Right then folks, I'm fed-up of trying to decide on my own.

I'm very close to buying my kit and already have most of the parts for either.

However, I cannot decide on which to go for. I'm looking for a track-only car (with the potential to road register if I feel like it at a later date.) I'd also like to get involved in Sprinting.

I've moved from wanting a GTS and have narrowed it down to a Vortx RT+ or the new, lower Striker TR. Either one will be 5JJ R1 powered.

So, what to go for?

The way I see it at the moment:
Striker
+ Very close to home
++ Proven race winner over two decades
+ Fits into single garage better for build
-- Relatively fiddly to build - no return lips on bodywork, more fabrication required
- Probably £350 more expensive

Vortx RT+
++ Ease of build e.g 6 riverts for body!
+ Probably £350 cheaper
? Good on paper. but has anyone actually raced one yet?
- Ooooop North - miles away!
+ Smooth looks

Your thoughts appreciated!

[Edited on 15/8/06 by TimC]

Striker if it were me.....which it isn't!

Striker - proved on track etc....

I'd still say MAC#1 - love their chassis design and ease of build!

Have you discounted them already?

Are you actually racing it? If not, then what it does on a track really shouldn't have much bearing on the decision - as comparing a dedicated track car to a street car is like comparing Apples to Pears - doesn't quite add-up!

[Edited on 15/8/06 by muzchap]

quote:

---

Originally posted by muzchap
I'd still say MAC#1 - love their chassis design and ease of build!

Have you discounted them already?

---

LOL in that case

Striker

Mighty fine looking car...

Blimey, this is a bit one sided!

mmm tricky one that - both very good cars

Both are made by people with track experience/expertise

both have inboard front suspension etc etc

The finish on the MNR probably has the edge over the striker

There is more room in a MNR - how big are you?

Which one do you like best?

I would'nt worry about MNR being some distance from you - their customer service is excellent

Cheers

Mark

If it was me i think id definatly go for the MNR. The iv spoke to the owners at a couple of shows and they are very helpful and they really know what they are doing.
I think we will be seing a lot more races won by MNRs in the near future. Plus the quality is top notch.

Haven't driven either, but from an aesthetic perspective I personally prefer the MNR. Also an easier build means you'll be on the track/road quicker (if that's a factor). £350 price differencde in the overall scheme of things is not worth worrying about in my view either.

End of the day tho' you have to build it and live with it so it's still up to you really

If you are planning to race it then the MNR back up and support is certainly worth a consideration. Marc is good when it comes to technical race stuff!

I have been in a Striker with a Bandit engine and I would say there is not alot in it with the MNR.

Considering mine weighed in at 460-470Kg with cat, lights, full fuel tank, sierra uprights and loads of other non essential items then you should be able to get very close to 400KG for a race car which will make a substantial performance difference.

Steve

Would be difficult not to be biased here as I'm building the RT+

I wouldn't worry about the distance between you and MNR. I'm in Andover and whilst at times it would have been nice to be able to pop in and see them I haven't needed to.

Their technical expertise and response to questions is fantastic.
Any issues with faults/me losing bits/ or missing bits have been dealt with quickly and very proffesionally by Chris.

The major issue that I've found is Marc doesn't stop developing!

The build manual has to be used more as a guide as he is constantly evolving the chassis to resolve issues and improve it's design.

I've also used the 5PW lump which has caused me some issues as the majority of their knowledge is with the 5JJ.

If you want any more information then get in touch and I'll be more than happy to help and if you're ever this side of the border and want to see one in the flesh being built then let me know as I'm a damn site closer to you than MNR are

go for the striker.......proven for track and sprinting.
not sure about the MNR as it hasnt been around as long.
the MNR looks nicer though.

Striker and check out the new Scuttle
Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carl

[Edited on 15/8/06 by carlgeldard]

The answer is easy.
Go to snetterton on 28th August.
(http://www.totalkitcar.com/tkc_article_1191.php)

Go out in both cars, make sure you fit in the striker comfortably, talk to both manufacturers. Then make up you own mind If you still can't just toss a coin, either will do the job.

I went through exactly the same reasoning as you.
I decided on the MNR because of cost, and going out with Marc at Brands in the Tango R1 Car.
That put a smile on my face.
No regrets, the builds been relatively simple, although you will need some good basic Engineering common sense.
I'm using the 5JJ as well (as are several others), so there is plenty of knowledge around.
I built it in a single garage (although the body spent the winter in the garden under a cover).
Support has been good from MNR.
So guess what I'd recommend.

Steve

Hi

Well i'm biased as already hillclimb & sprint a Striker and i'm very happy with it indeed its been very competitive everywhere I've been with it... Much more competetive than me most of the time...

But can't comment on which is best as not driven the other one.

But a couple of observations which might be handy:-

1) There's lots of Strikers about and I personally found it invaluable being able to ask existing owners re set-up's etc, and it makes the events a good laugh too!

2) I would have a hard think about the BEC route, especially if going to road register it. BEC's in most (but not quite all) speed events end up in Modified Production or Sports Libre classes, both are for out and out track cars - big horsepower & slicks territory.
Car derived engined 7's, and the like, can run in Road Modified Specialist Production, so road legal cars, normal tyres etc. Which if you're looking for something where you can drive the car to the gig and have a fun competetive days motorsport may be worth taking into consideration?

When I was looking at different kits 2 years ago, the MNR was clearly the best (at the Stafford show). I admit to not seeing a striker. Things may have changed in two years, including the MNR which has an improved chassis over mine, which was improved over the original.

MNR not being near me wasn't a real problem as they posted bits and pieces to me. They even delivered the kit into the garrage.

I really think Ian has the most simple answer! To go out in them at Snetterton!

Plus phone them both up and ask as many questions as possible and try to see them both in the flesh. MNR really have been good on the customer service front and Marc will talk all day about technical issues, being an ex BTCC driver.

Again the easiest answer is to try them both out on the track, as that's where it'll be most of the time by the sounds of it...

I'm obviously biased but VortX vote for me.

Chris.

I built my first kit car in 1995, it being a Sylva Striker, used it for 9 years, although not as much as I would have liked and have now sold it on. I am in the process of choosing another car to build at the moment. Although the car has changed hands and been developed a lot now it wont be another Striker.

The reasons are complicated but in short the Striker is a very small car that was just a liitle too small for me (5'11" I put up with that because the handling and drivability of the car were absolutley superb. I could not fault it in any way. The balance and feel on the road was superb, and cornering was second to none. It is in truth a very capable track car with very little creature comforts for the road. Its a racer first, road car second. Thsi time I want a heater and a radio......

I built the car in under 9 months so the drawbacks mentioned above can be overcome.

My preference at the moment is the MNR as I like the quality of the chassis and the 'complete' service that is offered by the manufacturer. However I also like the Mac#1 for the same reasons. Great guys down there in Sheffield.

The only way to know is to drive them both. There are demonstrators available for all these cars and people who have built them to get a drive off. Its the only way.

Alan Winter has my Striker now with ZX9 power down in Liecester.

Steve

[Edited on 17/8/06 by coozer]

don't build or drove them.

But I would buy the MNR.

The striker doesn't have the looks for me.

Vortx RT+ all the way for me

really like marc, has been very helpful but between the two i'd personally have the striker.

Ned.

I think Marc is a top guy and I prefer the looks of the MNR.

The Striker has a good pedigree but the MNR has promise.

Spiresportscars GT-R