another newbie from kettering northants

[carbonbob]

Hi all I came to stoneleigh and spoke to a couple of owners. I have now just about emptied the garage ready to start my first kit car build and its gona be an MEV rocket the funds are building steadily and think that I could be placing an order sooner rather than later. Got to sort out the donor car next and have been looking at 1.8 but am confused about the differences between 1.6 and 1.8 and which would be better to tweek in the future I am a maintenance engineer and have rebuilt engines in the past so I expect to strip and rebuild what ever engine I choose ,any advice welcome. By the way the names Bob

[mattsmev]

Hi Bob

both engines are fine, but it's worth reading the blurb in the burtons catalogue. If you don't have a copy have a look at the web site, well worth a read. Need to get to bed now, but i may discuss further at a later date.

Cheers

Mattsmev

[Scott]

Hi Bob,

Im just in Wootton, Not far from you,

We have built Rocket's using both 1.6 + 1.8, I must say the 1.6 is easier to build as it fits in very easily, the 1.8 was slightly harder (the head is turned round on the 1.8 so the exhaust and cat are positioned roll bar side) so this didnt help our Double hoop roll bar,
After driving both i think the performance is very similar really, obviously this is pre tuning !!

anyway thats my thoughts,,,

Scott

[carbonbob]

thank for the response but am even more unsure about the engine !!!!

[roadtrackrace]

Definitely go for the 1.8 if you have the choice. The engine has more torque, more bhp and with the now standard double hoop style roll bar it's equally easy to fit. The exhaust is much more straightforward as well as you can use the manifold and cat from the donor car leaving you only the back box to source.
It also is better for aftermarket tuning options as if you do go for throttle bodies they are on the rear of the engine and will fit under the engine cover.
RTR team.

[carbonbob]

thats it then got to be a 1.8 now to find a decent donor !

[carbonbob]

hi alll well the deed has been done and the deposit paid the donor car is on the drive and the garage is being prepared x reg donor with 72000 on the clock and runs nice and sweet seems to good to break but it will be, october for the collection so gona have to get the heating sorted for a busy winter inthe garage hope its not as cold as last winter !! next question is how long to build ? As my other hobby is cycle racin i'm looking at incorporating a cycle carrier in to the chassis ! should be different !

[mastarforth]

congratulations mate

good luck

[scottie999]

Hi well done! yet another new build over the winter months, were going to be keepin the iva inspectors busy with all sorts of MEVs next year. Im a bit far away but hopefully we may end up with similar problems/queries around the same time. Going to be a busy winter for some of us. ;D

[mabbs]

Hi Carbonbob,

I am not far from you either - Higham Ferrers. My Rocket is on order. Would be good to catch up when progress starts.

[carbonbob]

Hi Mabbs yeah just down the road definately have to have a meet when the rockets arrive hope your not a diamonds fan though ! the colour scheme is the next dilema but in the back of my mind I have a gareish sort of idea ! have to see if it is possible ?

[mattsmev]

Hello carbon Bob

No problem to fit a cycle carrier. There are pictures of my car on this site with a tow hitch, and you can fit lots of cycle carriers to that. I have adapted a cycle carrier to make a luggage rack.

Cheers

Mattsmev