Hello ladies and gents

I am looking to start a new project with a couple of friends and have done some research on various kit manufacturers and were hoping to gain some advice from men, and possibly ladies, with some experience.

We are looking at a couple of kits and are currently leaning towards the Stuart Taylor locoblade. Can anyone recommend this kit or any alternatives which you believe might be better?

In addition, we're still undecided between opting for a Zetec engine or a Toyota 16v type, again what are your thoughts?

Please bear in mind that this will be our first project and whilst we have some knowledge it is limited; any advice would be most welcome.

Thanks

Coz

My advise would be before you buy, - go along to see and chat with

MK at Langold near Blyth.
http://www.mksportscars.co.uk/

and MAC#1 in Sheffield
http://www.mac1motorsports.co.uk

IMO both are good value and better that the Stuart Taylor Locoblade... - but everyone is entitled to their own opinion etc

Regards, Mark.

Zetec engines have a larger capacity and so can generate more power. They also fit directly (more or less) to Ford RWD gearboxes. They tend to be quite new and so need a catalytic converter for SVA.

Toyota 4AGE engines can be a bit older and so don't need a cat. They are only 1600 cc and although very good cant be tuned up quite as far. They are light weight but need a relatively expensive bell housing to connect to a type 9 box.

I am building an MNR VortX and can recommend it. The MK indy would have been my second choice. Go to a kit car show or visit the manufacturers. Looking at the cars in the flesh helped me make up my mind.

You could also consider a bike engine. It can be cheaper than a Zetec or 4AGE as a whole installation, is very light and is VERY fast. Reverse is an expensive option though.

Im building a leugo locost. Although its very good and im pleased with it i think if i was to build another one i would do a MK Indy. Having looked at all the manufacturers although stuart taylor are good for value etc they are middle on my list. ( say he who spent a fortune on a Luego).

I agree with what Smart51 says also. Theres plenty of pre 95 silver top zetecs about cheap which dont need a cat for sva and will bolt straight to ford rwd boxes and run on carbs nicely.

Mac#1 ZR. My build is going well and the help / support / advice from Mac#1 is fantastic.

Have a look at our build/rebuild diary and see how easy the MK goes together.

Location is also a very important aspect... it's much easier if they are based just down the road instead of the other end of the country. You have to understand that we are biased - but the MK Indy is by far the best 7 type car on the road. MK Sportcars have built up a small community of MK'ers around them. It's not just a car, it's a way of life!

[Edited on 30-6-05 by Hellfire]

We all have our positive experiences on here to share so the question you have asked will net you as many replies as there are kits. Id strongly recommend going to shows, talk to builders, short list and visit the manufacturers. Depending on your automotive experience id guess you will need some help from time to time so aftersales is valuable. some manufacturers even offer a free pre-SVA check. Visitting the manufacturers will give you a better idea. I shortlisted MNR, Mk and Mac#1 - im biassed on who id finally recommend so wont say any more but go and talk to them and make your mind up. I didnt talk to ST, GTS, Tiger etc so cant comment on them.

Another bit of advice i was given - have a look in the back of the kit car mags (dont buy them, just look next time your at Smiths!), the same names pop up time and again as unfinished projects. You decide why that is. There are other manufacturers that you never see in the classifieds - those owners just dont want to sell unless they are pressured for other reasons. My uncle is building a RH, i decided not to - eg its also worth talking to the builders of your chosen kits. U2U or email to members on here will get you honest replies.

I haved only dealt with viento and tiger, both were very helpfull, even though I am not building either of their cars. Tiger have been particularly helpful on the engineering, designing and custom build front. And all just to be helpfull.

I haved only dealt with viento and tiger, both were very helpfull, even though I am not building either of their cars. Tiger have been particularly helpful on the engineering, designing and custom build front. And all just to be helpfull.

thanks for the help.

I thought I may get a number of differing opinions but was keen to see what people had to say. I think the best thing, as advised is to visit the manufacturers and get a feel for the company, and of course, to see the kit in person and to make a decision based on what i see. Howefver many of you seem to like the MK and having looked at your cars I can see why!


Cheers for your time fellas

Coz