jawskk
|
 posted on 13/11/12 at 05:42 PM |
|
|
Young driver
Hi Everyone,
Im just appearing on this forum to ask about Locost and whether what i was told was correct. Im currently 16 and have a brother who is the same age.
We are always looking for first cars and in particular sports cars. Im currently looking at doing an engineering degree to go into Motorsport
engineering and was looking for a small project that will eventually be shared between my brother and I. I will list the questions below to make it
easier...
1.) Would buying a rolling chassis Locost 7 of Ebay, then adding a 1.4L engine and repaint be the best idea for a newbie? And what price would i be
looking to spend?
2.) whats insurance like for first car? I was reading a thread on piston heads and it said that its cheap, but will depend on what engine you add. I
will list the thread below as it might be a good read for some people? We were thinking of either adding a small 1.2 or 1.4 engine, or even a modded
Yamaha r1 or x9r motorbike engine? Has anyone done this? And what performance do you get out of it?
3.) Do people use these all year round? We do have the option of getting to the places we want to go in the winter, but if possible we would like to
drive it all year round.
4.) From start to finish and insured and taxed, what would a realistic price be?
Thank you!
Kind regards
Jawskk
heres the piston head thread..... : http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=502796
|
|
|
|
|
eddie99
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 05:51 PM |
|
|
Hi,
I was in your position 5 or so years ago.... Am now just finishing at Coventry Uni doing Motorsport Engineering...
I'd say, pick an engine route that has been done before, putting in a different engine costs more in terms of money and time.
Insurance - Stay away from bike engines, wont get insured on a BEC till at least 21, more like 25.
I was insured at 18/19 for a grand on a 61 plate Panther with a 1.8 zetec. 130bhp
No, i barely use mine at all, never mind in the winter. I said i would use it lots and then went out a couple of times in the rain at rush hour and
its no fun. However fit a windscreen/roof and doors, then it'll definitely be more useable.
If you get a part built kit off ebay cheap, then you can probably build one from 3k upwards. As long as you dont mind shopping around and getting
cheap bits.
Good Luck.
http://www.elitemotorsporteng.co.uk/
Twitter: @Elitemotoreng
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elite-Motorsport-Engineering/153409081394323
|
NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
|
computid
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:04 PM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by jawskk
1.) Would buying a rolling chassis Locost 7 of Ebay, then adding a 1.4L engine and repaint be the best idea for a newbie? And what price would i be
looking to spend?
You can buy some good rolling projects, but be careful because there are some right cowboys out there. Ask yourself why they're selling it. If
the reason is genuine and it looks like a good build then go for it.
quote:
Originally posted by jawskk
2.) whats insurance like for first car? I was reading a thread on piston heads and it said that its cheap, but will depend on what engine you add. I
will list the thread below as it might be a good read for some people? We were thinking of either adding a small 1.2 or 1.4 engine, or even a modded
Yamaha r1 or x9r motorbike engine? Has anyone done this? And what performance do you get out of it?
Hmm, tough to say on how much its going to cost you. It all depends on what area you live in, where your going to keep the car (most policies specify
garage only), how many miles your going to do etc. You won't get insured on a bike engine car for less then about 7k until your at least 21 (not
that I imagine you'll have it finished by then!). There was a fellow on here that did it a few years ago but the price goes up and up all the
time. If I were you I'd be thinking about a 1.6 CVH or similar, they're cheap enough to insure on kit car insurance and punchy enough to
have a lot of fun with. You probably won't be able to find insurance for a car with a 2.0L pinto or similar, 1.8 is probably pushing it. You
could fit a 1.2 or a 1.4 engine, I know a lot of people have had good results from 1.4's but to me they always seem a little underpowered.
The other thing to consider is do you really want a bike engined car for your first car? They're significantly more difficult to drive and get
used to then a CEC. I like BEC's but I don't think that its a good idea for your first car.
quote:
Originally posted by jawskk
3.) Do people use these all year round? We do have the option of getting to the places we want to go in the winter, but if possible we would like to
drive it all year round.
Pah! Yes, I've used a kit car in the winter. No, I wouldn't do it again. I'd much rather ride my motorbike through winter again then
use one of the kits. You get wet, cold and quite uncomfortable. Imagine driving down the motorway in the middle of december in the pouring rain with
crappy windscreen wipers on a seven screen, water dripping on your head from the soft top and the bitterly cold wind coming in from the side screens
freezing your hands.
So yes, you can use them all year round but I really really wouldn't want to do it again, and mine was a fibreglass kit car with doors and all!
Not fun IMO.
If you want an all year round kit car there are a few about, Jago's and the like, but they still have their downfalls over a tin top. I guess
its all down to what your willing to put up with, and you won't know that until you driving down the motorway getting soaking wet and freezing
cold going "Why did I buy this bloody thing!".
quote:
Originally posted by jawskk
4.) From start to finish and insured and taxed, what would a realistic price be?
Thats nearly impossible to say. It completely depends on what you put into the build. Its nearly always cheaper to buy an already built and
IVA'ed car, but its not nearly half as fun.
[Edited on 13/11/12 by computid]
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:13 PM |
|
|
Thanks alot everyone, some cracking replys!
The motorbike engine thing was just a thought, i thought it would of been cheaper? but clearly not :L I know what you've been saying about its
hard to compare, but i was doing quotes on ordinary cars that were 1.4L and they were coming up as £3,000? Would a 1.8 kit car be less, or the same?
How does this work? :L
We were both considering a roof and top, maybe even one that you have to un-clip etc. just for the rainy days and on the bitter mornings then catch a
lift with someone... so thats not a problem.
The building thing? How much is a locost kit new then? and where can i buy one? Although how long does it take to build a kit? Would a year be an
unrealistic time scale?
Thank you
Jawskk
|
|
|
AndyW
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:27 PM |
|
|
You can easily build it within a year, but it does depend on how much time your willing to put into it and of course how deep are your pockets. Just
remember you can only progress with the build if you have the money for the next parts that need fitting. I would look at an already IVA'd and
registered car, just the IVA test , DVLA registration, tax etc people are saying costs around £1000 so thats alot of extra dosh at the end of the
build, then you find you dont like driving it in winter. Also dont compare to a tintop, these things ride hard, are cold (unless a heater is fitted)
and are probably very tiring as an every day car.
Good luck tho' keep us all updated of what you decide. this place is a wealth of all knowledge.
Edited to say, there may be a cracking locost fairly near to you that might go for the right money, just need to IVA it. Cracking build
[Edited on 13/11/12 by AndyW]
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:33 PM |
|
|
Thanks alot,
As there are 2 of us, we can place in double obviously then when it comes to insuring one will be the insurance holder and then the other will be
named etc.
And thats fine, does that mean the insurance runs differently then? and thats not a problem, we are " tough" lads and don't mind the
cold, being cadets we have had our fair share of night ex's in the snow. But I guess that is something to take into account. But to me, sports
cars and little " go karts" as my dad calls them, is always something I will drive ever since my dad got his z4. Its been something I want
to own, and as soon as possible.
Thanks for the feedback so far, keep it coming! we are enjoying reading every reply!
Thank you
Mike
|
|
|
Hellfire
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:36 PM |
|
|
Bike Engined Cars (BECs) are weighted for insurance purposes and generally cost at least, if not more than car engine equivalents (in terms of power)
Most kitcars are insured on limited mileage policies, which is why they are usually cheaper than ordinary cars. If you do any significant mileage
(more than about 5,000 miles p.a) the insurance costs will increase dramatically.
There are lots of places to buy kits. Do some searching/research on the forum and I'm sure you'll find lots of answers to this particular
question.
A year would be a realistic timescale to build a kit, whether you were building one from scratch, or from a manufacturers kit and can be as cheap or
expensive as you want. It really depends on what you want and how deep your pockets are.
Ultimately these types of cars are for fun. They're not really practical and using one everyday (for me at least) would take the fun out of it.
I'm not trying to dissuade you from buying or building one but have a long, hard think about it before you jump in with both feet......
Phil
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:42 PM |
|
|
Thanks,
That makes sense then, was only planning to run maybe 3000 miles, just commuting from school and back etc.
I will take a look in the classified section shortly, as i have a little bit of cash stowed away, and need to decide what i want to spend it on, so
will look at some prices.
I see what you mean, i guess the only way to find out would be to do it myself, and see whether i enjoy it everyday of the year or not :L
Thanks
|
|
|
Hellfire
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:45 PM |
|
|
It might be worth getting some idea of which kitcar and engine combination you'd like and then get quotes from some of the specialist
insurers........
Also, if you have a little bit of cash stashed away, it might be worth looking into buying a kit with a view to building it over a period of a year or
so. That way you can drip feed the cash as you build it and when you come to insure it, you'll be another year older. 
Phil
[Edited on 13-11-12 by Hellfire]
|
|
|
owelly
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:46 PM |
|
|
Just to throw you a curve ball....how about a non-se7en kit car? You can get hard top ones and they don't attract the same premium as a
'traditional' se7enalike. You'll still get the benefits of a lightweight car and experience building/rebuilding it plus it will be a
better daily driver.
Whatever you buy, if it has a V5, make sure it is titled correctly! Don't buy a Ford Sports, Austin Roadster, Sierra Convertable, etc if the car
you're stood lookig at is a Se7en! Also, buying an older car may come with historic tax status which is free tax. Free for now anyway...
Good luck.
http://www.ppcmag.co.uk
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:47 PM |
|
|
That sounds like a good plan 
Was looking at the locost 7 style, but not sure what engine and what i could get a way with without paying to much on insurances as it will literally
be my first ever car.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:48 PM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by owelly
Just to throw you a curve ball....how about a non-se7en kit car?
Good luck.
Hi, im slightly confused by this? do you have any specific names to cars i could take a look at?
Thank you
Jawskk
|
|
|
jack_t
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:50 PM |
|
|
dont be put off by the bike engine route
i built my car when i was 18 an i got insured on that fully comp for £900
the car cost me about £7.5 k to get on the road but there was extras and was said by many that is was nicely built
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:52 PM |
|
|
Thanks,
£900 is a bargain! what was the setup? and what engine were you using?
|
|
|
jack_t
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 06:57 PM |
|
|
was an mk indy r with a r1 bike engine in
you would best looking for an unfinnished mk or mnr, etc
and put a blade engine in
they are cheap to buy and enough power for a first kitcar or car even
obviously you have got to remember you cant just leave thse cars anywhere you cant drive them in all weathers
and you if you are young and full off confidence you will kill yourself - kitcars arnt your 1 litre corsa you can handbrake round a car park etc
i personally wouldnt recomend a seven esc car as a first car
have a look for a GTM Libra best of both worlds a kitcar so you could get cheap insurance
looks different fron ur 1 litre corsa and you could drive in all weathers
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 07:02 PM |
|
|
thats not bad then, an r1 at £900!
And i know what you mean, I'm always wary of this, and don't want to do anything stupid, although i looked at these cars specifically
because of the locos 7 i guess, that would be the ideal car, hence the reason for adding different engines to make it safer. Also we were thinking of
driving this from March-November then putting it away until the following year etc. That would mean we should miss the majority of ice and snow, just
the rain we would have to put up with. But we plan to fit a roof and make the inside as water proof as possible, so we can then if needs be, wear all
weather motorbike suits and drive it in the rain.
Thanks
[Edited on 13/11/2012 by jawskk]
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 08:30 PM |
|
|
Was just thinking about the kits, does anyone have a link that they can hit me up with, that a company sells Locos 7 kits?
Thanks
jaws
|
|
|
snapper
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 09:04 PM |
|
|
The season has ended but you realy realy need to go to a Kit car show, look at what's there, talk with the manufacturers and the owners
Research Research Research
I would buy chassis, wishbones and bodywork then a donor car and build with the donor engine and box, an Essex club member built with a 1.6 Pinto and
got insured the 2.0L was refused insurance so check with insurance companies, use the specialists, Frank Pickles, Sureterm, Adrian Flux
Most Ford engines upto and including a Zetec fit rear wheel drive ford gearbox other engines don't without modification
MK, Stuart Taylor aka Aries, GBS and the Haynes Roadster google for more info
I eat to survive
I drink to forget
I breath to pi55 my ex wife off (and now my ex partner)
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 09:12 PM |
|
|
Thanks alot for your response,
I was looking at the kit Mac1 as i think that looks the most sleek, but the engine is still a mystery to me. I'll take a look at the insurance
company's and see what they say, but i don't want to hassle anyone too much as its just an idea at the moment. If im honest with you, i
have almost a grand sitting in my current, to be spent on something that will benefit me when trying to get a job in Motorsport. I was looking at
karting, but this has caught my eye. I've always looked at modding cars and playing with them, but they always seem to come out too pricey the
ones I like. These were always something I looked at, but never really looked into properly, but now I have im glad! My plans were to decide what to
do by January, and then get going, so by next November when I turn 17 and I past my test, I can then jump straight into this. But im always worried I
will go to drive a car that I have spent months on and then get rejected insurance!
Thank you for the names, i will contact them and see what they can do
Cheers
Jaws
|
|
|
ReMan
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 10:53 PM |
|
|
Personally, and I wont justify it beyond whats already been said , I think you'd be mad to jump into a 7 at 17 and run it as your daily drive
Cool idea but youd be as comfy and safer on a motorbike iI reckon
Not to put you off your youthful exuberance
www.plusnine.co.uk
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 11:03 PM |
|
|
 can a couple of lads not have a little buzz in there life on the way to school and back? not even if I put a small engine in it? haha
Thanks
Mike
|
|
|
ReMan
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 11:07 PM |
|
|
A little buzz!
You've not been in one have you?
www.plusnine.co.uk
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 11:08 PM |
|
|
haha, dad has a 3.0i z4 which gives me plenty of buzz, and been in some rather fast go karts in my 16 years, does that count? haha
|
|
|
ReMan
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 11:14 PM |
|
|
Nope
www.plusnine.co.uk
|
|
|
jawskk
|
| posted on 13/11/12 at 11:15 PM |
|
|
hmm, surely? haha, what would you class then? and on a more serious note, what would you suggest? Why dont you think it would be suitable? haha
|
|
|
