MadaboutKitcars

Hello all,

This is a really good website. I wondered if there are people more experienced in the world of Kit cars who can provide me some advice.

I am a graduate engineer, I am access to a garage. I have been passionate about the subject of kit cars since the past 4-5 years ever since I was given a drive around in a Grinnell Scorpion, Caterham R500 and Westfield. I am now looking to take on my first kit car/project, but need some advice for those who have been there. I would like to get to the bottom of the following:

1) I can't decide if I should go for a bike engine or car engined kit car. I love the thought of a bike engined car but don't know if they are suitable for the road. I don't anticipate going on track days or racing a huge amount as this involves much more expense. Does anyone have any advice on this?

2) Are cheaper locosts worth the cost savings of the more expensive kit car manufacturers?

3) Are there anyways I could try out kit cars to maybe help me make decisions?

4) Is it worth building your own kit car and will a single garage and standard tools be enough to do the job?

Thank-you all very much.

Welcome!
quick answers:
1) either, the bike engine needs a bit of work to it and the gearbox/diff's are a bit more expensive (especially if you want a reverse gear!)
2) if you bought a westie then everything is made already, it all fits and there will be less (if any) fabrication work, some of the cheaper kits you have to fabricate a lot of stuff or make it fit
3) kit car shows are the best places, you may even be able to test drive a demo car there plus you get to see a few of the customer finished items in the car park
4) it has been done many many times, you just need to plan everything and you may have to wheel it out onto the drive further into the project - there will be tools you need that you probably haven't got, but in reality with a little engineering thought you can get away with very few specialist tools - a vice and a cordless drill are a must though

You will need a reverse gear - it's a requirement now for the IVA.



Is it worth it? For the sense of achievement and the fun of bolting your own car together, yes. Your wallet (and other half) may not agree!

As for a single garage and standard tools, I'm managing OK.

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2156
http://www.greatoldone.co.uk/

I'd add a small compressor to the list of tools though. I've found mine invaluable for riveting and loosening stubborn bolts.

Thanks and more questions

Thank-you all for your input, a few more questions:

1) Does anyone know if there are any kit share schemes out there i.e. like sharing a plane? This might be a cheaper way for me to start myself out in the kit car world.

2) I have heard that bike engine clutches go more often than on a car when used on a kit car. Is this true?

Thanks

out of interest, what field of engineering are you in?

1) not really - track only and sprint/race then yes
2) don't know, just remember that a BEC is a lot heavier than a bike!

Response

I am a graduate mechanical engineer. What kit car do you have and did you build it yourself?

Been building a Shelsley T2 on and off since April 2003!
This thread should explain most of my car...
http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1898

Looks cool

Very cool looking kit car, keep up the good work

Hi;
I'don't know to what build extend you want to get into, but you should look my youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD_jvxA6Ysc
the kit comes complete assembled but steering rack, brakes, wheels, cooling and mechanic components which you have to buy and install.