Hi, I am considering a Vortex RT,
If you are building/built one could you answer the following for me?
1) Build time
2) Total cost/Cost so far
3) Engine + Transmission
4) Model (RT/RT+)
5) How straightforward a build (scale 1-10, most simple to most difficult)
Any other info appreciated. I am considering a Toyota 4A-GE engine. Anyone else using one?
Thanks 
,
Mark
build time. depends on how much time you can get in the garage b4 the mrs moans
cost, depends on what you tell the mrs
engine, you dont know what you've started
if it helps i build my indy in about a year working weekends
cost 5k ish
and a car engine for me
I built an RT with an R1 engine, using reconditioned / new parts. Cost £8000. Took 4 months to build spending some time on it every day. I could
have saved a lot of time using a dremmel to file the GRP rather than doing it by hand.
Mostly it's just nuts and bolts. I struggled with emissions and 1 or 2 wiring problems, oh, and fitting the boot box.
Before the cec/bec debate begins although I would like the performance of a bike engine the car will be on the road 99% of the time and hence I
decided a car engine would suit it beter. I recon the Toyota unit would be a good compromise but am willing to take other opinions 
.
1) Build time
Started 3rd week in May, on the road on the 3rd of Jan. That's working most weekends but with breaks for holiday.
2) Total cost/Cost so far
RT+ Injected R1 engine, some nice to haves £9500
3) Engine + Transmission
R1 injected, sierra 3.38 diff
4) Model (RT/RT+)
RT+
5) How straightforward a build (scale 1-10, most simple to most difficult)
It's straightforward as long as you are sensible and methodical
Ease of the build was a major concern for me - mostly because I want to be using it this summer and have limited time.
The advantages (in terms of time) of the MNR over some other kits are:
1. The floor is on when you collect.
2. The footwell panels are either in or pre-cut - just need running over with a file and fitting.
3. The tunnel cover is a piece of pi$$ compared to most,
4. The very latest chassis have very nice brackets for steering column etc that minimise drilling.
5. The brake pipes are pre-cut and flared.
Lots of nice touches to make it easier for you.
4age is a cracker. Been in a Striker fitted with one. If I was going CEC I think it's what I'd do.
1) Build time - 2 weeks
2) Total cost/Cost so far - @£15,000+ RT+ Lots of extras, zx12r
3) Engine + Transmission zx12r + quaiffe reverse box
4) Model (RT/RT+) RT+ Inboard
5) How straightforward a build (scale 1-10, most simple to most difficult) 2, pretty simple, a few minor dumb moments, now addressed by the manual
IMHO
quote:
Originally posted by G.Man
1) Build time - 2 weeks
1) Build time -
- very very - good for a 7
1 peice tunnel
interior pannels cut
1 peice tub ( mines held on wit 2 rivets )
2) Total cost/Cost so far
- Not going there the wife knows my user name > 6k
3) Engine + Transmission
- Rover v8 ( boat engine !!!!! )
- BMW transmision
4) Model (RT/RT+)
- RT +
5) How straightforward a build (scale 1-
10, most simple to most difficult)
- Kit = 2
- bl88dy big engine = 4
other points.
sure there is another builder ( not on here ) who has a 4 age engine instalation in the old style chassis.
MNR would likley need engine and box to ensure instalation and balance within chassis.
Marc and Chris are very helpful.
Bodywork finish is excelent
Regards
Agriv8
quote:
Originally posted by smart51
quote:
Originally posted by G.Man
1) Build time - 2 weeks
That's two weeks full time at the factory with the kit designer on hand all day. I thought that this needed expanding for clarity.
I should also point out that I managed to build mine before the manual was written so it can't be that hard.
Puchased 2 mnr Cars in December 2005, RT / RT+
spent weekends only on both cars, it has taken around 13 months to complete both cars. It took around the same time to build each car .
Cost around £12G RT and £13G for RT+
95% NEW PARTS. Bike Engine.
[Edited on 7/2/07 by Robert Ryan]
I think its worth pointing out that the timescale to build is really dependant on how long you sepnd on the car per shift...
100 hours is about right, however you allocate that time...
I'm pretty sure I spent a lot more than 100 hours on mine. That said, manual filing was slow plus Marc has changed the design of the car a bit since I got mine. I'd budget on more like 200 hours to avoid disapointment.
quote:
Originally posted by smart51
I'm pretty sure I spent a lot more than 100 hours on mine. That said, manual filing was slow plus Marc has changed the design of the car a bit since I got mine. I'd budget on more like 200 hours to avoid disapointment.
quote:
Originally posted by G.Man
quote:
Originally posted by smart51
I'm pretty sure I spent a lot more than 100 hours on mine. That said, manual filing was slow plus Marc has changed the design of the car a bit since I got mine. I'd budget on more like 200 hours to avoid disapointment.
Average build time for most makes is 110 hrs, I think you do a dis-service to MNR quoting them at 200 hrs...
A westfield can be built in a weekend by 2 people, but is the pinacle of simplicity and you pay for it... I think the MNR is easily built in 100 hrs if you prepare and have a few basic power tools, dremmel etc...
That is a fair point actually...
My problems were not mechanical, they were around fitment...
The change to round tube gave some issues that previously were not highlighted, some numpty made my rear wishbones incorrectly, my panel fit isnt as
good as they are now, or were when they used square tube, and lastly the powder coating... its unbelievable how difficult that stuff is to clean
off... with a file I would have cried!
But to be honest, the car goes together pretty quickly if you work on it constantly and have the parts available (another issue is waiting on
deliveries so you can get jobs done in the right order)
quote:
Originally posted by G.Man
lastly the powder coating... its unbelievable how difficult that stuff is to clean off... with a file I would have cried!