Post by bignose on Jul 28, 2017 17:14:00 GMT
Last year I started an Exocet project, fully stripped my doner and was ready to order a kit, but put off a little by the availability and up-front prices of the kits, I waited for the right second hand kit to save me some time and money.
I purchased an Exocet in Autumn last year as just a rolling chassis with a non-running 1.6 engine. With ambitions to run a turbo Exocet we started all the important turbo-supporting modifications before getting everything running to save on fluids. As mentioned below, this car comes with several turbo parts including a TD04 and 1.6 manifold.
We fitted an XTD 6 puck paddle clutch - on a normal mx5 these are a little too on / off and make for difficult driving. As the Exocet is so much lighter it's still an aggressive bite but perfectly useable.
Took advantage of the gearbox being off for clutch change and lifted the engine to carry out a proper ex-situ sump drilling for a turbo oil return. Had the advantage of a couple of spare sumps to practice on before doing the one fitted to the car, and was able to remove 100% of all the swarf. Hole is tapped and ready for a return feed (which I think I have somewhere) but currently sealed tight (no leaks with engine running or over time) by plug.
Once engine back in place, engine oil, gearbox oil and coolant have all been replaced.
Fitted an aluminium fuel tank and plumbed in with fuel-certified lines (have receipt for IVA).
After inevitable weeks of electrical head-scratching the engine burst into life, and with a loosly fitted exhaust it was running well.
The brakes needed sorting, the previous builder had done a good job of installing braided lines, we fitted new calipers on the rear and new pads all round. We fitted two Sparco Sprint V seats on MX5 runners (currently loosly bolted) with some TRS harnesses. It was ready for an quick test drive, and it did all the basics well. (video below).
The mate I have been building the car with took it upon himself to strip the wiring right back...I thought a fairly suicidal move however everything still runs! It's barely saved any weight, but with the loom re-wrapped it's significantly less bulky and will be tidier and easier to work with in future.
The car needs work to complete and to go through IVA, but most of the parts needed are supplied. I'll be as comprehensive as I can about what it needs:
- The previous owner had fitted some aluminium panels well, but some were not good. I've removed the sheet metal for the bulkhead and was planning to re-do this, I have some sheet of the right size, just needs cutting and fitting.
- A dash surround is needed
- The RPM and temperature gauge do not appear to work, but other lights on the dash are working fine
- Most of the fibreglass parts around the car require fitting, but all are supplied. These are a little scratched in some places from storage and transportation. I have not resprayed as buyer may wish to change colour.
- No lights are fitted, but lighting looms are intact and in the right places. Indicators and mx5 headlights (in plastic surrounds) are supplied.
- Very limited edge trimming work has started but plenty of edge trimming and bolt covers are supplied.
- Handbrake lever is fitted, but requires adjustment and remounting as it currently it is mounted too low and scrapes on the chassis.
- The subframes are not all super-shot blasted and painted to perfection. Not rusty though, but I wouldn't eat my dinner off them like some of the builds on here.
The type of buyer I'm expecting to sell this to, like me, is after some cheap fun with a few months work to finish and IVA or just to tidy up and track it. The previous builder before me has applied this approach too. If you are expecting a perfect car I would suggest you build from scratch or spend a lot more!
Good points:
- Does the basics - runs, drives and stops. Ready to be finished to the next owner's spec.
- Turbo-ready with a TD04 and 1.6 manifold, clutch good for 250hp and oil return already drilled.
- I'm selling at barely over the price of new Exocet frame and lots of the painful jobs are already complete.
- Cool seats fitted
- Cool wheels with good rubber on them fitted (205 45 R16 Toyos on 16x8 ROTA Cups) fit perfectly on the car and under the fairings (just!)
- Adjustable coilovers fitted.
- New brakes, braided lines
- V5 and chassis plate for doner car
- (Obviously) car has been kept in dry garage.
Why am I selling? Can you guess? Got my first baby due in November and this is me having an honest word with myself - I won't get it finished and I've already got a modified MX5 on the road which is all the toy I need.
I will consider delivering, but will depend on the distance involved. The car is located in Angmering, West Sussex.
£3000 ONO, including all parts described above.
PICS:
VIDEO of car driving
VIDEO of car starting
I purchased an Exocet in Autumn last year as just a rolling chassis with a non-running 1.6 engine. With ambitions to run a turbo Exocet we started all the important turbo-supporting modifications before getting everything running to save on fluids. As mentioned below, this car comes with several turbo parts including a TD04 and 1.6 manifold.
We fitted an XTD 6 puck paddle clutch - on a normal mx5 these are a little too on / off and make for difficult driving. As the Exocet is so much lighter it's still an aggressive bite but perfectly useable.
Took advantage of the gearbox being off for clutch change and lifted the engine to carry out a proper ex-situ sump drilling for a turbo oil return. Had the advantage of a couple of spare sumps to practice on before doing the one fitted to the car, and was able to remove 100% of all the swarf. Hole is tapped and ready for a return feed (which I think I have somewhere) but currently sealed tight (no leaks with engine running or over time) by plug.
Once engine back in place, engine oil, gearbox oil and coolant have all been replaced.
Fitted an aluminium fuel tank and plumbed in with fuel-certified lines (have receipt for IVA).
After inevitable weeks of electrical head-scratching the engine burst into life, and with a loosly fitted exhaust it was running well.
The brakes needed sorting, the previous builder had done a good job of installing braided lines, we fitted new calipers on the rear and new pads all round. We fitted two Sparco Sprint V seats on MX5 runners (currently loosly bolted) with some TRS harnesses. It was ready for an quick test drive, and it did all the basics well. (video below).
The mate I have been building the car with took it upon himself to strip the wiring right back...I thought a fairly suicidal move however everything still runs! It's barely saved any weight, but with the loom re-wrapped it's significantly less bulky and will be tidier and easier to work with in future.
The car needs work to complete and to go through IVA, but most of the parts needed are supplied. I'll be as comprehensive as I can about what it needs:
- The previous owner had fitted some aluminium panels well, but some were not good. I've removed the sheet metal for the bulkhead and was planning to re-do this, I have some sheet of the right size, just needs cutting and fitting.
- A dash surround is needed
- The RPM and temperature gauge do not appear to work, but other lights on the dash are working fine
- Most of the fibreglass parts around the car require fitting, but all are supplied. These are a little scratched in some places from storage and transportation. I have not resprayed as buyer may wish to change colour.
- No lights are fitted, but lighting looms are intact and in the right places. Indicators and mx5 headlights (in plastic surrounds) are supplied.
- Very limited edge trimming work has started but plenty of edge trimming and bolt covers are supplied.
- Handbrake lever is fitted, but requires adjustment and remounting as it currently it is mounted too low and scrapes on the chassis.
- The subframes are not all super-shot blasted and painted to perfection. Not rusty though, but I wouldn't eat my dinner off them like some of the builds on here.
The type of buyer I'm expecting to sell this to, like me, is after some cheap fun with a few months work to finish and IVA or just to tidy up and track it. The previous builder before me has applied this approach too. If you are expecting a perfect car I would suggest you build from scratch or spend a lot more!
Good points:
- Does the basics - runs, drives and stops. Ready to be finished to the next owner's spec.
- Turbo-ready with a TD04 and 1.6 manifold, clutch good for 250hp and oil return already drilled.
- I'm selling at barely over the price of new Exocet frame and lots of the painful jobs are already complete.
- Cool seats fitted
- Cool wheels with good rubber on them fitted (205 45 R16 Toyos on 16x8 ROTA Cups) fit perfectly on the car and under the fairings (just!)
- Adjustable coilovers fitted.
- New brakes, braided lines
- V5 and chassis plate for doner car
- (Obviously) car has been kept in dry garage.
Why am I selling? Can you guess? Got my first baby due in November and this is me having an honest word with myself - I won't get it finished and I've already got a modified MX5 on the road which is all the toy I need.
I will consider delivering, but will depend on the distance involved. The car is located in Angmering, West Sussex.
£3000 ONO, including all parts described above.
PICS:
VIDEO of car driving
VIDEO of car starting
