Hi folks,

I'm completely new to chat forums so bare with me.

I'm looking into starting a locost project. Iv done a lot of research and read a few book on the subject. Its my first time doing a project like this so I thought it would be wise to join this site so I could get information and tips off folks with much more experience than me.

I have just been offered a 2000 2L Subaru impreza estate 4WD for pennies as it is an MOT fail and heading for the scrap yard. It failed on the disk breaks, break pads and the break pipes.

The question I have is, is there any reason this engine is not viable to use?

Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated,

Thanks.

Ally

If you are thinking of a 7 type car i am afraid the engine will be to wide for the chassis But how about putting it in the rear of a another type kitcar
And welcome to the site
Jacko

Thanks Jacko for the quick reply.

Yes I was thinking of a 7 chassis.
Ok is there no slight modifications to the chassis that can be made.
If not do you have any other suggestions for chassis?

Cheers,
Ally

Unfortunately it would be rather large modifiations to make it fit as its a very wide engine.

Also unless its a turbo, it wouldn't be worth the effort. There are kits (not sevens) that take the Subaru boxer engine though.

Ok so that idea is out the window haha.
Thanks so much for the quick reply's though.

My initial plans were using a Mazda MX5, buts its proving a challenge finding one up here for reasonable price.

Ill just have to keep looking.

Thanks again,

[Edited on 2/8/13 by Ajohnston_10]

It is the wrong time of year to be hunting for a cheap MX5... If you can wait, then winter is bound to bring more bargain rag tops!

Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your project!

Yes, thinking about it, it probably is the wrong time to look.
Ill keep an eye out anyway.

Thanks for the help.

Mx5 based kit sounds a much better idea. Have you considered which kit you are interested in or are you going to scratch build?

Im scratch building. I looked into the kits but decided against them.
I have studied mechanical and electrical engineering at college as I am an apprentice engineer so I have the basic skills in most the areas in the build. I think the project will just enhance them skills so im looking forward to it.

Just need to find a decent car.

Suggest you look at Haynes roadster chassis, original Ron Champion and McSorrely
That'll give a start point as far as chassis is consorned
What about a re look at the Epona project

keep your eye on gumtree rather than fleabay, i have seen a few mx5's going very cheap on there over the last few weeks, granted up around glasgow area tho. Was nearly tempted myself.

It took me eight months of Ebay and Gumtree searches before I found a good priced MX5. Be very patient, there are literally thousands of them and they're often failing mot's due to rust. Which of course makes absolutely no difference to us!

You can always get started on the chassis while you're waiting, there's a fair bit of work to do before you need donor parts.

What do yous guys think about fitting a 2l zetec? Will that work?

zetec oh yes.

I would swap you a mondeo for the Scooby if you where closer. Just because people are saying the Scooby lump cant be done I would love to see if it can. Yes its wide but its two pots shorter than say a zetec

Its easier to find a zetec am i right?
How far away from me do you live. Meet half way haha.

Way to far away to make it viable but I do know the odd bit about a zetec

Not sure why people keep saying the scooby engine is too wide, considering the side of the engine bay is just a diagonal brace and a non structural panel, it doesn't seem an overly complex task of redesigning the brace to let the cylinder heads poke out

If the Subaru is cheap enough why not fix it, run it for a few months, and sell it? None of the "fail" points sound overly difficult or expensive to fix.

[Edited on 2/8/13 by atm92484]

I think I'm going to go ahead with the zetec engine as I've found a few cars local for good prices.

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Whippy
Not sure why people keep saying the scooby engine is too wide, considering the side of the engine bay is just a diagonal brace and a non structural panel, it doesn't seem an overly complex task of redesigning the brace to let the cylinder heads poke out

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^^
You just stick a cover over it

I haven't measured the Scooby lump but as its a shorter engine it may not stick out at all.

It would stick out the side on a normal width car.