It has only about 260 mile on a new motor for the past 7 years. We only take it to shows. We are the 2nd owner. The other one is a 76 with a new motor that never got running.They both come with many, many extra parts!
We are asking $4k for both cars! We are selling them due to my sons racing career in Quarter Midgets! He races in both dirt and tarmac (he likes the dirt better!!) The next WRC driver! (When he gets older!)
Thanks Kari
We are asking $4k for both cars! We are selling them due to my sons racing career in Quarter Midgets! He races in both dirt and tarmac (he likes the dirt better!!) The next WRC driver! (When he gets older!)
Thanks Kari
| Streetman | 09-06-2002 05:14 AM |
[url]http://www.dynamicmotorsports.net/s1.html[/url]
They have a Lotus Super 7 replica. I just whitnessed it at the Auburn auction last weekend. VERY impressive. Among Diablos, and the like, it stood out. Only 1600 pounds, with a 200 HP focus engine stufffed in it, backwards. You choose the powerplant.
I'll see if I can attach some Pictures I took.
Nope, pictures too big. Email me if you want some pics. Again, very impressive.
They have a Lotus Super 7 replica. I just whitnessed it at the Auburn auction last weekend. VERY impressive. Among Diablos, and the like, it stood out. Only 1600 pounds, with a 200 HP focus engine stufffed in it, backwards. You choose the powerplant.
I'll see if I can attach some Pictures I took.
Nope, pictures too big. Email me if you want some pics. Again, very impressive.
| RallyDriver | 09-06-2002 08:03 AM |
if you looking 4 real kit car go to [url]www.rallycarsforsale.net[/url]
R.
R.
| Fred Zaplitny | 09-06-2002 08:38 AM |
Re: Beck Spyder
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by OnTheGas [/i]
[B]I was just reading about such a car today at lunch in the current issue of Motortrend... They did a review of this Beck Spyder... Here's the website...
[url]http://www.chuckbeckmotorsports.com/[/url] [/B][/QUOTE]
I was just checking that car out a while back. Cool little car! I just wonder if you can build it without that VW Beetle sound though.
[B]I was just reading about such a car today at lunch in the current issue of Motortrend... They did a review of this Beck Spyder... Here's the website...
[url]http://www.chuckbeckmotorsports.com/[/url] [/B][/QUOTE]
I was just checking that car out a while back. Cool little car! I just wonder if you can build it without that VW Beetle sound though.
| David S. Wallens | 09-06-2002 09:40 AM |
Hey, we're working on a story about that very topic for our next issue. (In theory, I'll be working on it later today.) Right now, there are some cool kit cars out there that are very suited for motorsports, and we have been checking out a bunch of them. In the past few weeks, we have driven various Factory Fives and Lotus 7-type cars (Birkin, Lo-cost, StalkerV6, Superformance). Any one of these would work for autocross/track use as well as serving as a daily driver.
While all cool, each one is different. If looking for brute V8 power, the Factory Five is cool. The sound emitted by the small-block Ford V8 is awesome. The Lotus 7-like cars are cool, but realize they're more like four-wheel motorcycles. (Makes a Miata feel big and luxurious.) On the other hand, they're incredibly quick nimble, again making the Miata feel big and slow.
David S. Wallens, managing ed
Grassroots Motorsports
[url]www.grassrootsmotorsports.com[/url]
While all cool, each one is different. If looking for brute V8 power, the Factory Five is cool. The sound emitted by the small-block Ford V8 is awesome. The Lotus 7-like cars are cool, but realize they're more like four-wheel motorcycles. (Makes a Miata feel big and luxurious.) On the other hand, they're incredibly quick nimble, again making the Miata feel big and slow.
David S. Wallens, managing ed
Grassroots Motorsports
[url]www.grassrootsmotorsports.com[/url]
| Craig W | 09-06-2002 01:33 PM |
I really like the look of the Ginetta.
[url]http://www.motoamericainc.com/index.htm[/url]
Like an anorexic Miata. Great Power/weight ratio. Classic style.
Will GRM look at the Ginetta in the comparison?
[url]http://www.motoamericainc.com/index.htm[/url]
Like an anorexic Miata. Great Power/weight ratio. Classic style.
Will GRM look at the Ginetta in the comparison?
| bgsntth | 09-06-2002 07:55 PM |
I have been lusting after the US Ginetta G20 for over a year now, and was beginning to worry that it was vapor ware. From the website, it seems that it is close to reality. The Superperformance S1 roadster is my current favorite, though I'm not sure what drivetrain would work in CA. They said the Miata engine or Ford Focus would work. Plus Superformance claims that the S1 can accomodate a 6'4" driver, which is "unique" for a 7-replica. Would have to sit in it before believing it, however. Seems like a really polished and well thought out kit, but would top the $30K mark on the road.
| David S. Wallens | 09-06-2002 07:59 PM |
Unfortunately the Ginetta people were not able to bring a car to our big test day, so we didn't get to drive it. We'll still try to pass along some info to our readers, however. The S1 was there (Miata power), and I liked it.
David S. Wallens, managing ed
Grassroots Motorsports
[url]www.grassrootsmotorsports.com[/url]
David S. Wallens, managing ed
Grassroots Motorsports
[url]www.grassrootsmotorsports.com[/url]
| johnfelstead | 09-06-2002 08:01 PM |
fitting a 6'4" driver is nothing unique for a 7, my westfield would take someone that tall with the seat back against the rear bulkhead.
| Streetman | 09-06-2002 11:11 PM |
Coincidentally, I just got a video in the mail from Superformance about their s1. Appearenty, they want me drive to Cinci and take a test drive. Why didn't they offer me when I was at the auction!!?? Looks like I'm going to make a little road trip.
Anyway, one of the things they show on the video is someone who is 6' 3", and 285#'s. He fit. Then they stuffed a passenger in with him. Looked kinda like a monkey humpin a football, but it worked. The big dude was appearently an s1 owner.
The video is very amature, but explains a lot. I'm sure they'll send you one if you ask. I didn't even ask for mine. By the way, I've got about 6 pictures from the auction if you want them.
Anyway, one of the things they show on the video is someone who is 6' 3", and 285#'s. He fit. Then they stuffed a passenger in with him. Looked kinda like a monkey humpin a football, but it worked. The big dude was appearently an s1 owner.
The video is very amature, but explains a lot. I'm sure they'll send you one if you ask. I didn't even ask for mine. By the way, I've got about 6 pictures from the auction if you want them.
| RallyNavvie | 09-07-2002 12:28 AM |
I'd actually like to invest in a Caterham Superlight R or whichever one is using the Cosworth plant from the Sierras/Escorts/etc. I heard they were pretty darn cheap (less than $20k or even more so if you give yourself time to look for deals). Only issue is getting it licensed for public roads. I'm no stranger to programmable engine management so running whatever engine I can find isn't a big issue, but mating it with a drivetrain is always an issue.
John, what engine did that Westy have? Wasn't that the one ahead of the Roo in that Nurburgring vid I have? I thought perhaps that was a Cossie plant.
~Garrett
John, what engine did that Westy have? Wasn't that the one ahead of the Roo in that Nurburgring vid I have? I thought perhaps that was a Cossie plant.
~Garrett
| johnfelstead | 09-07-2002 06:19 AM |
yep, mine was pretty mental, the fastest westie out there until i put it under a Land Rover Discovery at 60MPH! ouch!!! :eek: It is the car being followed by the R1 superbike at the ring, that was filmed by my friend Joerund who sadly died at Nurburg a few months ago.
Mine had a 330BHP Escort Cosworth Turbo engine, T5 cosworth 2wd box, 7" LSD rear diff and all the alloy suspension components that helped make it handle well.
You can follow it's rebuild at [url]http://www.g2.nu/chris/westie/[/url] i am helping the guy with some advice here and there to make it a better package and make the changes i would have made if i built the car from scratch myself. He wants me to drive it when it's finished to show him the ropes, which is nice.
The only seven type cars using cosworth turbo engines now are the Dax Rush, i am not a big fan of those, they seem very heavy to me but they have made some crazy versions with 500BHP and AWD. I have never seen one on track though so dont know how they handle.
Caterham dont make a cossie engined car, the superlite R and R500 use the K series rover engine, which is incredibly light for a car engine. The R500 engine is very highly stressed, the early ones had big issues with reliability but they are getting better.
For the Atom we wanted to do something really radical, as we plan on racing it in the 24hr nurburgring race next year and going after a class win, so we have built a one off spec K series 1.8 with a supercharger, 8 injectors, water injection blah blah that produces 290BHP. The only thing K series is the head and block casting, it's quite a trick piece of kit. We have mated that to a gemini 6 speed sequencial box (same as used in the WRC F1600 MGZ). It should be quite a stagering piece of kit weighing in at a planned 450Kg, it may be a little heavier with all the 24hr race kit like HID's and long range fuel tank. We hope to have that finished by mid November.
Mine had a 330BHP Escort Cosworth Turbo engine, T5 cosworth 2wd box, 7" LSD rear diff and all the alloy suspension components that helped make it handle well.
You can follow it's rebuild at [url]http://www.g2.nu/chris/westie/[/url] i am helping the guy with some advice here and there to make it a better package and make the changes i would have made if i built the car from scratch myself. He wants me to drive it when it's finished to show him the ropes, which is nice.
The only seven type cars using cosworth turbo engines now are the Dax Rush, i am not a big fan of those, they seem very heavy to me but they have made some crazy versions with 500BHP and AWD. I have never seen one on track though so dont know how they handle.
Caterham dont make a cossie engined car, the superlite R and R500 use the K series rover engine, which is incredibly light for a car engine. The R500 engine is very highly stressed, the early ones had big issues with reliability but they are getting better.
For the Atom we wanted to do something really radical, as we plan on racing it in the 24hr nurburgring race next year and going after a class win, so we have built a one off spec K series 1.8 with a supercharger, 8 injectors, water injection blah blah that produces 290BHP. The only thing K series is the head and block casting, it's quite a trick piece of kit. We have mated that to a gemini 6 speed sequencial box (same as used in the WRC F1600 MGZ). It should be quite a stagering piece of kit weighing in at a planned 450Kg, it may be a little heavier with all the 24hr race kit like HID's and long range fuel tank. We hope to have that finished by mid November.
| Streetman | 09-07-2002 06:45 AM |
john-
I remember something about you meeting with a Land Rover. How'd the Westie come out of that? I am thinking I might go for the Superformance, or the Westie, but not real comfortable driving around soccer moms in SUV's. How were you? How'd you get hit? I figure the LAnd Rover would monster truck that thing.
I remember something about you meeting with a Land Rover. How'd the Westie come out of that? I am thinking I might go for the Superformance, or the Westie, but not real comfortable driving around soccer moms in SUV's. How were you? How'd you get hit? I figure the LAnd Rover would monster truck that thing.
| johnfelstead | 09-07-2002 09:12 AM |
Follow the link i posted above to see what the damage was. The chassis stood up extremely well, although mine was one of the very rare type aproved for european production sale ZEi220 models, which is stronger than any other westie and much stronger than the bike engined cars IMHO.
I took out the land rovers rear suspension, his spring and shocks flew out and i had the whole weight of the thing crushing my front end for at least 200 yards. Only injury i had was whiplash, i was very lucky.
I took out the land rovers rear suspension, his spring and shocks flew out and i had the whole weight of the thing crushing my front end for at least 200 yards. Only injury i had was whiplash, i was very lucky.
| RallyNavvie | 09-07-2002 11:35 AM |
I can find the Cossie plant somewhere amongst the rally car classifieds here. I've seen one or two rebuilt ones go in the past year for less than $2000. Where do I get information on getting the rest of the parts (frame, body, suspension, etc.) to build a Westfield? And even more important how do I know if they're approved for public roads here in the States? Is there a special class for cars like this that makes them easier to register? What did you do for engine management: ECU from a Cosworth vehicle or totally programmable?
330bhp in a car that weighed what, less than 1000 lbs? Did you have problems with traction ever?
~G
330bhp in a car that weighed what, less than 1000 lbs? Did you have problems with traction ever?
~G
| johnfelstead | 09-08-2002 08:35 AM |
1 Attachment(s)
if you go to the westfield link i posted earlier you will see there is a USA distributor, give them a call.
The car weighed 700Kg fully laiden, thats 1500 pounds i think. Traction was pretty good with my sticky track tyres on, it got interesting in the wet, i could spin the wheels at 120MPH by just giving it full throttle in a straight line. Huge fun. :D
It would spin at will in the dry in the lower gears, it had 300Lb/ft torque at 3000rpm. :D It was all very controlable though.
The car weighed 700Kg fully laiden, thats 1500 pounds i think. Traction was pretty good with my sticky track tyres on, it got interesting in the wet, i could spin the wheels at 120MPH by just giving it full throttle in a straight line. Huge fun. :D
It would spin at will in the dry in the lower gears, it had 300Lb/ft torque at 3000rpm. :D It was all very controlable though.
| LinuxGuy | 09-08-2002 08:40 AM |
Im still considering buying a kit car ferrari or some sort a roadster
[url]www.kitcars.com[/url]
really great website for kit car nuts, for sale, kits, etc... Personally I really love the Ferrari 250GTO built off the nissan 280Z chassis with the small block V8 conversion.
[url]www.kitcars.com[/url]
really great website for kit car nuts, for sale, kits, etc... Personally I really love the Ferrari 250GTO built off the nissan 280Z chassis with the small block V8 conversion.
| neuromancer | 09-08-2002 09:28 AM |
[url]WWW.FACTORYFIVE.COM[/url]
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