Well I've only gone and done it!
Discussion
I've made the first step to building my first kit.
It might not be the best first kit to grease my tools on, but who cares, I've got (well I'm going to get) the car I want.
Now I need to start looking for a donor, decide on an engine, buy lots of books (haynes manual 1st)
, ask lots of questions 
(on forums like this) about totally insignificant things that everyone else knows but me and WAIT.
Yes, wait until February.
Just in case anyone is interested, I took a trip to Crediton in Devon yesterday to visit Marlin.
Met Terry. She was very helpful. Went out in the 5Exi with Mark. Wouldn't let me drive it
, but then it wasn't prepared properly. Apparantly WK? are down next week to do a big article on it and they had to get it ready. (They're building one too)
Anyway, it handles ace!
and after a long chat I but my deposit on the table.
Input from anyone is greatly appreciated, particularly about Rover engines (can I get 150 reliable bhp from a 1.6?).
I don't want anyone telling me it's a naff name for a car!
It might not be the best first kit to grease my tools on, but who cares, I've got (well I'm going to get) the car I want.
Now I need to start looking for a donor, decide on an engine, buy lots of books (haynes manual 1st)
, ask lots of questions (on forums like this) about totally insignificant things that everyone else knows but me and WAIT. Yes, wait until February.
Just in case anyone is interested, I took a trip to Crediton in Devon yesterday to visit Marlin.
Met Terry. She was very helpful. Went out in the 5Exi with Mark. Wouldn't let me drive it
, but then it wasn't prepared properly. Apparantly WK? are down next week to do a big article on it and they had to get it ready. (They're building one too) Anyway, it handles ace!
and after a long chat I but my deposit on the table. Input from anyone is greatly appreciated, particularly about Rover engines (can I get 150 reliable bhp from a 1.6?).
I don't want anyone telling me it's a naff name for a car!
Congratulations, now comes the fun part of building it 
after the killing wait that is 
You don't see many Marlin's about actually (well I don't) a good choice, will certainly turn heads
Enjoy it!!!
As for the engine question, 150bhp should be reasonably easily extractable from a 1.6, I'm not that 'up' on Rover engines I'm afraid.
Graham
>> Edited by Graham.J on Sunday 5th October 13:37
Nice one!!. You just have to be patient now.
Not sure it will be too easy to get 150hp from a 1.6 though - that's around a 40% boost. A VVC would probably be the cheapest route to that kind of power - mine has 160PS bog standard.
www.gtmchris.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/Dscf0023.jpg
www.mg-sportcars.co.uk/Powertrain_Engine_Applications.htm
Oh, and don't paint it the same colours as the display car at Donny - please!
Cheers,
Chris.
Not sure it will be too easy to get 150hp from a 1.6 though - that's around a 40% boost. A VVC would probably be the cheapest route to that kind of power - mine has 160PS bog standard.
www.gtmchris.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/Dscf0023.jpg
www.mg-sportcars.co.uk/Powertrain_Engine_Applications.htm
Oh, and don't paint it the same colours as the display car at Donny - please!
Cheers,
Chris.
Naff name, naff name, naff name!!! 
Why a 1.6? Is it because you already have one? If not, go for the 1.8. Correct me if I'm wrong though but aren't there problems changing the cams on the VVC engines?
I know someone who is very knowledgable about tuning 'K' series engines (he prepared the head on mine) and I'm seeing him tomorrow. I'll see what I can find out.
>> Edited by Flintstone on Sunday 5th October 20:13
Why a 1.6? Is it because you already have one? If not, go for the 1.8. Correct me if I'm wrong though but aren't there problems changing the cams on the VVC engines?
I know someone who is very knowledgable about tuning 'K' series engines (he prepared the head on mine) and I'm seeing him tomorrow. I'll see what I can find out.
>> Edited by Flintstone on Sunday 5th October 20:13
Looks like it's going to be black gelcoat to try and keep the costs down. Can always paint it later (it's only 4 panels).
Chris, thanks for the links. Am trying to decide if a 1.6 is enough at the mo or if to go for 1.8. I'm keeping to the 'K' series engines due to the ease of build (and availability).
I am looking for a cheap donor. Hopefully with correct engine etc. This means non ABS aswell. Any ideas?
Chris, thanks for the links. Am trying to decide if a 1.6 is enough at the mo or if to go for 1.8. I'm keeping to the 'K' series engines due to the ease of build (and availability).
I am looking for a cheap donor. Hopefully with correct engine etc. This means non ABS aswell. Any ideas?
Graham.J said:
You don't see many Marlin's about actually (well I don't) a good choice, will certainly turn heads
Congrats mate, I'm sure you'll enjoy building it and it is one damned fine motor you'll have at the end!
I have a marlin roadster (bought it on friday) and love it already. Not only does it turn lots, and lots of heads (probably more so that the 5exi because of the running boards and stuff) but goes like stink!
I love it and I'm sure you'll love the much newer one as well!
Personally i'd say go for a honda with my previous experience of K-series engines, (see my gripes in the k-series thread on elise forum.)
But if you're sticking with it, avoid the VVC head, go for the VHPD, its the same without the variable valve timing, its slightly more expensive, but i've heard they're a much better casting, and with K-series undisputable reputation for blowing head gaskets it'd be the way to go.
another option possibly if you've got enough cash floating about, see what a k2000 might be?
But if you're sticking with it, avoid the VVC head, go for the VHPD, its the same without the variable valve timing, its slightly more expensive, but i've heard they're a much better casting, and with K-series undisputable reputation for blowing head gaskets it'd be the way to go.
another option possibly if you've got enough cash floating about, see what a k2000 might be?
Can anyone recommend a good place to find a Rover 25/200 cheap?
Also, the only info I have found on the 1.8 fitted to the Rover 25 is with a 'stepspeed' gearbox. Did they do it in this car without?
What other kits use a Rover 25/200 donor?
>> Edited by Ex-Biker on Monday 6th October 11:30
Also, the only info I have found on the 1.8 fitted to the Rover 25 is with a 'stepspeed' gearbox. Did they do it in this car without?
What other kits use a Rover 25/200 donor?
>> Edited by Ex-Biker on Monday 6th October 11:30
Tell you what docevi....
If Ex-Biker doesn't want it, I'd be interested
Ex-Biker. Saw my mate today and he has a few blocks and heads. If you decide to buy the engine separately you could do a lot worse than speak to him.
Tell you what. If I make it to Exeter you can have a go in mine. I know it's only a 1.4 but it'll give you an idea of what he's capable of.
Oh, and seriously consider having all the up-and-down-and-whirly round bits balanced. Mine was and now revs to 7000rpm without spilling a drop of my pint
I'd give you the details of the guy who did it but I'm not sure if that would be construed as advertising on here.
If you can, get a copy of last month's CCC (the last ever issue) he's in there in an article written by Dave Walker. Failing that, e-mail me.
If Ex-Biker doesn't want it, I'd be interested
Ex-Biker. Saw my mate today and he has a few blocks and heads. If you decide to buy the engine separately you could do a lot worse than speak to him.
Tell you what. If I make it to Exeter you can have a go in mine. I know it's only a 1.4 but it'll give you an idea of what he's capable of.
Oh, and seriously consider having all the up-and-down-and-whirly round bits balanced. Mine was and now revs to 7000rpm without spilling a drop of my pint
I'd give you the details of the guy who did it but I'm not sure if that would be construed as advertising on here. If you can, get a copy of last month's CCC (the last ever issue) he's in there in an article written by Dave Walker. Failing that, e-mail me.
Flintstone
Hopefully we'll meet at Exeter.
You've got my email I think (you sent me a pic of your X99). The only problem at the mo with tuning etc is my budget. I'm trying to get everything in one donor to keep the costs down. I'm trying to do the complete build for less than £8k. Marlin quote £7.5k (inc donor), so that don't give me a lot to play with.
Hopefully we'll meet at Exeter.
You've got my email I think (you sent me a pic of your X99). The only problem at the mo with tuning etc is my budget. I'm trying to get everything in one donor to keep the costs down. I'm trying to do the complete build for less than £8k. Marlin quote £7.5k (inc donor), so that don't give me a lot to play with.
So what you're saying is you're a tightfisted bastard? 
As it's all horses and carts down in Cornwall I shall keep my peepers open for a donor (I hear there's a 1.6 going free in Noocassel
)
Fingers crossed for November, I haven't had my work roster yet.
>> Edited by Flintstone on Monday 6th October 22:53
As it's all horses and carts down in Cornwall I shall keep my peepers open for a donor (I hear there's a 1.6 going free in Noocassel
) Fingers crossed for November, I haven't had my work roster yet.
>> Edited by Flintstone on Monday 6th October 22:53
Ah, the sticky subject of budget. I hope when you came to £8k you budgeted down to the last grain of sand on your wet n dry and then added 50% - because that's the scientific way of calculating a kit car build cost.
If the manufacturer says £7.5k then budget for £11k
Been there done that.
Cheers, John
Madabout-kitcars.com
If the manufacturer says £7.5k then budget for £11k
Been there done that.
Cheers, John
Madabout-kitcars.com
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