Hi Locost Builders!

A friend and I have just bought via Ebay a MK Indy Chassis which we are looking to build over the winter.

We didn't pay a lot for it, we believe it is a Early MK Indy Race chassis which need re-powder coating etc. We haven't picked it up yet so all i have to go on is the Chassis number which is MK Race 006. We are lead to believe it has never been built. It is just a chassis & a couple of front wishbones currently.

Anyone got any further information on it?

We have many questions....!

Our backgrounds are in Rallying (Pug 106's, Mk2 Escort - cars prepared by ourselves), but looking to use this car to do Autotests, Autosolos, Sprints & Targa Rallies with a few track days thrown in for good measure.
It will have to be road legal and we looking to build it on a low budget.

Question 1: Engine options
We are looking at car derived engines rather than bike power due to regs for the particular events we intend to enter. We can only run standard plenums - no carbs allowed. We would also like to stay below 1600cc if possible.
I like both the K series & the 1600 Zetec SE, what are your opinions on either?
Both seem to be available from evil bay cheapish, although at the present time the K seems to be the one to go for as it has more tuning potential, albeit getting it to run on the standard ecu maybe a bit of a ball ache.
We would be looking at a type 9 'box and would have a preference to cable clutch.
We would appreciate thoughts on options available.

2. Body panels:
I'm an ex panel beater so i can shape panels where needed, so can i use sheet ally to create the bonnet, sides & rear sections? Will the IVA be ok with this? Do i need to be weary of edges etc?
I'm aware that the nosecone & wings will require MK parts, unless others have used cheaper versions.

3. Peugeot spares:
Last year i broke up a Pug 106 XSI and was looking at utilising some of the parts from that,
Wheels 14" (ford PCD but +15 offset)
Front 247mm calipers/discs/pads (will take 13" wheels)
Rear solid discs/pads/handbrake/brake calipers (will take 13" wheels)
Brake master cylinder (23mm - 4 port)
Many other little bits & pieces
Has anyone used parts from other donors like this before?

4. Ford Spares:
We don't have the luxury of a donor Sierra, and hadn't planned to get one, can anyone recommend a breakers that deliver?
My list currently is
Front hub carriers
Steering column & rack (can we use a Mk2 Escort Column & rack? - I have these spare from our rally car already)
Prop
Diff
Shafts
Rear Hub carriers
Anything else required?

5. Build Manual:
Does anyone have a copy of the MK Indy Build manual which we can borrow/copy? Would be paid for in Beer tokens!

We will have many other questions i'm sure, please bear with us and we appreciate the advice. Things like the IVA are worrying me a bit!

When i get the chassis back here i'll take some pictures & start a blog jobbie.

Cheers!

Looking at the ebay auction, I think you have an MK locost chassis, not an indy as there are no rear wishbone/suspension pickups.

[Edited on 19-8-13 by loggyboy]

I see what you are saying. So it would be live axle?

Yes,
Martin Keenan started out building book chassis (Ron champion/Haynes - How to build sports car for £250 book).
These are largely based on mk1/2 escort running gear, allthough due to the 'kit' nature of them people based them on what ever they could fine. But its most likely to be MK1/2.
He later developed the kit further, making it based on Sierra indendent rear suspension (hence 'indy' ) and started selling them, and later sold the company to his brother the current owner - trading as MK sports cars.

http://www.mkengineering.co.uk/storybehindmk.htm

Might be worth a call to Martin to see if he remembers, being an early race chassis he may recal.. probably a long time and alot of kits has passed by him since though!

[Edited on 19-8-13 by loggyboy]

Thanks for the heads up loggyboy. Feel a bit stupid not to have spotted it.

I have a copy of the book so i'll take a look through it tonight, and see what i have laying around from various builds that can be re-used. I know of an english axle locally which i can lay my hands on so all is not lost.

I will get in touch with Martin, he may have some info on it and may get him to make up some of the suspension components.

Thanks again.

If I recall rightly Martin preferred the handling of the live axle I think his first car had the 1600 CVH engine in it.

In my opinion I'd go with the Zetec SE. I love the K series but it's getting old, has well known issues, and when you look into tuning it the first recommendation for a 1600 is to upgrade to an 1800. The Zetec SE is becoming more and more popular to tune, doesn't appear to have the reliability issues of the K series and if you buy the Racing Puma engine (1700cc I believe) it has 155bhp. That said, my local sprint classes for kits has the class break at 1700cc so it fits perfectly.

Andy

Thanks guys, looks like I have tracked down an axle. I have worked out how to get her in now too so don't feel quite as stupid as earlier. We have a set of link bars from the Escort so looks like we have covered it.

IRS would have been nice, but for a budget build beggars can't be choosers!

Engine wise. I like the K, the wife had a 1600 R25 which was very quick and we did clubbie events with but I just did a head gasket on a mates ZS and it was hard work!

I had a rummage earlier and found a pinto/type 9 bell housing so the Zetec SE could be the way to go. Need to do a bit of reaserch into clutches, sumps etc. going 2lt would put us in class with much more powerful cars.

We'll see and tomorrow we pick up the chassis! New project.... Yay!.... Haven't told the ball and chain yet though!