after lurking for a very long time without a single post I am now in the position to start a build.

After a lot of reading I have decided on going for one of three makes ie MNR, MK Indy or GTS but am still left with a lot of questions.

Pre 89 sierras are few and far between so would a 1.8 CVH or post 89 2lt fit any of these without welding or bodywork adjustments ?

have seen a few possible candidate donors post 89 but the diff has been welded - what does this mean ?

I am on a budget build so am hoping to get all my parts from the one donor (plus the benefit of an age related plate)

thanks in advance for your help

[Edited on 2/6/05 by markyb]

Hi Mark - welcome to the house of madness!!!

Al three of the manufacturers you mention are all up to the job. However, I can only comment on MK as we have built two to date - with the likelyhood of building another.

The MK Indy is available from MK Sportscars and is manufactured basically to your particular requirement. If you need mountings to suit a Car Engine then that is what you will request when ordering. Conversely, if you want a Bike Engine then that is what yu request when ordering. The options available are varied as to what width diff is requested, to what rear setup you require - either disc or drum.

I am sure MNR, GTS - or anyone else would also do the same thing, it depends on what you want and how much you want to pay ultimately.

Your reference to a 'welded diff' I'm unsure of. It may simply be that it has sprung a leak and it's been fixed by welding. As I say I haven't heard that term so my comments must be taken with a pinch of salt on this issue.

If you want the age related plate your best option would be to go 1.6 base model with no power steering. That way you can use most bits from it - you will also inherit the drum brakes which by many commentators are more than up to the job.

Any more questions just ask...

Have fun and enjoy your imminent build!

The welded diff may be actually welding the diff solid, so there is no differential action between the wheels. I believe that stock car racers do this as a cheap alternative to a limited slip diff. If this is the case, then it won't be suitable for a locost.

Good luck with your build,
Andy

[Edited on 2/6/05 by andylancaster3000]

I chose an MNR VortX over an MK indy, largely because I liked the body work more. Go to a show and look at them all before chosing. I recommend MNR as they have been most helpful.

You don't have to buy a donor car, you can buy the bits removed and cleaned or even reconditioned. look on this site and you will see sierra donor bits for sale, or contact your kit manufacturer, or one of several companies who will supply bits to you.

ebay is starting a dedicated auction site for eire/NI, so quite soon you should have a much easier job finding local stuff.

newark show is on soon, i know its an arse crossing the ocean to get here but well worth the visit. i cant stress enough how much it will help both your motivation and your choice.

If you are forced to buy a Sierra with the basic mechanicals you need but not your engine of choice, one option is to also get a 2.0 pinto and do an engine swap on the V5. Not done this myself but seriously considering it for the V5 i have on Sorn (i just hope someone wont want to see the car).

I went for the Mac#1 ZR after shortlisting MK and MNR based on ease of build and the fact i liked what Mac1 offered in the way of build asistance and aftersales. A lot of people rate them highly for parts sourcing. Having said that MNR and MK are also good cars, it was a very difficult decision. MNR hadnt got one through SVA at the time but this has proven to be no issue now.

Good luck. Choose wisely and you will have very few problems. I like the pinto for its simplicity and tuneability but its all a matter of personal preference in the end. There are no right or wrong answers, just what you are comfortable with. Shows are good. Also visit the manufacture to get a better feel for it.

My donor was '92 DOHC. Only 20 quid. There was a reason - it was totally paggered. I have to spend a lot of cash on rebuilding the bits and ended up buying a 2.0 EFi motor on top. Take your time with the donor search if you are on budget. it may not be up for sale yet - keep your eyes open for ones that look abandoned outside of houses (mine was 'stored' at my mates farm). Dont be afraid to enquire about it.

Mac#1 have several 1.8CVH's that they may be tempted to part with. They'll probably do you a good deal if you buy kit and donor package. Pintos can be had for £50 ish sometimes with gearboxes. You can pay a little more if it has good ancillaries, low miles etc - dont discount them. Other option is to buy bits seperately and go for a Q.

Hi Marky, i am at a simslar stage to you and will probably be going for the GTS as they are local to me and i met with them at Detling and was very impressed with the quality, i must say though that i have also been very impressed with the MK as well. I bought a 92 DOHC Sierra with only 35K on the engine but not many kit companies will recomend this unit as it is heavy, big and not very tunable. Personally i'm not bothered about tuning it as i think 125bhp-ish is plenty in such a small car and quite a few locosters have used it, however i will probably be using either a pinto or a zetec but maybe a K-series. Choices choices!!!!!!!

alright marky,
i have a GTS - collected it 12 months ago, and its nearly on the road now.

i have stuck with the all-sierra running gear for now, 1800 cvh, discs all round, and plan to upgrade to a 2l zetec when funds allow. its more than quick enough for me for the time being, as i havent really driven a sportscar before, evenwith the cvh in it, its damn quick!

all the best,

tom

thanks to everyone for the welcome and all the information.

Having looked at the prices for sierras over here I am beginning to think that a donor pack may work out cheaper.

Will have to go back to the drawing board and start doing the sums

so many decisions and I haven't even started yet !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!