Hi guys, im new to the forum (just stating the obvious).

Basically looking to build a seven next year, 2009. Once iv finished saving for the kit.

I have been very taken with the MK Indy R, it looks fantastic, the chassis seems, good, has in board suspension etc. And not only that but it seems extremely good bang for buck. I saw one at crail and it was rapid up the strip with a fazer engine.

However, just finished watching the ultimate kit car DVD - Lotus seven replicas. I cant help thinking that the Indy seemed a bit shunned away to the back of the pack. It didn't seem to set a very quick time round the track and all was said was it had a nice chassis....

The Dax rush seemed to be streaks ahead of it but double the price. Bill Sollis just raved on about it.

My problem is, should i build an mk indy with a gsx-r 1000 engine (my planned engine) or save more and buy a Dax? Is it that much better for probably double the price. I mean it would take more saving and more time obviously.

Any help and guidance would be much appreciated.

James

[Edited on 17/12/08 by hammoj28]

Welcome to the forum

I'd go for the Indy if the difference is as much as you say. Are you sure it is, have you added up ALL the costs?

John

It could well be double - but if you are going to compare - make sure you compare like with like..... Never driven an MK - but lots of people rate them. Might be worth looking on www.rushowners.co.uk lots of us Dax owners over there....

Chris

It really depends how extreme you go with the build, i mean all my past projects have cost me more than i have planned.lol Its expected now. You get carried away.

Im just taking off the DVD, it was reckoned that spec Indy could have been built for around 5k and the Dax was probably about 12k. From what iv calculated so far im well over 6k for the Indy. Not looked into the Dax too much.

Look at http://www.mnrltd.co.uk/

Expensive cars, dax tend to have expensive engines and suspension which make them faster.

I bet if you swapped all the goodies over to an MNR or MK or scratch build and took a lot of care over the setup the only advantage in terms of performance would be the driver.

I was at Lydden earlier this year, wizzing past everything except for a crossflow locost that had been setup well. On paper my BEC should have left it for dead, he was quicker on the bends, seemed as fast on the straight.

My Christmas plans are now wider wishbones at the front and rose joints all around, already lowered and toughened the suspension which has improved things.

I would save on the kit and invest in the bits to make it as fast as possible, that includes all the free tuition you can get at track days !!! You will be the slowest part of the equation.

Regards Mark


[Edited on 17/12/08 by mark chandler]

quote:

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Originally posted by hammoj28
You get carried away.

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I have a spec R zx10 indy and a dax rush

both good cars just depends on budet,

camber comp chassis is much more but it is a great car,

having said that the indy r is a great handling car compared to the blackbird car on the video which is a std chassis running crap tyres in the damp aswell not going to set the worl on fire,

the zx12r dax is a friend of mines car was running khomo tyres soft compound and the 12 engine pushing atleast 20bhp on the indy,

but you pay your money and make your choice, budget will be the main factor hear, both great fun cars what ever you choose,

Ok, after seeing what you guys are saying so far im swaying to wards a well set up and carefully built Indy R. Especially since a pinto engine'd dax can cost 12k.

Is the Indy R chassis a lot better? Whats been changed?

I take it a camber compensation kit could be fitted to an Indy eventually?

The only thing that worries me is weight. Is the Indy quite a light chassis?

Iv been looking at powerplants such as GSX-R or even Busa depending. so i dont think power will be too much of a problem.

mcerd1, im based up in Aberdeenshire.

Welcome to the forum.

I love it when people post in a certain section and ask if the cars are any good


You will rarely find 2 sevens the same or similar enough to be compared objectively. Thats part of the fun in selecting your kit. In the MK type price range you have a few good ones to look at so enjoy it. They are all decent cars, pros and cons for all.

James,

You have a U2U (top, middle of your screen!).

quote:

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Originally posted by chris mason

I have my own opinion on what 7 i'd go for if i was to build one again and it's not been mentioned so far

Chris

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welderman - cant see a message from you?

quote:

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Originally posted by hammoj28
Especially since a pinto engine'd dax can cost 12k.

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I built a Budget version of the Dax Rush MC.
Completed 2003.
Still cost 10K
Lucky 2 years of good pay and wife working and no kids (DINKS).

Don't for get Se7en's don't loose money like Tin Tops.
For example in 2003 I paid 11K for a Subaru 2.5 Outback.
Now worth 2K ish.
Dax rush, at worst would be 3 times this now.

I used a cheap engine option. Suzuki RF900.
quick to 60mph then it's all over.
I suspect mine is one of the slowest BEC 7's types out there, yet still <5 second to 60.

Just Can't get the RF900 to give any decent power over 8K Rpm.

For a Top Dax Rush Model.
Add 3K for a Hayabusa.
Add 3K for Turbo.
Add (I think 2K) for the optional CC&AR chassis

Then you have an awsome Car.
Just look at Duncan Cowpers.

There are many 7's out there that I think match the many Rush's but It is mostly down to the builder and his budget.

If I was to build another Se7en I would go for a locost sytle, unless I won the lotto, the n I would go for a Dax Rush MC CC&AR.


As for Engine's.

Thanks to Malc (top bloke) at Yorkshire Engine's, I just recieved my ZX12R
That shoud get it going better.

He recomended for me a ZX12R or a late R1

Both have equal power. ZX12R has more low down power.

Speak to him for your engine options, as he comes highly recomened (on this forum).

Martin

Ive tended to notice more MK's doing tracjk days than the Dax ? I think the lates one is going to be Bussa powered and is due to be tested shortly. Phone MK they will always take you out in one

If you've already had a good look around and narrowed it down to the Indy R or Dax, then I'd go for the Indy Spec R. I've never actually driven the Spec R but having been on trackdays along with a few Type R's, they do handle much better than the old Indy chassis.

Have you considered a Westfield?

Phil

quote:

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Originally posted by mcerd1

quote:

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Originally posted by hammoj28
Especially since a pinto engine'd dax can cost 12k.

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it can cost that - but it can cost much less or much more (sorry that wasn't helpful )

If you've know roughly what you want try and do a complete list of all the bits and costs (kits, engine, donor, recon, lights, gauges, trim..........)
and bare in mind that dax can sell you nearly all the bits - but there are lots you can get cheaper elsewhere


camber compensation is only on the dax's (I think they still have a patent), but it involves a totaly different whishbone setup (and chassis to suit) - its not something that can easily be added later, even on a dax !


to be honest it sounds like you need to see some cars in the flesh - factoty visit (down south mostly) / shows (next year) or maybe you could try and meet up with some of the folk up your way that are on this site ?

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quote:

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Originally posted by rf900rush
I built a Budget version of the Dax Rush MC.
Completed 2003.
Still cost 10K
Lucky 2 years of good pay and wife working and no kids (DINKS).

Don't for get Se7en's don't loose money like Tin Tops.
For example in 2003 I paid 11K for a Subaru 2.5 Outback.
Now worth 2K ish.
Dax rush, at worst would be 3 times this now.

I used a cheap engine option. Suzuki RF900.
quick to 60mph then it's all over.
I suspect mine is one of the slowest BEC 7's types out there, yet still <5 second to 60.

Just Can't get the RF900 to give any decent power over 8K Rpm.

For a Top Dax Rush Model.
Add 3K for a Hayabusa.
Add 3K for Turbo.
Add (I think 2K) for the optional CC&AR chassis

Then you have an awsome Car.
Just look at Duncan Cowpers.

There are many 7's out there that I think match the many Rush's but It is mostly down to the builder and his budget.

If I was to build another Se7en I would go for a locost sytle, unless I won the lotto, the n I would go for a Dax Rush MC CC&AR.


As for Engine's.

Thanks to Malc (top bloke) at Yorkshire Engine's, I just recieved my ZX12R
That shoud get it going better.

He recomended for me a ZX12R or a late R1

Both have equal power. ZX12R has more low down power.

Speak to him for your engine options, as he comes highly recomened (on this forum).

Martin

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quote:

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Originally posted by Hellfire
If you've already had a good look around and narrowed it down to the Indy R or Dax, then I'd go for the Indy Spec R. I've never actually driven the Spec R but having been on trackdays along with a few Type R's, they do handle much better than the old Indy chassis.

Have you considered a Westfield?

Phil

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LA Gold MNR Caterham Westfield are all supposed to be good for track. Hearsay, admittedly.

quote:

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Originally posted by RK
LA Gold MNR Caterham Westfield are all supposed to be good for track. Hearsay, admittedly.

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i bought a second hand one, so cant comment on the building side of things, all i can offer is the dax is much better looking (seems like a hot rod seven with its wide wheels?) and to go for the best engine you can.

If you go for the cheaper engine option you will be changing it after 12 months when you get used to the power of the lesser unit.

You will enjoy both cars, and any engine. But you will spend more in the long term if you dont go for it at the start.

i also think you need to visit a show where you can look around both cars. Then try and get a ride in each.

quote:

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Originally posted by hammoj28
Yeah, thing is i dont know much people up here with them. Will see what happens.

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quote:

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Originally posted by hammoj28

I like westy's but im assuming they are quite expensive?

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Don't forget to factor in the cost of a reverse box which you will probably need next year to meet the new IVA requirements.

Yeah, i was looking at the reverse boxes from dmeon tweeks that goes inline with the prop. Nice bit of kit, not cheap but prob worth it.

Neil, I see your from my area.

Yes i am local. Have dropped you a U2U with details.

I have an '05 build Indy (non-R chassis) using an '893 'blade which I bought for a bit of a laugh, and to cart around bike parts. My brother in law is just about finished a square-tube, non-CCC Rush with an '03 R1 engine.

Having been under my MK with a tub of Halfords waxoyl ( ) and having seen the Dax coming along from a bare chassis, I don't think there's anything really in it as far as build quality of the basic chassis is concerned. Having ridden in the Dax demo cars and seen the Dax and the Indy side by side, the Dax seems to have more room in the cabin, which may make a difference if you're tallish (like me) or widish. Or just like a bit of elbow room! Otherwise, I'd save the money and go with the MK. I'm not partisan, it's just that it's cheaper and they have a good reputation. I have to say that I really like the side intrusion bars on the Rush though - not sure if that's an option with the new MK chassis? Get them if it is.

Don't know what your experience level with this type of car is, but I would definitely go for the highest spec Indy chassis if you're going to go that route. Mine is considerably more lively than any road car I've driven. As in, potentially very scary. If you saw that Caterham locking up the front and going sideways everywhere on Top Gear, you probably have some idea.

I'd also recommend going for a cheap, higher capacity engine to start with rather than something as powerful as a GSX-R thou. ZZR, 'bird or even an old CBR thou mill would work. You can always trade up later. Definitely don't pay a premium for hay abusa power at this point, unless you're trying to build a race car. There are no practicality benefits really to big, high-output engines - even my '893, which is about as feeble as BEC powerplants get, has more flexibility than my wife's 182 Cup once it's rolling. You can use 3rd from about walking pace, for example.

Oh, and mine with bolt-on shafts, sierra brakes, plastic bodywork and no reverse box is ~500kg kerb weight.

quote:

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Originally posted by hammoj28
Hi guys, im new to the forum (just stating the obvious).

Basically looking to build a seven next year, 2009. Once iv finished saving for the kit.

I have been very taken with the MK Indy R, it looks fantastic, the chassis seems, good, has in board suspension etc. And not only that but it seems extremely good bang for buck. I saw one at crail and it was rapid up the strip with a fazer engine.

However, just finished watching the ultimate kit car DVD - Lotus seven replicas. I cant help thinking that the Indy seemed a bit shunned away to the back of the pack. It didn't seem to set a very quick time round the track and all was said was it had a nice chassis....

The Dax rush seemed to be streaks ahead of it but double the price. Bill Sollis just raved on about it.

My problem is, should i build an mk indy with a gsx-r 1000 engine (my planned engine) or save more and buy a Dax? Is it that much better for probably double the price. I mean it would take more saving and more time obviously.

Any help and guidance would be much appreciated.

James

[Edited on 17/12/08 by hammoj28]

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Hi everyone

First post to this site and I too am looking into a 7 style kit.

I have a similar predicament in choosing a kit, being my first kit I would like to build can, anyone recommend one from an ease of build angle.

I would be great to start with something easy and modify it later.

After purchasing than annual kit car review, the MNR looks fantastic, the chassis looks leaps beyond the competition (obviously I cannot afford a caterham). Bike engined too, at least that will help me get over the fact that I should not have a bike again (now I am a dad).

Any advice welcome, when is the next show so I can go and have a look.
Cheers
Joe