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hmmmm cant get away from the mk!
withersdelivers - 7/5/12 at 08:50 AM

hi all . was at the stoneleigh show yesterday, before i went i was sure i had talked myself into going down the gkd route. with them being so close to home and the bmw doner i thought i was sold on the idea.

but after spending yesterday in the sun perving at kits, i realised that i just kept going back to look at the mk's !!!!
i still think the mk is the best looking 'seven' on the market, what do you think?
the owners cant say enough about the mk team and now im back to wanting an indy!

took the chance to sit in one for the first time and being 6ft 3" i was unsure , but fit like a glove! (cheers dave)

now am i just a twat (dont answer that) , or does everyone have this much trouble choosing first time round?!


roadrunner - 7/5/12 at 09:04 AM

So your head says buy the GKD, but your heart says MK.
Which ever you do go for , you will still be wishing that you had gone for the other.
Both are great cars, so you won't be disappointed no matter which one you go for.
But if it were me, I would follow my heart.
Brad.


lotusmadandy - 7/5/12 at 09:18 AM

I had a similar problem when i bought
my MK. I had a short list of MK, MNR and Tiger,
it wasnt until i went to a show that i kept on going back
to the mk stand.I bought two and would buy another

As Roadrunner says,followyour heart.

Andy


samjc - 7/5/12 at 09:32 AM

If your wanting bmw donnor why not try a beam R by martin keenan at mk engineering as both mk sportscar and mk engineering are in maltby about 5mins from each other so go talk to the guys if you can get their that is. try mk engineering website as the beam R is a great looking piece of kit.


franky - 7/5/12 at 09:49 AM

The gkd has much better lines and uses modern running gear that only costs a few £££, this leaves you space to build the rest as you wish, not to mention the service you'd get from GKD. They get awesome reviews too


Hector.Brocklebank - 7/5/12 at 10:05 AM

GKD Every time.

more modern parts, read readily available, the venerable sierra running gear is getting very long in the tooth and must be getting very scarce.

Maybe a test ride in an MK Indy to see how a well built one "handles" and drives with a car engine, then a ride in a GKD to compare the two, best one wins as they say.


fesycresy - 7/5/12 at 10:45 AM

It's a fun car, go with the heart.


A1 - 7/5/12 at 11:11 AM

you definitely wont be disappointed with the mk, brilliant car.

I agree too, its one of the best looking sevens.


lewis - 7/5/12 at 11:45 AM

MK all the way for me they look great!


franky - 7/5/12 at 11:55 AM

Not better than this though, although I am biased!!


beaver34 - 7/5/12 at 12:25 PM

quote:
Originally posted by franky
Not better than this though, although I am biased!!




i agree, although dont think that was as cheap as an mk


franky - 7/5/12 at 12:29 PM

spec for spec they're cheaper, all because of the donor car cost and running on standard ecu's not needing mapping/custom ecus. RWD boxes that bolt straight on etc etc


A1 - 8/5/12 at 10:36 PM

define the cost of an mk etc...


RK - 9/5/12 at 01:42 AM

If looks are important, remember that you can make anything look like anything if you put the effort in. My Deman/MK looks nothing like either one of them - not necessarily better either but it is different because I made my own bonnet, used a different nosecone, different scuttle, made the rear panel, dash, etc


Poorscousertommy - 9/5/12 at 03:54 AM

I had the same problem, mulled over it for almost a year, the forum screamed MNR, easier build, better service and great car - couldn't get over the looks.. Sorry guys but it's fugly!!. I got my costings wrong -ish (perfectionist and all best parts so expect 12k build cost, 8k resale) but yeah, the best looking for me and the toy car I want to be seen in is the Indy R.. I'm 6mo into build vs 8k plan, and can't fault it.

GKD seemed too expensive, but sure they are more than comparable if you go for decent spec. In your position would I do it different?? Erm.... Probably not


franky - 9/5/12 at 06:33 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Poorscousertommy
I had the same problem, mulled over it for almost a year, the forum screamed MNR, easier build, better service and great car - couldn't get over the looks.. Sorry guys but it's fugly!!. I got my costings wrong -ish (perfectionist and all best parts so expect 12k build cost, 8k resale) but yeah, the best looking for me and the toy car I want to be seen in is the Indy R.. I'm 6mo into build vs 8k plan, and can't fault it.

GKD seemed too expensive, but sure they are more than comparable if you go for decent spec. In your position would I do it different?? Erm.... Probably not


Why do the GKD's seem too expensive? If you look what in their packages they come with a lot more bits so they might seem it but that fact you can build a m3 car for £8.5kish OTR shows they're not


big_l - 9/5/12 at 06:49 AM

Im sure why your not looking at the MNR either siearra or Mazda donor proper chassis all round tube not budget box steel !!

Excellent service and loads of back up !!


Davey D - 9/5/12 at 07:12 AM

When i first set out to build a kitcar i went to Newark show in 2007 to have a closer look at the cars there. I originally had my heart set on a Dax Rush, but it was the bad summer when we had all the flooding, and there wasnt a very big turnout at the show. Unfortunately Dax didnt turn up, so i didnt get to see one :-( Whilst looking around at the show i came across the MNR stand, and decided on a VortX instead.

I do like my car, but if i was to build another i would go for a GKD Legend 6. I absolutely love everything about the car Franky built. The look of the car all wrapped in the DiNoc, the style of the cage, and especially the power plant :-D


Slimy38 - 9/5/12 at 07:30 AM

I have to admit, speaking to the MNR guy at Stoneleigh nearly convinced me to go down that route, especially considering how much of an MX5 they reuse. But I can't get away from that nose, it's ugly!!


big_l - 9/5/12 at 07:32 AM

MNR do 2 nose cones mate ones the same as the Mk Indy !!


femster87 - 9/5/12 at 07:42 AM

This is one of those threads that confirm the saying " beauty is in the eye of the beholder" I would take an MNR everyday over and MK in the looks department. MK just looks like every other seven on the market. Finish has alot to do with the builder.


big_l - 9/5/12 at 07:45 AM

Ditto I love the MNR nose !! And a proper chassis !!!


Slimy38 - 9/5/12 at 08:13 AM

quote:
Originally posted by big_l
MNR do 2 nose cones mate ones the same as the Mk Indy !!


To be fair I didn't know that, I'd only seen the one that looks like the front of a hot rod and seems too 'bulky' for a seven.

But yes, I totally agree with femster, it's entirely a persons preference. And it's the beauty of the kit car industry that the flexibility and choice are there. I'm still trying to convince my other half that a seven is actually an attractive car!


withersdelivers - 9/5/12 at 08:59 AM

i thought this thread would be filled with a variation of opinions and preferences lol. I agree its down to personal choice . Cant seem to load up the mnr site on my phone at the mo . Will check it when i get in .
Does anyone know how much a comprehensive kit is off the top of your heads?
By the way shoot me if you like but i quite like the look of the mnr ! Although not sure on using an mx5 engine ? Thoughts please?


big_l - 9/5/12 at 09:04 AM

Give Mnr a call Chris is really helpfull I think the Mnr kit is just under 4k but that's because you get everything you need !! The quality of the MNR is worth every penny !! Mx5 engine is really good for money very revvy !!! Nothing beats a BEC though


franky - 9/5/12 at 09:18 AM

quote:
Originally posted by withersdelivers
i thought this thread would be filled with a variation of opinions and preferences lol. I agree its down to personal choice . Cant seem to load up the mnr site on my phone at the mo . Will check it when i get in .
Does anyone know how much a comprehensive kit is off the top of your heads?
By the way shoot me if you like but i quite like the look of the mnr ! Although not sure on using an mx5 engine ? Thoughts please?


mx5 engines are ok but need a turbo to make any sense. Because they're low compressoin they're not that revvy(imo) but go well with a turbo on them, you're just juggling costs then against having a 'better' engine in the first place. A nice gearbox though.


withersdelivers - 9/5/12 at 09:23 AM

quote:
Originally posted by big_l
Give Mnr a call Chris is really helpfull I think the Mnr kit is just under 4k but that's because you get everything you need !! The quality of the MNR is worth every penny !! Mx5 engine is really good for money very revvy !!! Nothing beats a BEC though


i have to agree , i do like a bec , coming from a superbike background that is no surprise . A busa is out of my price range , but how much more work is it using say an r1 engine? As opposed to just the mx5 doner?
or how much of an mx5 would i use if i would be using after market breaks suspension, dials etc anyway?


coozer - 9/5/12 at 09:32 AM

quote:
Originally posted by big_l
Give Mnr a call Chris is really helpfull I think the Mnr kit is just under 4k but that's because you get everything you need !! The quality of the MNR is worth every penny !! Mx5 engine is really good for money very revvy !!! Nothing beats a BEC though


Hmm, get one of these...


withersdelivers - 9/5/12 at 09:36 AM

ha ha what the f**k is that ! One hell of a lump but i would have to sell off members of my family to afford that beast lol


coozer - 9/5/12 at 09:39 AM



Its a Roadrunner SRV8, the spec sheet on the wing went 0-60 in 2.1 (if you can get the grip!) Top speed of 208mph @ 6400rpm (theoretical)

Wish I'd took a pic of the bog roll holder on the passenger side of the dash


coozer - 9/5/12 at 09:40 AM

Or, if you do fancy a BEC this is the way to go....


withersdelivers - 9/5/12 at 09:48 AM

nice riot but i prefere the seven shape and thats a bit too different for me (the rear end )


withersdelivers - 9/5/12 at 09:52 AM

quote:
Originally posted by coozer


Its a Roadrunner SRV8, the spec sheet on the wing went 0-60 in 2.1 (if you can get the grip!) Top speed of 208mph @ 6400rpm (theoretical)

Wish I'd took a pic of the bog roll holder on the passenger side of the dash


wow i bet that set you back a quid or two! Although no need for a face lift with a lump like that i spose ?


Slimy38 - 9/5/12 at 10:50 AM

It was the MNR stand and the Mazda kit I was most impressed with, not just because of the mazda engine but of the sheer amount of donor material that is used. Even down to fitting a modified instrument cowl to keep the speedo and rev counter! They also reuse the front and rear uprights, driveshafts, propshaft (albeit shortened), braking, etc.

And yes, I can't remember the name of the guy I was speaking to (I just remember the incredibly broad Yorkshire accent!) but he was very knowledgeable and helpful. He would be the sort of guy that I'd want on the other end of a phone if I had any problems with the kit.


adithorp - 9/5/12 at 12:42 PM

You can get a LS1 v8 and box for less than the price of a gen2 BUSA I've been told. They claim that SR2 is under 500kg even with the v8 (I'm doubtful). It's on MX5 running gear (although the diff has Quaife steel internals) a very nice chassis and some nice touches on the body.

An 04-06 R1 only needs a sump baffle, Power Commander, EXUP bypass (or leave the EXUP in the loom) and a modification to the crankcase breather to be reliable in a car. The BUSA on the other hand needs a dry sump.


theduck - 9/5/12 at 12:52 PM

Iv spoken to Chris at MNR. A couple of times and always been very impressed. My next kit will 100% be an MNR.

Don't forget they can also supply complete kits with everything you need for the build including doner parts!

They can also customise the car for a specific donor, including BMWs ;-)


withersdelivers - 9/5/12 at 05:09 PM

thanks to all those giving advice in this thread ... Again! Will look through the web again when i get in . Have never given mnr a second look as i thought they were Alot more expensive , but will be interested to see if they can sway me away from the mk!
All comes down to how much i can save come the winter . May still buy built to test the water so to speak . But the temptation to build is growing . The thought of building has become as appealing as the driving itself .
I suppose its also when you get the chance to say " i built that".
Only time will tell but i appreciate all the input from you guys on here! Thanks again.


R1_striker - 10/5/12 at 11:58 AM

Which ever you but, gkd or mk, you'll only be upset when a striker goes flying past!


Simon - 10/5/12 at 02:17 PM

I'll be going GKD. Probably

Certainly not scratchbuilding again (probably)!

Still might do a diesel bike!

Or a road legal electric golf buggy

Ah, the possibilites

At least the extension is under way, so that'll be a couple of brownie points!!

ATB

Simon

[Edited on 10/5/12 by Simon]


withersdelivers - 10/5/12 at 02:23 PM

quote:
Originally posted by R1_striker
Which ever you but, gkd or mk, you'll only be upset when a striker goes flying past!


that sounds like a challenge to me! When the time comes ... Track day it is lol . Do you do many track days fella? They are the main reason i want a kit car! Cant wait.


withersdelivers - 10/5/12 at 02:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by R1_striker
Which ever you but, gkd or mk, you'll only be upset when a striker goes flying past!


that sounds like a challenge to me! When the time comes ... Track day it is lol . Do you do many track days fella? They are the main reason i want a kit car! Cant wait.


theduck - 10/5/12 at 03:09 PM

Did my email come through?


withersdelivers - 10/5/12 at 04:06 PM

quote:
Originally posted by theduck
Did my email come through?


yes thanks very much for sending that to me. Have not looked at the spread sheet yet though as it Wont open on my phone . But will have a look on the mac book when im home in a bit . Thanks again you have opened another option for me.neil


theduck - 10/5/12 at 06:37 PM

Thats ok. Only asked as had trouble sending it.