New member from Notts

[russa]

Hi All


New member from Notts here.  


Many years ago I was looking to by a smart brabus and following a test drive ended up in a warehouse where Zonta's were being assembled.  Which is now why I'm here.  I've finally decided to get of my bottom and build an exoskeletal kit car.

Just on the hunt to see which model would suit me best.   No doubt I'll be asking silly questions etc, I have the time and enthusiasm, but probably not the skill.


Had a read though all of Jacks and Jacksdad thread earlier, and all I can say is superb, mine will certainly not be at that level.


Cheers

Russa

[Stewart]

Welcome!! Where in Notts? I grew up in Notts/Derby and still have friends and family up there.
What’s your skill set and budget? Both have a factor on the best kit for you.
The Exocet is the easiest Exo-skeletal car time build and won’t cost you the Earth. As it’s built on the Mazda MX5 running gear the handling is excellent and the potential power upgrades are cheap and plentiful.

[russa]

Hi Stewart. I’m in Brinsley, so not too far from the Derby border.

Skill wise, I should be ok with bolting bits together etc. I’m not great with electrics and have no fabrication skills with regards to lathes and cnc etc. I’m aware how important fabrication skills are with any kit car a) just to complete it b) to make great parts that set it apart.

The Exocet makes the most sense, cheaper, faster and easier to build. However I vastly prefer the looks of rocket 1. Not the reason to buy one I know.

Once the lockdown is over I need to go out in both and see how they drive really. I’ve had a tiger for about 11 years now and if I’d done my research properly I’d have bought the Avon instead of the Cat. Don’t want to make a similar mistake again.

Budget wise, getting it right from the start usually costs the less in the long run. I’m heavily swaying towards new. In an ideal world I’d rather have a T45 chassis instead of CDS (not sure if it could be a factory option) and I’d want a full cage.

[browno]

Welcome Russa,

I am just the other side of the Derbyshire border, and just working on adding a turbo to my exocet - once it's done and lockdown has eased, you're welcome to come take a look and have a ride in it... A mate of mine down the road also has a Tiger Cat, so I have seen the two to compare - I would say the exocet is more varied in the way they can be built and perhaps more straightforward - but like the Cat, it is a little heavier than some of the seven clones out there in order to accommodate more of the donor (subframes) - but that allows you to use the massive range of mazda bolt-on bits very easily.
To get an idea of the build, take a look at mine (and others!) build threads on here - it is certainly an enjoyable process, and the end result is great fun!

[russa]

Thanks Browno, will certainly take you up on the offer once lockdown is eased.

Whilst I was swayed slightly more towards the Rocket, I am coming around to the Exocet more and more.

Yeah the Tiger is a bit of a fatty at 575kg - 600kg. largely due to the sierra components and dedion rear axle setup. Some of the newer ones are down as low as 500kg, depends how deep your pockets are, and how willing you are to lighten parts. I'd just prefer to add more power to compensate.

The Mazda's have so many parts out there that are tried and tested it makes the power route fairly straight forward. I could up the power in the Tiger but I don't think the cost would offer great value for money until the current engine goes pop. In truth, I was a bit too big for it 11 years ago, and i'm even bigger now. The Exocet would be quite comfortable in comparison I imagine.

I've already read through your build and some great work done, congrats on a first time pass. IVA is my main concern about a new build.