Hi there just joined this BB and was wondering what car would be best suited for a donor vehicle for my locost build?? I have'nt as yet bought a
single thing but I want to start off with getting a donor first and stripping it as I only have limited space in my garage. I've heard some of
you talking about the sierra and as i'm quite familier with the sierra in whole (ive had 4 of them and changed practically every part of a sierra
in the time ive owned them) i'm still unsure as to what model/engine to go for???
Thanks In Advance
Carl
If you're definately wanting to use a Sierra then the 2.0 Pinto one is probably the one to go for.
Bear in mind you'll have to design/buy an IRS or DeDion system for the rear suspension if you want to use the Sierra diff.
HTH,
James
But apart from the rear suspension is the sierra the best option for a donor???? I Would consider something else if its gonna make my life easier in the long run. I know graceland used a sierra for a donor as he got quite a lot of parts from an old sierra glx dohc that i had but dont think he got to the rear suspension stage as he sold his chassis and parts after he gave up on the build.
it depends if you're going to go live axle (escort mk1/11, cortina) or build your own IRS or buy a dedion beam which would use the sierra rear
running gear.
for a live axle you could use a mk4/5 cortina, but these are far more scarce. otherwise just use bits from different cars.
Ned.
If you are building from scratch, to book design, a cortina mk4/5 seems to be the best route.
If you are building from a kit, then the MK Indy would be the best sierra route
atb
steve
ps - trying a book build with a sierra will make life complicated...........
I'm going to be going by the ron champion book (just ordered it from amazon) so you think that a mk4/5 cortina would be the best option?
PS what parts do you actually get in the kit form?? sorry i'm new to the locost game!
Before you go and spend any money I suggest that you go to some of the shows and also visit some of the kit manufactures. The next show is a Newark on 19/20th June. Good luck whichever way you go.
to see what parts you get in the kit I suggest you check the manufacturers websites.
Ned.
Carl,
You're right- if you're building a book car ie. standard size chassis, Live Axle, Cortina uprights then a Cortina is the best way to go for
a complete donor.
For manufacturers check: MK, GTS, Luego they all do great kits.
Atb,
James
Absolutly take the advice of seeing cars at a show before you decide.
At least take a look on the net at the various providers
luego, Martin Keenan (MK), GTS, Stuart Taylor, and if you like pain, robin hood.
These will let you see whats out there and what you can buy ready made.
As i said in an earlier post stephen i'd rather build my own car from scratch including fabricating the chassis then I know whats what on the car
and it'll help me keep the cost down a bit as i'm going to be doing the build on a tight budget, thanks for you input so far guys really
helpful
[Edited on 7/6/04 by Carl160180]
beware the costs
dont try and delude yourself that its gonna be lowish cost.
Most prople spend at least 2,500 quid. It all seems cheap when you make the chassis, but things add up.
My non std build is over 5k. Its gonna cost 200 quid plus to get sva and a reg number.
making the car close to the book design and using a cortina will save you money. Deviating by using things like sierra hubs will add extra costs such
as hub adapters, and add the hassle of making up new suspension geometry.
atb
steve
and i may as well mention, since you're getting the book, watch out for the errors. most importantly the FU1 and 2 locations are wrong, and the
bracket locations for the front suspension. others too i think.
Carl,
As Joel says, there are plenty of errors in The Book.
Here's a definitive and correct chassis plan:
http://mcsorley.net/locost/default.htm
It's been followed and built by several members of this forum so is tried and tested.
Get a Cortina (make sure you get one with a sensible diff' - a 4.11 is no good if you're going to fit a bike engine for example) and
you'll be sorted.
HTH,
James
Sorry to disagree, but IMHO I would go for a Pinto sierra, +4 McSorley chassis with a GTS dedion rear end.
The donor is much easier to find than a Cortina, the dedion rear keeps things nice and simple (the secret to a fast build). The +4 means you can get
good seats cheaply, improve roadholding due to the increased track, minimise bump steer because the escort rack would be the right size.
I am still undecided which are the better uprights, sierra or cortina, the sierra are much heavier, but free with the donor (also non Q plate), better
choice of brakes (vented etc). The cortina have better geometry (?), and much lighter.
+4 McSorley chassis?? where can i get one, how much are they and what do you get with the chassis (if anything)???. As you can probably tell i'm
sort of swaying away from making the chassis myself as ive had a look at some of the drawings and heard about some fault's in the book and
it's put me off a tad but still yearning to build the rest
[Edited on 8/6/04 by Carl160180]
i built my own chassis first time round and bought an Mk for no2,wasnt a lot in it moneywise
quote:
Originally posted by Carl160180
+4 McSorley chassis?? where can i get one, how much are they and what do you get with the chassis (if anything)???. As you can probably tell i'm sort of swaying away from making the chassis myself as ive had a look at some of the drawings and heard about some fault's in the book and it's put me off a tad but still yearning to build the rest
Carl,
You have to build McSorley's chassis's, the plans are error free, really easy to follow, and if you follow this site, there is more good advice than anywhere else, solutions to just about any problem you can come up with. if you build your own chassis, you can add all those personal preferences that you have, and its really YOUR chassis and there will not be one exactly like it anywhere
Just my 2p - its your car, the only person that has to agree with your choice is you!
[Edited on 8/6/04 by Carl160180]
carl ya cheeky bugger 
i didnt give up, circumstances forced a sale 
however, it's gonna be all done again sooooon, this time it's gonna be better with some subtle and some not so subtle changes
Sorry paul thought you just got sick of it??? sorry mate!
nah m8, was gutted when i had to sell it should be able to crack on with another one soon tho
quote:
Originally posted by Carl160180
+4 McSorley chassis?? where can i get one, how much are they and what do you get with the chassis (if anything)???. As you can probably tell i'm sort of swaying away from making the chassis myself as ive had a look at some of the drawings and heard about some fault's in the book and it's put me off a tad but still yearning to build the rest
[Edited on 8/6/04 by Carl160180]
My opinion (not always to humble, sorry)
The Cortina upright has a little odd geometry with a KPI under 4.5, resulting in a very large scrub radius.
The McSorley book chassis drawings give the correct dimensions but the design errors from the book are still there (lots written about them on several
other places on this forum).
Cheers! and happy building.