Been lurking for a while, joined up a while ago, but don't think I have posted yet. Hello.

As per the title, I am vaguely considering a Locost build, probably starting Christmas '08 (Depends how the Imp restoration and Rover v8-S projects go).

1- I am quite tall. Is there anyone in the Bristol area (or Herts area over Christmas/Easter/Summer Uni holidays) that has a standard book car (Chassis-wise at least) that would be willing to let me sit in it- to see if I fit? I would like to build the smallest chassis possible to save weight.

2- engine. I will probably be building using a Sierra donor. Trouble is, after driving an Imp for 2 years, I like engines wot rev- the Imp easily does 7000 in the lower gears. Perhaps a 1.4 K-series? What else revs freely, and is cheap? Also, is it possible to make an adaptor for the K series to the ford 'box, rather than hand over a huge lmp of hard-earned to C******m? I will be 21 when starting the build, so insurance will still be a consideration. I would rather not have a BEC- too expensive for a penniless student.

3- Rear Suspension. On ebay at the moment, there is a chassis that has the sierra rear beam, to take the standard sierra IRS. This chassis was boughtfrom somewhere. How well might it work?

4- Can I do it under £250? Only kidding. I will do it as cheaply as possible, though.

5-Original Champion car or Haynes Roadster? Roadster is bigger+heavier, but easier to get bits for, yes? For handling, which is better?

6-silly Q- has anyone done a Locost with Porsche 924 running gear?

SVAd for the 2012 olympics? Maybe.

James

Go for it. You'll have lot's of fun. Just don't imagine u'll have a roadgoing car in six months. It can be done but most people take several years. All i've done really in two years is buy piles of bits but then again I had to buy a bigger house with a garage to put it all in. That was the hard part. Great bunch of guys on here if u meet them at some of the shows. Also they're more than happy to take u for a drive and scare u witless.
If i was starting from scratch now I'd build the haynes roadster probably with a zetec and irs. Then again I've got a book chassis and 1300gt crossflow and live axle when i get started. I've been for a spin in a similar spec car and was amazed at how fast it is. Also i'm 6'2" and could fit it ok. Very go-cartish. Never felt g-forces round corners like that in much faster cars. Also been for a spin in a Robin Hood with irs and 2.1 tuned pinto engine. Incredible acceleration but bigger all round. More comfortable and civilised but perhaps not as much fun. A bike engine is out for me cos of expense of fitting a reverse which i would have to have. Frantic fun but think i'm too old. Would like the paddle gearchange and six gears though. Your choice really depends on how you envisage yourself using it.
I wouldn't go for a k-series cos u need an adaptor plate for the gearbox. For the price of one of these u could get several spare Ford engines. Also they're renowed for head-gasket failure. I drive a 1.8 mondeo everday and when it bites the rust i'm gonna put the engine in the locost, but for now i'll stick with the crossflow cos it's easier to fit. It's not exactly slow in a mondeo so in a locost it should be a little rocket. Also changing the cams to ones from a 2 litre zetec gives u lots more power. So cheap tuning is there for the future. Also much revvier than a crossflow.
The insurance worried me which is why i originally planned a 1300. In fact it doesn't make that much difference and is really cheap from the specialist companies anyway. Then again i'm twice ur age. Get some quotes before u decide what engine. But go to a specialist company and tell them ur car is finished.
Whichever seven design u pick they're all a real hoot compared to a tin top so go for whatever is easiest to get the bits for.
Cortina uprights and escort live axles are difficult to find now but i've already got mine so i'll stick to the old book. Starting now i think u'll find it easier to go sierra based.
Anyway hope this helps.
Cheers Bruce.

Just forget anything cheap. It doesn't happen. People are lying when they say they did it for cheap - they're not counting all the little bolts and do dads that we all need.

It has cost me way way more than I thought it would, and I will not be able to do it alone. This is a great resource, and people are very positive. I have needed to farm out a lot of stuff, and I'm nowhere near seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I honestly would not do it again, but I can't sell up because nobody would give me anything near the L8,000.00 that I've put in ($16,000 cdn dollars without tools - and I'm not including work for electrics, body work and engine management, exhaust, seat belts, dash board and more stuff I can't think of right now because my head hurts thinking of all the crap I have in the garage taking up space). Think twice or three times before committing to this. Seriously.

Bike engined don't have to cost £000's.
You can pick up Fireblade kits now for around £500 mark, and it will still tick all your boxes.

quote:

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Originally posted by RK
Just forget anything cheap. It doesn't happen. People are lying when they say they did it for cheap - they're not counting all the little bolts and do dads that we all need.

It has cost me way way more than I thought it would, and I will not be able to do it alone. This is a great resource, and people are very positive. I have needed to farm out a lot of stuff, and I'm nowhere near seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I honestly would not do it again, but I can't sell up because nobody would give me anything near the L8,000.00 that I've put in ($16,000 cdn dollars without tools - and I'm not including work for electrics, body work and engine management, exhaust, seat belts, dash board and more stuff I can't think of right now because my head hurts thinking of all the crap I have in the garage taking up space). Think twice or three times before committing to this. Seriously.

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Click me!

Sierra based and big guys (upto 6' 6" fit.

Ideal!

cheers

Chris

Thanks for your replies.

Yep- Buying a part-build chassis had occured to me. I am well aware that things take longer than anticipated and cost more than planned- the joys of classic motoring. I don't expect to do it mega-cheap, but would £1500 seem a reasonable (perhaps a bit low) estimate? Being at Uni I will be able to spend a fair amount of time on it during Holidays.

I think I will have to buy the books.

James

Dangle has a point. I'm far away from most of the resources, although I have met some very nice helpful, knowledgable guys 2 1/2 hours away from me. I am not a mechanic, going it alone, and that has really hurt me, because I don't know what I'm doing 90% of the time.

Please consider a Westfield or something that has a lot of stuff included. You will save money in the long run, and actually have a car to drive, unlike the MAJORITY of Locosts out there. 1500 sterling? - even over there - not a chance, dude, if you want it to look like anything when you're done. Find Flak Monkey on here. He did it at Uni, but he spent a good lot more than that, I would bet my house on it!

And Dangle: I still want it, but I don't want it sold from under me if you get an offer before you get my payment, if you know what I mean. Probably easier for me to just book a flight to Liverpool, stop in to see the long lost relatives in Blackpool, and pick it up in person.

ps. Start with ChrisG's book and the others. They are good reads, but optimistically simple looking. Things are way, way, way, way more complicated than they appear in the books.

[Edited on 29/10/07 by RK]

James,

Do it all yourself! You will save a lot of money, gain loads of experience and know your car inside out.

If you take out the insurance/rfl and SVA costs, mine amounted to about £2400.

ATB

Simon

Yeah James, just go for it. Misery loves company.