Exocet or Rocket

[airforceone]

Hi to all. I have been following the various builds for both Rockets and Exocets and have been amazed at what can actually be achieved with these kits. My question is this, as a novice to car mechanics but a long standing engineer, what would be the best choice as an entry point to the kit car world a Rocket or Exocet build. I have a normal integral garage which I have stocked with appropriate tools but don't want to bite off more than I can chew for my first go at a build. Depending on advice received here I will be making my purchase over the next few months. Any advice welcome.

[tlight]

I have a background in engineering, haven't done any mechanics for over 17years, had no tools (other than basic DIY tools), but have a garage. I wanted to involve my 13yr old son Joseph (who talks cars non-stop, but hadn't ever got his hands dirty). I wanted something that did not need refurbishing (so we could focus on aesthetic and build), so I opted for a late Mk2.5 low mileage cat D write off. I also wanted to keep costs under control. I went for what I felt was 'achievable' and I could maintain interest and get running as soon as possible, but build to a reasonable standard (rather than running the risk of unfinished project for sale). I also was worried about the electrics, and felt that I could always pay an auto electrician if all else failed.

So I opted for the Exocet.

Tim

[airforceone]

Thanks for that, same sort of worries as myself, It's just having the bottle to dive in and have a go, especially with the help available on these forums.

[flynn]

Ive got no experience of anything like this before. Im not a mechanic by any means. The most Ive done is change the oil and filter on my bike.....

I went for the rocket as I wanted a completely new build on a new reg plate.

Everytime I work on the car I find another problem, which you eventually overcome. I'm actually thinking of selling it when Its built as Ill have the knowledge from doing the first one and should be able to rattle another one of in half the time (in theory)

Lots of help can be found on here, sometime it can be a little quiet, but you'll always get help. If not, just give RTR a ring. Always find some advice there.

Jump in and get one, you wont regret it

[nigel]

All great question’s have difficult answers.

I’ll try and answer but please accept this is my personal view and others may disagree. Both the Rocket and Exocet are great choices for the first time builder of an exo skeleton style kit car. Although the Rocket has been out in the market for longer than the Exocet and therefore there are many more examples on the road as well as build threads and sites for the prospective builder to seek guidance the Exocet utilises far more of the original donor car which can make it a little easier for the first time builder.

While many feel they compete with each other, for market share, keep in mind the Rocket is a mid engine Exo while the Exocet is of a more traditional front engine rear wheel drive configuration.

Both if planned correctly can easily be constructed in under 6 months subject the builders specification, dedication and available free time. While the Rocket utilises more new components many Exocet builders decide to spend time refurbishing much of the MX5’s donor components to an as new condition.

For me the decision to build comes down to 2 key factors:-

First budget, if your frugal and take the time to sell many of the donors parts an Exocet can be built for £2,500, A Rocket can’t and you will need to spend at least £6,000, both these figures should be viewed as budgets less the cost of IVA / Registration which if you including things such as trailer hire and a retest cost can amount to as much as £1,000.

Second, and probably the most important issue, which do you prefer i.e. personal taste, I mean there’s no point in building something that doesn’t float your boat so to speak.

If your still undecided then please come to one of the major kit car shows like Stoneleigh (May Bank Holiday) and view the cars in the flesh, and talk to the manufactures, owner / builders arrange a test drive and go from there.

(I won't ask whats wrong with the Sonic ?)

nigel

[airforceone]

Thanks Nigel, and there is nothing wrong with the sonic. I was really interested in the Ariel Atom when I first saw it, and to top it of a friend actually bought one, In a single word AWESOME !!. He had just left the Royal Navy and spent his pay-out on it. I on the other hand don't wish to spent the £30K plus.

I really wanted to build the Rocket but as I have very little knowledge of cars, well none if I'm honest, and I was wondering if it was a wiser choice to maybe go for the Exocet first and maybe move on to the rocket once I have a bit more experience.

I have been an engineer in the Royal Navy for 20 years and worked on everything from hydraulics to electronics but it's slightly different when your own money is involved.

[mattsmev]

Hello Airforceone

The neither the Rocket or the Exocet will present any problems that can't be solved. I obviously have more experience on the Rocket, but i found it jumped together with very little trouble and my example cost me about £7k

Where do you live? In addition to the support of this forum and the RTR/MEV guys you should be able to find a local kit car club where there will be people with lots of experience. I belong to the Bristol Kit Car Club and the Bristol District Robin Hood Club (despite not having a Robin Hood). With that sort of support your chances of sucess are much higher.

I know that many naval bases have car clubs too, may be there is help close at hand at a base port near you. I have seen the Devon port car club an it looked pretty good.

Cheers

Mattsmev

[airforceone]

Thanks Mattsmev

I live in Glasgow, I'm sure there are several car clubs around and I will hunt them down prior to starting any build. Luckly I have several friends that tinker with there cars and have informed them that there help WILL be required at some point, got loads of beer and pizza on order for that.

[leicesterkev]

Hi airforceone,

Like you, I fell in love with the ariel atom and did a driving experience in one which was phenomenal. I have no mechanical experience whatsoever but wanted the challenge of building a kit but the first car to really excite that was on my price bracket was the rocket. 30 seconds into the test drive, I was sold! Whilst I'm still in the early stages of the build, the support so far from both the forum and RTR has been
Great and I genuinely believe that if you've got the enthusiasm and the patience then with the support available, it's most definitely possible. I'm sure it's going to be both frustrating and difficult at times but there's no sense of achievement if it's easy!

Short answer is building them is great fun and you only live once...

Cheers

Kevin

[airforceone]

Thanks Kevin.

I have basically made my mind up now, It's just a choice of when to order and wether to go for a donor car to start or just take my time and source everything new (or as new as possible).

[roadtrackrace]

If you are going for a new plate you may wish to consider our "kit-in-a-box" option.

it's everything that you need to build the kit brand new and includes nice things like an OMEX ECU with plug and play engine bay loom and Hi-Spec brakes all round.

I contacted Tri-Mite (powder coat manufacturers) today and they are sending me a dark silver powder coat sample...

Paul Holmes.

[mattsmev]

Hi paul

I haven't noticed the 'kit-in-a-box' option before. I have just been to your web site for a look. What a great idea, a keen price and the promise of a great build experience. I expect they will fly of the shelf.

Cheers

Mattsmev

[JimK]

The kit in a box is a great way to build, I have just finished my spec. RTR make the whole process really easy, you just need to do your homework of exactly what you are trying to achieve against your budget.
Regards
Jim

[airforceone]

Thanks Paul for the info, I have seen the "kit in a box" option and believe me I was tempted but the Idea of this build is to help me learn abit more about cars mechanics and give me the basic knowlede that, at the moment I don't have. My budget is also a limiting factor and wont stretch that far, but I am interested in some of the additional items that I can add to my specification when I place my order. I don't believe that having a modest budget should stop me producing a high quality build, as the vast majority of owners on this forum have demonstrated.

As I stated in my e-mail to you Paul I would like to come down to RTR in the next few weeks to place my order, and go through any extra kit options that you recommend. If this is possible then please let me know.

[roadtrackrace]

The doors are open 6 days a week so feel free to visit any time during business hours. If you could give us a heads up that you are on your way I can make sure that the demo cars are ready.

Paul Holmes.