I've just started building a Locost with the "Building a race car" book as basic. I'm wondering if the drawings are correct since I'll be using a Vauxhall 2.0 XE engine or do I need to make modifications on the frame? If yes, who of the RHS do I need to modify?

I'm pretty sure the chassis is fine as it is to use a XE. Although depending how far back you mount the engine you may wish to modify the transmission tunnel. (also depending which gearbox you use!).

The cutting list in the book is incorrect- it's worth getting an accurate one from Jim McSorley's excellent site:

http://www.mcsorley.net

Hope that helps,

James

Oh shit. I've already cut off most lengths according to the book and made most angles. Are there many of the tubes that are incorrect according to the book?

I haven't figured out the transmission yet, but I guess I'll go for a Quaife sequential 4-speed based on Ford housing.

Why not go for the 6 speed, it's only about £2000 more . You are building a chassis and thinking of buying a £4000 gearbox, you're kidding aren't you?

Why 6-speed when I don't need so many gears? The tranny I was looing at is about £1325 and the alloy housing is £345. Only problem is that I don't think a sequential option is available for this transmission. A Quaife 5-speed sequential is £4450 which I find a little bit high. Then I'd rather go for a Sellholm gearbox for Volvo with sequential for about £3000.

I build a Locost for performance, which price come secondhand. I think my Locost will end up with about £15.000. Only the engine is about £8.000 and is ready assembled in about 2 months, same time as I've planned my chassis is ready for mounting.

It's not really a Locost is it ? With a spec like that it's far from it. If you want it go for it, that's my thought.

It's not a Low Cost, but the cars name is still Locost, isn't it? Anyway, I've started with the frame now and the car is being built. Hope it to be ready next year, but the expenses of AP Racing brakes, racing seats, carbon fibre interior and so on might not bring it ready before late 2005/beginning 2006.

My next one's not going to be a Locost in name. The first one is registered as a Locost Lazarus with the logo "Cheap Copy" on the numberplate. As long as it's original not copyright it's up to you.

So what's the definition of a Locost then?

I bought the book and they call the car a Locost. Mine will look like a Locost but will perform much better than an Locost with Escort donor car for example. But what's the difference on my project than anyone else since the frame and idea is the same?

I don't think anyone has built a 'book' locost, we all change/modify/redesign something. I think locost is more the ethos, rather than the design that uncle Ron started off. personally I believe that it is impossible to build a working, SVA'd car just using the book without outside information, or substantial home modifications.