Hello everyone.
Well after a few years of bikes I have decided to sell my two bikes and join the world of seven style kit cars! So first stop is join this forum! This has always been an itch ive had and after looking into it a bit more I have decided to do it. Only problem is there are so many options! Firstly I was thinking on buying a kit and build from scratch but now dont think this is the best idea as I wouldnt have the time to spend to get one built up within a year or so. Unless it was a caterham wich is well out my budget!!

I think buying one already built would be the best option as I can change things if I want or just drive it! I was originally wanting a BEC but I have went off that idea and a good solid car engine seems best idea for realibility. Mk indys were my first choice but now I am thinking more down the lines of a second hand tiger R6 with zetec engine. I would be using it on road for short runs but with the hope of getting it on track at some point aswell. So racey(ish) setup but not full on race car. The tiger R6 seems to be good quality for price and fits what I'm looking for it to do. Any advice would be greatly appriciated. Cheers.

First of all welcome.

My advice would be get to a few shows/meetings/track days and blag a few rides in anything that takes your fancy then take it from there, I'm not going to big up any particular make or engine, that's a choice for you to make.

Where are you ?

Short notice but there's a event at Blyton on Thursday with lots of guys who post on here attending, passenger rides would be forthcoming all day and you would be made most welcome.

Welcome on board as well.

I think you have the right strategy for the current climate, buy built and then fettle, the amount of fettling is up to you from just tidying up aesthetics through to full mechanical refurb and engine swap.

When buying used it is all down the the competency of the builder so look for neat lines of rivets (shows care and planning) neat brake pipework and fuel lines, good panel gaps and a well trimmed cockpit. Also look at the spec as changing some can be more expensive than buying it already on the car.

So, my chioce of car would be the Sylva/Raw Striker and for a budget around £5-7k shoud get you a good Zetec but more preferable is the Toyota 20v twink or the Zetec SE, both suit this small car very well. I'd look for a long 1st type 9 gearbox if at all possible, 3.62 or 3.9 diff (3.38 is pretty long) with LSD if you can get it but not essential, a few engine tweeks (TB's and ECU is the ultimate but bike carbs is also worth a look) and a decent set of brakes/wheels/tyres.

The Striker chassis is probably the best out there and has proved so in many race series, there have been loads sold as the chassis is pretty similar to the Fury, Stylus and Phoenix and I would buy one over most other sevenalikes.

Here's is one that pretty much ticks all the boxes for me - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/kit-cars/raw/raw------2005/2369460

All my own opionion and as has already been said, get out there, look at a few, drive a few, visit the shows and enjoy both the hunt and the driving once bought. All the very best in your search.

Some good advice above.

I would only add that new 2.0 Zetec crate engines can be had for £850 if you choose to go the Ford route for the powerplant.

Thanks for the advice. Im in west of Scotland. Yeh im going to try to get to some track days to have a look at whats about. Just need to get these bikes sold first!!

Post you location in your profile. You may find a BEC owner near you who would give you a ride!