Help with choice of Kit please guys ...
Discussion
I'm a complete noob to the world of kits 
and want to make my decision the right one for me - after all it is going to keep me from my wife for the next year or two 
I'm NOT looking for a replica as I feel that most replicas are just copies of the real thing and lack prestige (most anyway) so I want something that is modern (without being too radical) It also needs to have a cheapish donor (mainstream Ford, Vauxhall, Rover etc) and at least 300 bhp (possibly a turbo) and manual transmission (I like to play with my stick!)
Mid engined would be nice and definitely rear wheel drive. Full weather protection should be built in (no canvas doors) and, most important ..... it mustn't look like a kit car
Cars I have considered so far are the Shelsey T2, the Fiero Venom and Aeon range ..... but nothing really fits the bill so far.
Any ideas guys?
>>> Edited by RazMan on Sunday 8th August 18:14
and want to make my decision the right one for me - after all it is going to keep me from my wife for the next year or two I'm NOT looking for a replica as I feel that most replicas are just copies of the real thing and lack prestige (most anyway) so I want something that is modern (without being too radical) It also needs to have a cheapish donor (mainstream Ford, Vauxhall, Rover etc) and at least 300 bhp (possibly a turbo) and manual transmission (I like to play with my stick!)
Mid engined would be nice and definitely rear wheel drive. Full weather protection should be built in (no canvas doors) and, most important ..... it mustn't look like a kit car
Cars I have considered so far are the Shelsey T2, the Fiero Venom and Aeon range ..... but nothing really fits the bill so far.
Any ideas guys?
>>> Edited by RazMan on Sunday 8th August 18:14
Kool Cars 5exi, with an uprated turbo rover unit.
Dynamic Performance Attack with a tuned duratec v6 (not quite 300bhp mind), maybe you could drop TT engine in. This looks the absolute nads, but its expensive.
GTM Libra/Spyder , rover again.
>> Edited by XM5ER on Sunday 8th August 19:17
Dynamic Performance Attack with a tuned duratec v6 (not quite 300bhp mind), maybe you could drop TT engine in. This looks the absolute nads, but its expensive.
GTM Libra/Spyder , rover again.
>> Edited by XM5ER on Sunday 8th August 19:17
You haven't mentioned a budget but going from your suggestions so far I'd add the GTM Libra. Ok it's not 300bhp but it weights less than an Elise and will be very quick when fitted with a 1.8 k-series. Also it doesn't look like a kit, uses a Metro for a doner and has a proper roof, doors etc 
>> Edited by KITT on Sunday 8th August 19:17
>> Edited by KITT on Sunday 8th August 19:17
RazMan said:
It also needs to have a cheapish donor (mainstream Ford, Vauxhall, Rover etc) and at least 300 bhp (possibly a turbo)
Sorry Raz, but you just don't get cheapish donor parts from Ford, Vauxhall, Rover etc with 300bhp+.
Yes, a turbo would do it at a price, but the cheapest route to that sort of power is Yank V8 or maybe Jag V12.
Have you considered an Ultima or Nemesis?
I must admit that I didn't give the Libra much attention the first time round - I felt that it was going to be too small for comfort (I'm quite erm ..... large ) but perhaps I will look at it again. I must admit the shape is growing on me and they say that two 6'3" adults can fit in there so I'm in with a chance.
The K1 Attack - WOW! I would definitely go for this one but have a feeling it will be out of my price budget. It is a superb little beasty though - hats off to the designers who put that symphony of curves and sticky out bits into such a masterpiece.
Oh and the 5exi is definitely not my cup of tea - but beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess
>> Edited by RazMan on Sunday 8th August 21:15
) but perhaps I will look at it again. I must admit the shape is growing on me and they say that two 6'3" adults can fit in there so I'm in with a chance. The K1 Attack - WOW! I would definitely go for this one but have a feeling it will be out of my price budget. It is a superb little beasty though - hats off to the designers who put that symphony of curves and sticky out bits into such a masterpiece.
Oh and the 5exi is definitely not my cup of tea - but beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess
>> Edited by RazMan on Sunday 8th August 21:15
[/quote]
Sorry Raz, but you just don't get cheapish donor parts from Ford, Vauxhall, Rover etc with 300bhp+.
Yes, a turbo would do it at a price, but the cheapest route to that sort of power is Yank V8 or maybe Jag V12.
Have you considered an Ultima or Nemesis?[/quote]
I actually got 300bhp out of my Nissan 200SX lump with nothing more than a bigger turbo and a chip upgrade, but I take your point - a V8 would be my choice too. As the Yanks say ...."There no substitute for cubes" or something like that.
The Cossy 2.9 V6 can't be all that short of 300bhp though - and these are now turning up regularly at the breakers now.
The Ultima is possibly a bit too radical for daily use (and I can't seem to find a Nemesis link to comment on that) I want a car that will take me to track days AND the supermarket
Sorry Raz, but you just don't get cheapish donor parts from Ford, Vauxhall, Rover etc with 300bhp+.
Yes, a turbo would do it at a price, but the cheapest route to that sort of power is Yank V8 or maybe Jag V12.
Have you considered an Ultima or Nemesis?[/quote]
I actually got 300bhp out of my Nissan 200SX lump with nothing more than a bigger turbo and a chip upgrade, but I take your point - a V8 would be my choice too. As the Yanks say ...."There no substitute for cubes" or something like that.
The Cossy 2.9 V6 can't be all that short of 300bhp though - and these are now turning up regularly at the breakers now.
The Ultima is possibly a bit too radical for daily use (and I can't seem to find a Nemesis link to comment on that) I want a car that will take me to track days AND the supermarket
I had an Ultima and used that daily despite it being the convertible model... even commuted in it, it was a fantastic car and if its what your after I would definatelly recomend it.
And I'm now in the process of building a Nemesis, you will find nothing on the web for the Nemesis except what I have posted here on my build and the web site for one of the owners called John.
[url]www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=74780&f=30&h=0[/url]
The basic kit uses the jag V12 as a donor but I'm using the BMW V12 with twin turbos
... both produce over 300bhp as std.
BTW the cossie V6 is 197bhp and I dont think its tunable to 300bhp cheaply.... its also not that light and the donors will only be autos I think...../ best ford donor would be a cossie.
Andy
>> Edited by andygtt on Sunday 8th August 21:47
And I'm now in the process of building a Nemesis, you will find nothing on the web for the Nemesis except what I have posted here on my build and the web site for one of the owners called John.
[url]www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=74780&f=30&h=0[/url]
The basic kit uses the jag V12 as a donor but I'm using the BMW V12 with twin turbos
... both produce over 300bhp as std. BTW the cossie V6 is 197bhp and I dont think its tunable to 300bhp cheaply.... its also not that light and the donors will only be autos I think...../ best ford donor would be a cossie.
Andy
>> Edited by andygtt on Sunday 8th August 21:47
andygtt said:
I had an Ultima and used that daily despite it being the convertible model... even commuted in it, it was a fantastic car and if its what your after I would definatelly recomend it.
And I'm now in the process of building a Nemesis, you will find nothing on the web for the Nemesis except what I have posted here on my build and the web site for one of the owners called John.
[url]<a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=74780&f=30&h=0"><a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=74780&f=30&h=0">www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=74780&f=30&h=0</a></a>[/url]
The basic kit uses the jag V12 as a donor but I'm using the BMW V12 with twin turbos
Commuting in a convertable with no roof?!!
My daily drive is 70 miles each way and mostly on a very congested M25 (read car park) so if it rains you get soaked. The V12 Jag was my original idea - using an XJS donor with a Banham Engineering body shell .... but they got bought out recently and are no longer manufactured
hence my new quest to find the perfect car. The pics on your link are verrrry nice - I assume that is the Nemesis with some mods. Are they still available then?
>> Edited by RazMan on Sunday 8th August 22:31
Re the size problem of the Libra I'm 6'4" and pushing 17 st and got into fergs libra with room to spare, very comfy. Didn't drive it though but sat in it at Stafford Getting in and out was fun mind you. I suppose if you built one you would have plenty of opportunity to practice.
If you think the dynamic performance attack will be out of your price range I suspect an ultima would be as well. Just my 2 penworth
If you think the dynamic performance attack will be out of your price range I suspect an ultima would be as well. Just my 2 penworth
Razman,
I am voting for the Libra too. I must admit I am a bit biassed. If it is big BHP you're after you could of cource consider fitting a different engine then the standard Rover fitments. GTM do a Honda powered Libra, and are very willing to assist in fitment of other engines (I speak from my own experience here). I have just started the build of an Audi powered Libra. Details can be found on my website: www.planet.nl/~bertram.bakker (website is in Dutch, sorry...)
Bye,
Bertram
I am voting for the Libra too. I must admit I am a bit biassed. If it is big BHP you're after you could of cource consider fitting a different engine then the standard Rover fitments. GTM do a Honda powered Libra, and are very willing to assist in fitment of other engines (I speak from my own experience here). I have just started the build of an Audi powered Libra. Details can be found on my website: www.planet.nl/~bertram.bakker (website is in Dutch, sorry...)
Bye,
Bertram
Have you considered the T2?
Ĩ believe that it can take a 350bhp audi turbo lump...
I would love to see that audi libra
www.shelsley-cars.com
Ĩ believe that it can take a 350bhp audi turbo lump...
I would love to see that audi libra
www.shelsley-cars.com
[quote=RazMan]I'm a complete noob to the world of kits and want to make my decision the right one for me - after all it is going to keep me from my wife for the next year or two
You should check out www.totalkitcar.com - Every car available is listed on there and their magazine gives approx build prices.
and want to make my decision the right one for me - after all it is going to keep me from my wife for the next year or two You should check out www.totalkitcar.com - Every car available is listed on there and their magazine gives approx build prices.
What a great response from everyone!
Here are some short replies which I will hopefully expand on later ( wifey is tempting me ... with food )
spartan_andy - The Libra is looking good to me too and I'm about the same size as you so it now goes on my shortlist.
XM5ER - I'm not keen on the look of the Stylus really .... it's a bit too 'track day' if you know what I mean. Bet it flies with a 200SX lump in there!
Ex-Biker - Same as Stylus really (no offence)I have corrected my email addy now so if you have any Nemesis info I would love to explore.
jgmadkit - The Vortex is pant wettingly gorgeous .... but I suspect the price is just pant-wetting
Bertram - A VTEC Honda lump would fly wouldn't it!! Weeeeeee
Althalus - The T2 is on my shortlist and I am presently waiting for some more info)
n gibson - Thanks for the link. I have been wading through some of their info for a few days .... that is how I found PistonHeads
Once again, thanks for the help guys :cool
Here are some short replies which I will hopefully expand on later ( wifey is tempting me ... with food
) spartan_andy - The Libra is looking good to me too and I'm about the same size as you so it now goes on my shortlist.
XM5ER - I'm not keen on the look of the Stylus really .... it's a bit too 'track day' if you know what I mean. Bet it flies with a 200SX lump in there!
Ex-Biker - Same as Stylus really (no offence)I have corrected my email addy now so if you have any Nemesis info I would love to explore.
jgmadkit - The Vortex is pant wettingly gorgeous .... but I suspect the price is just pant-wetting
Bertram - A VTEC Honda lump would fly wouldn't it!! Weeeeeee
Althalus - The T2 is on my shortlist and I am presently waiting for some more info)
n gibson - Thanks for the link. I have been wading through some of their info for a few days .... that is how I found PistonHeads
Once again, thanks for the help guys :cool
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