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What book?
Eternal - 14/3/10 at 11:38 PM

Hay all this is my first post and i have decided to start my first Locost. But right away im having a bit of trouble.....!
I cant seem to work out what book to be buying to work from. Far as i know there are 3 that are talked about quite a bit.

1: Build Your Own Sports Car for as Little as 250 Pounds (Ron Champion)
2: Build Your Own Sports Car for as Little as 250 Pounds: And Race it!(Ron Champion+Haynes)
3: Build Your Own Sports Car: On a budget (haynes +chris gibbs)

Any advice will be welcome!
Thanks alot


hicost blade - 14/3/10 at 11:41 PM

Hello, welcome to the forum

2 if you want a proper Locost,

3 if you have a Sierra to build a car from

[Edited on 14/3/10 by hicost blade]

[Edited on 14/3/10 by hicost blade]


blakep82 - 14/3/10 at 11:45 PM

yeah, don't worry too much about the first one. not paid too much attention to it, but its full of mistakes.
really between 2 and 3, as above


Eternal - 14/3/10 at 11:49 PM

ouch #2 is not cheap lol but it wont be based on a sierra so i guess there is only one option! Thanks a load guys.
Just so you know will be RX7 FC3S based.


hicost blade - 14/3/10 at 11:57 PM

What sort of power are you looking to put through it??


Eternal - 15/3/10 at 12:07 AM

Looking to keep the engine stock but will want to build it strong. I was a RN Marine Engineer so i kinda like to add a bit here and there when i can just incase. Would probably be a turbo i have to admit. I drive a Stagea (Nissan Skyline 4x4 estate) as a daily driver so im quite used to a bit of power. But im not planning anything above 200. well not untill its built anyhow as much as i like live rear axles i think i will have to go with IRS setup more research is need thus the book!
Btw i found one in scotland for 20quid.. amazon was 60+ so thats sorted.

[Edited on 15/3/10 by Eternal]


hillbillyracer - 15/3/10 at 12:14 AM

Well the 2nd book is for a live axle car designed around the bits lifted from a mk2 Ford Escort & front hub assemblies of a Cortina. Unless you use those parts some alterations will be needed from the book spec.
The same goes for the 3rd book for the haynes roadster, if you aint got a Sierra you're gonna need to do some alterations.
All this means is you wont be able to follow the dimensions given in either book to the letter, but folk use all kinds of donors & make it work, so you can too.


hicost blade - 15/3/10 at 12:22 AM

BTW live axle is lighter and in most cases better

Also it can take up to 250bhp


iank - 15/3/10 at 12:25 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Eternal
... as much as i like live rear axles i think i will have to go with IRS setup more research is need thus the book!



Why? hicost is putting well over 400bhp down through his live axle (cosworth turbo+t5+mustang axle)
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=120276

If you're considering the original book (or stretched versions of the same) then check out the corrected McSorley drawings and information.
http://www.mcsorley.net/locost/drawings.htm


Eternal - 15/3/10 at 12:30 AM

The 7+442 looks very interesting. Im 6ft and on the larger size... The extra space would be welcome!


Canada EH! - 15/3/10 at 12:35 AM

RX7 based Locost was built here in Ontario. Terrified the locals at Autocross. Engine had a Weber 48 IDA carb and bridgeported cylinders.


Eternal - 15/3/10 at 12:38 AM

Yeah they go like stink and sound amazing for sure. Only downside is emissions and running costs of the engines!

[Edited on 15/3/10 by Eternal]


RK - 15/3/10 at 12:59 AM

So I gather you want to weld your own chassis together? If not, the choices become easier, as you just acquire the donor recommended, and you just follow the build manual.


Eternal - 15/3/10 at 06:37 AM

will be doing the chassis from scratch. Not much point in buying a premade chassis to only cut it up and redo most of it for my needes.


Eternal - 15/3/10 at 07:27 AM

i dont suppose anyone has any pics of a 442 next to a normal locost just want to see how different it looks. overall!


907 - 15/3/10 at 07:40 AM

My car is a bit of a "one off"so I used the £250 and race it book, then changed the chassis to suit my requirements.
I worked on the principle of "the drawing is only a guide"

With an engine that lays over at 45deg, a wide gearbox, and an IRS rear, plus the need (6 foot and 16 stone)
for a bit of elbow room when two up dictated a book length but 4" wider.

As I always intended to make the bodywork, back panel, scuttle, etc. then +4 was the way to go.

I think it pays to spend time looking at the options before you make a start.

Design, or at least have an idea in your mind, of the finished car before fabricating a chassis and you could eliminate problems later.

HTH

Paul G


dogwood - 15/3/10 at 08:11 AM

I'm a bit biased, but would defo recommend the (Chris Gibbs) Haynes Roadster.

I'm probably simlar diamentions to you.
And an ex Marine Engineer..
So also done a few mods to my chassis as I built.
Loads of help on this forum as well.
http://www.haynes.co.uk/forums/index.php

HTH


DM - 15/3/10 at 09:11 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Eternal
ouch #2 is not cheap lol


my copy was... 50p from a charity book shop


Good luck with your build!


steve m - 15/3/10 at 10:15 AM

So no mention book 1

Very disapointing, as mine <<<< is a book one model, and yes there a mistakes in the book, but so what,
you just modify to make it correct,

It cant be rocket science, as my car is proof it can be done


Steve Hignett - 15/3/10 at 10:20 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Eternal
The 7+442 looks very interesting. Im 6ft and on the larger size... The extra space would be welcome!



Stick with the Locost Dims, you will fit in easily...

EDITED - Just to say, I did change one set of dimensions, and that's to raise the side profile an inch (so 14" rather than 13" ATB

PICS OF MY LOCOST CHASSIS (for inspiration!)

[Edited on 15/3/10 by Steve Hignett]


boggle - 15/3/10 at 10:23 AM

how much is book 2 worth!!!!!

i just lent mine out....didnt realise they where like gold dust!!!


iank - 15/3/10 at 10:29 AM

quote:
Originally posted by steve m
So no mention book 1

Very disapointing, as mine <<<< is a book one model, and yes there a mistakes in the book, but so what,
you just modify to make it correct,

It cant be rocket science, as my car is proof it can be done


AFAIK Book1 and Book2 cars are identical, changes were colour rather than black and white photos, the racing chapter and lots of corrections in measurements.


steve m - 15/3/10 at 10:39 AM

Book 1 did have measurement issues, and a couple of paragraghs/pictures that contradicted each other

My book 1 has on certain pages, the correct or revised meauserments to get the job done properly

not that my car is a proper one !!

haha


Eternal - 15/3/10 at 08:20 PM

Javing some doubts about the +442. Seems parts will be a nightmare in comparison to the stuff thats out there allready. Its a real shame as would love the extra enginebay and footspace.
Any idea what size chassis the Donkervoort d8's use? i noticed that the window/doors stick out about an inch giving elbow room cool idea.

My idea so far is to have a shaped nosecone with built in lights (not too hard)
Fixed window (not a big deal apart from wipers washers heaters ect...)
Rear molded backwindow/rear pillar. (removable window)
Some form of removable door/window
Soft top center roof.
Basicaly think something like a honda del sol but with removable doors....

What do you guys think? Big problem is with doors can you fit inside!

Edit: Btw i completed my tig welding course now wooo got a city in guilds in tig welding.

[Edited on 15/3/10 by Eternal]


hicost blade - 15/3/10 at 08:32 PM

Have you seen this??


Eternal - 16/3/10 at 09:13 PM

Had a rethink!
I belive the Sierra option is the way to go as i would love a age related plate rater than a Q. Also the dimentions of the car would be more intune with the Donors and i love those monsters. Next question... what engine sierra should i get so everything fits? Far as i know 2l+ engines have rear discs so thats a bonus. But will all of the engines fit ok? Also yey for no cat and easier emissions!

So i guess i guess the book option #2 was kinda pointless spend of 25quid lol... anyone got a 2nd hand cheapo #3?

[Edited on 16/3/10 by Eternal]