|
|
Post by tallude on Apr 2, 2011 5:22:06 GMT
Hello
I am from Australia and want to start a sonic7
the main reason for doing this is because I own a mk1 Ford Focus 2.0 zetec (manual). I wanted to modify it but I know it will only be a focus at the end of the day.
Hence the idea to turn it into a kit car Sonic7
But I was reading that the 2.0 with the mtx75 does not fit and I would need to fit the IB5 gearbox drive shaft in?
is this true or can i use the gearbox and from my focus?
thank you
|
|
|
|
Post by nigel on Apr 2, 2011 7:03:33 GMT
Hello I am from Australia and want to start a sonic7 the main reason for doing this is because I own a mk1 Ford Focus 2.0 zetec (manual). I wanted to modify it but I know it will only be a focus at the end of the day. Hence the idea to turn it into a kit car Sonic7 But I was reading that the 2.0 with the mtx75 does not fit and I would need to fit the IB5 gearbox drive shaft in? is this true or can i use the gearbox and from my focus? thank you Hi tallude, Good choice of kit  While any engine / gearbox configuration (within reason) can be fitted in the Sonic7 for ease of build i would recommend you change out the mtx75 to the IB5, a relatively simple task, just remember to use a 1.8ltr flywheel and clutch assy. The IB5 has the advantage of being lighter, smaller and far simpler in respect to the gear linkage plus the car was designed for its use. IB5 gearboxes are, at least here in the UK, readily available from any breakers yard and cheep to-boot. This route also allows you to utilize and retain the donors 2.0ltr ECU, wiring loom etc I not sure that the Sonic7 is available in Australia at this time  but a simple email to MEV should clarify that issue. Hope this helps nigel |
|
|
|
Post by tallude on Apr 3, 2011 10:08:25 GMT
Yeah well the IB5 is hard to get hold of here the mk1 was released late and didnt sell that well here.
Is it hard to fit the mtx75?
|
|
|
|
Post by frozenrabbit on Apr 5, 2011 18:58:30 GMT
I have the 2litre with the mtx75 and have fitted in in, I will however need to lengthen the pipe to the back box and also extend my gear cables, I'm debating whether to tack it back out and change to the ib5, I'll let you know how I get on
|
|
|
|
Post by tallude on Apr 6, 2011 1:47:40 GMT
Well yeah the IB5 is lighter but it can not handle power over 200hp. Heard via the focus forums that the box tends to give way after that, while the MTX75 is a lot stronger.
If all is required is to fit longer cables and lengthen a pipe it shouldn't be that hard (famous last words???) do the factory have a kit to help make life easier in regards to fitting this engine combo???
|
|
|
|
Post by frozenrabbit on Apr 7, 2011 19:50:07 GMT
Well after Having a good think I've decided to stay with te mtx75 box as I plan to modify the engine at a later date, the exhaust extension won't be a problem for me as I'll just use the welder at work but the gear cables may be, after searching I have found that I need Bowden cables as these provide the correct push pull force required. Sadly I have only found a few companies that produce custom made cables, they come in at £125 per a cable. Still a lot cheaper than a new gearbox, flywheel, clutch, starter motor etc, I'm sure after more searching I shall find just extended ford gear cables, the size of fitting can't e that uncommon, anyway in answer to the original post, yes a 2litre will fit in the sonic 7 an you will have less problems that the 1.8 with the drive shafts, just a bit of head scratching will occur with the cables, once I've got mine sorted i will happily give you a post |
|
|
|
Post by tallude on Apr 7, 2011 23:33:58 GMT
Good news! Post up a lot of pic's if you don't mind. |
|
|
|
Post by frozenrabbit on Apr 20, 2011 21:59:38 GMT
Good news on the cables, after a lot of research I have manage to order some cables and they come with the fittings needed, only thing I new to source now is the gear lever off a 1.8 focus as the 2litre uses te same method as the Mondeo which in my case is what everyone else wants for the 1.8 but me.
|
|
|
|
Post by amiga500 on Aug 4, 2011 18:12:22 GMT
do the factory have a kit to help make life easier in regards to fitting this engine combo??? I was on mevltd.co.uk earlier, and noticed the changed format - when going through the website to get to the sonic prices etc: www.smartsrus.com/rtr_sonic7.htmlI notice in a number of places the sonic is now being advertised as 1.8 or 2.0 engine. Is the factory now producing a chassis designed for use with the mtx 'box? |
|
|
|
Post by roadtrackrace on Aug 5, 2011 5:43:43 GMT
It is indeed being advertised for 2.0 litre but the factory chassis is still designed to use the IB5 gearbox. This is due to it's compact dimensions. The 2.0 litre hubs and driveshafts are also different, so if you do want a 2.0 Sonic7 then I would recommend contacting a company like Jubillee motor spares in Birmingham who will provide you with the parts you require from a 1.8 minus the engine and then buying a brand new 2.0 litre Zetec as these are available from about £650 + VAT from various sources. If you go down this route, you won't need to strip a donor car on your driveway and you will then have enough new content for your car to qualify for a new plate as opposed to an age related plate. 200bhp maybe limit of an IB5 in a road car but the Sonic7 is only half the weight of a Focus and therefore the stresses are far less in relative terms. The Sonic7 will be available to customers in Australia via our Australian distributor www.southam.com.au and a Sonic7 will be heading over there with our next shipment. RTR |
|
cml
Newbie
Posts: 19
|
Post by cml on Aug 6, 2011 9:04:55 GMT
Yeah, but have you seen the prices your Australian distributor is charging? It's good in a way to see that Australian traditional pastimes like bushranging have not disappeared in the modern age.
|
|
|
|
Post by tallude on Aug 10, 2011 1:23:19 GMT
I agree 4,000 pounds for a sonic 7 kit should only just be over or under $10,000,
Considering they're charging 14K for the Rocket makes me wonder how much the Sonic 7 will be.
Ah well Australia the place to get ripped off for cars!
|
|
|
|
Post by rosco46 on Oct 5, 2011 22:49:10 GMT
Hi,
Im new to the forum but have been doing research into Rockets/Sonics available here in Australia. There seems to be a lack of good Kit Cars here and am very pleased with the MEVS and the future it holds, and just to let the other ozzy on this forum know that the prices have actually come down, and I believe are closer to the 10,000 aud mark currently. I am in Sydney and when I start my project, more then welcome to come around and have a look, as I understand there are no Rockets or Sonics anywhere else other then 1 in Western Australia, so we will be pioneers! I initially wanted to order a Rocket, which they have in stock, but now want to wait for the Sonic, which I believe is available early 2012.
|
|
cml
Newbie
Posts: 19
|
Post by cml on Oct 11, 2011 12:40:50 GMT
Hi Rosco,
I just checked the distributor's website and it's still showing $13,500 + GST; the only difference is they don't seem to be advertising the Sonic now, whereas they were before. Was the lower price the result of you contacting them?
|
|
|
|
Post by rosco46 on Oct 12, 2011 4:11:10 GMT
Hi,
Yea was quoted cheaper then that, but that was for a Rocket,I think the Rocket was 13k on line but when I rang was closer to 11. So I would assume both Kits have come down closer to that mark. The sonic7 has not gone through our SVA/RTA type check here so it is unsure if you can drive it on the road, but apparently that will be worked out early next year, so I'm waiting till then to find out about the Sonic, if its a no go, which I dont think it will be, then Ill go for the Rocket. I'm pretty sure if they pass the Rocket the Sonic will pass as well. Going back to the topic, I would love to do the 2.0 ltr as well but it sounds like its abit more work so will prob go down the 1.8 path. I want to buy one donor and rip most parts from there.
|
|
but a simple email to MEV should clarify that issue.
