Donor Cars

[airforceone]

Hi again everyone, thanks for all the help in deciding which kit to go for, I will be buying the Rocket.

I know have another question regarding donor cars.

I am having trouble finding a car with less than 100K miles on the clock, are all the donor parts on cars like this acceptable for the build. Things like brake discs, calipers and other general items I will happily buy as I go if I need to, I'm more worried about the engine and gearbox condition as well as the ECU and wiring. The cars themselves look in good condition. The ages range from 1995 to 1999 so most only work out at 8-10K miles a year which to me seems below average.

Has anyone built a Rocket using a diesel car donor, are the engines and gearbox compatible with the Rocket. The only reason I'm asking is that I have found a CAT d, 2 litre TDCI going relatively cheap.

Again any advice/Info welcome

[mattsmev]

hi again airforce one

Will has produced a Docket (aka diesel rocket) he get ridiculous mpg out of and its a great fun car but i believe if he was building again he would go down a different route.

I used a CAT C donor for my build which was sold online from a salvage/write off garage. This had 33k miles and was only 4 years old at the time. For my money a better bet than a second hand car. CAT D is a better bet if you get the V5 although mine did not cause any problems and I still got an age related plate (this is not a universal situation with some centre to canter variability between DVLA sites).

The zetec units are good for loads of miles though. One of our family cars is a 1.6 focus and it still does not need oil between services after 100k miles.

Cheers

Mattsmev

[dinosaurjuice]

2litre tdci from 3rd gen focus:



i like it. but its nearly 650kgs. a world apart from the nimble flymo mattsmev throws around a track with such elegance.

a re-mapped 1.6tdci would have been a better choice in hindsight, but it still has the hurrendous electrical system.

[airforceone]

Thanks guys for the advice.

I think I will stay with a petrol engine.

I will keep looking for a suitable donor. I have seen engines (new) on ebay now and again so I wil keep my eye on there, and hopefully a IB5 transmission as well.

[mattsmev]

Thats a shame - the world needs another Docket - I love it because it's so different. If you want a 'stand out' rocket, one thats different from all the others the Docket is the way to go. I remember talking about fuel use at newark some time ago. Will filled up in September and ran out in March. With fuel prices as they are a car that uses a calendar for a fuel gauge has got to be a good thing.

Big up the Docket!

Cheers

Mattsmev

[Kevin Patrick]

Mar 11, 2011 16:41:49 GMT mattsmev said:

Will filled up in September and ran out in March. With fuel prices as they are a car that uses a calendar for a fuel gauge has got to be a good thing.

Wow! How many MPGs does Will estimate the D'ocket gets?

[dinosaurjuice]

;D i had forgeten about that comment mattsmev ;D running out of fuel nearly cost me £800 in knackered fuel pump, luckily my first reaction was to dip the clutch, so touch wood, its still going strong.

ive never averaged less than 40, got it as high as 90 coming back from newark show one time at steady 65mph. The rocket aerodynamics are hurrendous, so cruising at 80 its no better than the donor car.
are imperial gallons different to US gallons?

im in 2 minds about dockets. having done it, i wouldnt do it again. the rocket chassis deserves the lightweight engine it was designed for.

Will

[airforceone]

Does the engine and gearbox/transmission from a 2.0 litre diesel transfer into a rocket frame. If it does I may bave to rethink my donor car options.

The options for increasing the BHP and Torque for a diesel engine must be quite good.

[airforceone]

May have the chance of a 2 litre ghia with 120,000 miles on clock. Do I need to get an IB5 gearbox to fit to this for the rocket or will the one in the car fit.

Cheers

[airforceone]

Hi Guys

Going down to RTR on friday to have a look around and place an order for a rocket.

I would like some advice on how much I should be spending on a donor car.

There are several CAT D cars around but they are £3-5K and vary in age and miles done.

There are a load of Y/51 reg cars at £1500 with 70-90K miles.

then there are the high mile cars at £750-1000, 130-200K miles.

Obviously the newer CAT D's would give newer components and smash my budget.

So I am more inclined to go for the mid priced normal sale cars at £1500.

Is there any benefit in this over the cheaper cars other than engine and other components having more wear and tear on the cheaper ones.

Cheers

AirForceOne.

[mattsmev]

Hi again airforce one.

Those donors appear expensive to me. My 4 year old Cat C donor with 40k miles was £950 including delivery from Cornwall. Also a bit confused as you have previously said that you were going to buy it all brand new. I would put the £3-5K that you talk about towards a kit in a box. Only my opinion though

Cheers

Mattsmev

[airforceone]

I thought they were a bit expensive myself. Just trying to way up all the options prior to ordering the kit.

Cheers.

[airforceone]

This Questions to Anyone That's used a CAT C donor.

I've read on several threads that you didn't need to get a VIC for a CAT C donor. Does this cause problems getting a V5, or passing the IVA.

Or do you just get a Q Plate.

I know this isn't the most desirable way but I don't have the facilities or the opportunity with my job to get a CAT C to a VIC.

Cheers.

[roadtrackrace]

If you need info re. donor cars we can cover all of this during your visit on Friday.

The weather forecast is also very good

RTR