MEV Rocket Build
Discussion
Hi all,
Thought I would share my MEV Rocket build progress. Having had a few performance cars in the past and being an Engineer, rather than just purchase my next week-end car - I decided to build my own. This is my first kit build and I wanted a car that was a non traditional looking seven style kit that had a good base but could also give me room to put my own 'stamp' on. After veiwing several kits and companies I decided the Rocket would be ideal for me. For those who are not aware, it is based on doner parts from a Ford Focus using a Zetec power plant (although the factory will mod the chassis to suit almost any engine). I wanted to build a car from all new parts, and new parts are plentyfull for the focus (aswell as doners). Also there is lots of infomation and performance enhancements available for the Zetec.
I now also work within the composites industry supplying most areas of motorsport, so for me I have a bit of a carbon fibre fetish and paneling will be re-tooled for carbon parts. I am now 8 months into the build and enjoying every moment
Thought I would share my MEV Rocket build progress. Having had a few performance cars in the past and being an Engineer, rather than just purchase my next week-end car - I decided to build my own. This is my first kit build and I wanted a car that was a non traditional looking seven style kit that had a good base but could also give me room to put my own 'stamp' on. After veiwing several kits and companies I decided the Rocket would be ideal for me. For those who are not aware, it is based on doner parts from a Ford Focus using a Zetec power plant (although the factory will mod the chassis to suit almost any engine). I wanted to build a car from all new parts, and new parts are plentyfull for the focus (aswell as doners). Also there is lots of infomation and performance enhancements available for the Zetec.
I now also work within the composites industry supplying most areas of motorsport, so for me I have a bit of a carbon fibre fetish and paneling will be re-tooled for carbon parts. I am now 8 months into the build and enjoying every moment
Edited by Mabbx on Thursday 18th August 17:54
Edited by Mabbx on Friday 19th August 09:36
A couple of starting pics:
I had the chassis, wishbones, uprights etc powder coated in 'chrome' coat. This is a patented process with the deepest chrome shine depth available on the market. Very pleased with results.
I had the chassis, wishbones, uprights etc powder coated in 'chrome' coat. This is a patented process with the deepest chrome shine depth available on the market. Very pleased with results.
Edited by Mabbx on Friday 19th August 07:52
Edited by Mabbx on Friday 19th August 07:54
Have had some front wings made for the car and a rear wing is currently being made. The contour is from the Mosler GT car. Mainly asthetic look but should help in handeling. Time will tell when its completed:
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Brake, clutch lines all fitted. Have gone for fully braided:
Rear Calipers with handbrake mechanism:
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Brake, clutch lines all fitted. Have gone for fully braided:
Rear Calipers with handbrake mechanism:
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|http://thumbsnap.com/fl2SKTA5[/url
Gearbox. Fitted with a Quaife straight cut close ratio gear set and Quaife ATB LSD. All parts are new with exception to the casing which has been reconditioned. Should run to 55mph in 1st and 160mph in 5th at 8000 RPM with the wheels I have fitted:
I have gone for some performance engine mounts, as the OEM untis tend to let the engine move excesivly. These have been tested on the Rocket and work very well:
I have gone for some performance engine mounts, as the OEM untis tend to let the engine move excesivly. These have been tested on the Rocket and work very well:
Car finally grounded. I have had the wheels made to the correct PCD and offset to suit the car, and unfortunatly the process to get them took 6 months, but worth the wait. The fronts are 15 x 7 (5kg each) and rears are 15 x 8 (6.2kg each) fitted with Toyo R888. Car still needs to be lowered but will do this when it goes for setting up:
Engine built and ready to fit. Obviously looking to supercharge. With the car being transverse, I wanted relative delivery of power and torque with hopefully no heavy spikes and for me supercharging was the route. Supercharger mounting bracket design is currently underway which will be a nice billet aluminium unit to support the power/torque. Engine is fully forged, balanced, lightned flywheel, Jenvey plenum with 70mm throttle body, cams to support supercharging, ceremetalic clutch and block has been decked with valve pockets also machined into the forged pistons. The engine was origionally a new unit which has obvioulsy been stripped and re-built:
Edited by Mabbx on Friday 19th August 09:42
Edited by Mabbx on Friday 19th August 11:26
That's pretty much up to date. Car is currently away having a bespoke stainless exhaust system made. Carbon Fibre bonnet is completed and ready to fit. Engine is in and Supercharger fitment is well under way and just sorting out the charge cooler system. Will update with further pics as and when. A more detailed build blog is on the MEV forum : http://www.mevowners.proboards.com/
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