|
|
Post by swordsman on Apr 17, 2015 21:06:04 GMT
Hey everyone! I'm poking around again, and oddly enough, Google has COMPLETELY failed to enlighten me on this subject: Exocet vs Rocket. I'm curious how the handling and performance differs between the two models (base 4 cyl donors) since they have the engines on opposite ends. Any info remotely related to driving impressions would be greatly appreciated!
~SM
|
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Apr 18, 2015 8:39:01 GMT
Depends on what you are going to do with it? Exocet is perfectly balanced, add an average weight driver and there is a 50% front to rear weight distribution. Easy to correct if you over cook it. Great fun for J turns and doughnuts. On the limit it is noticeable that braking can often be left later than say a 7 or middy. Rocket/Sonic require more skill to balance the car. This can be used as an advantage. Powering out of turn with extra mass over the driven wheels can be an advantage. In a mid/rear car the front can be light and cause front brakes to lock up but braking induces weight transfer to help address this. The brave and talented use the power to turn under steer into over steer. The Rocket/Sonic does not suffer from having it's main mass concentrated over the rear, it only becomes a problem if braking is left too late. Lift off over steer can be avoided by lifting off the power more gently when you are near the limit. Then it is down to personal choice and back to my question at the top.  |
|
|
|
Post by deanohonda on Apr 18, 2015 17:12:31 GMT
Unable to speak for the exocet but driven my typeR powered rocket for the first time in anger today & was unable to stop grinning & the looks from everyone is priceless ;-)
Boy is it quick ;-);-);- )
|
|
|
|
Post by swordsman on Apr 20, 2015 13:03:13 GMT
To be honest, any kit I put together would more than likely never see a track. I'm looking at something that would be more for spirited rides in the mountains or an excessively quick trip to pick up a pizza.... a four-wheel alternative to a bike, but more exotic. I like the look of the Rocket better, but the price point and ease of construction favors the Exocet, which is still no slouch in the looks department. I'm just looking for more factors to weigh in. =)
|
|
|
|
Post by mawdo81 on Apr 20, 2015 16:20:15 GMT
You have a lot more explaining to do with a rocket than an Exocet...I'm guessing you're stateside, if so the registration process for your state might impact ease of registration for one v the other.
|
|
|
|
Post by swordsman on Apr 20, 2015 17:19:06 GMT
You have a lot more explaining to do with a rocket than an Exocet...I'm guessing you're stateside, if so the registration process for your state might impact ease of registration for one v the other. Mmmmmmmm, yeah, that hadn't crossed my mind. I am indeed in the States, and as luck would have it, Exomotive is practically in my back yard. If the Rocket is trickier to make street legal, that would definitely shift me toward the Exocet. |
|
|
|
Post by mawdo81 on Apr 20, 2015 17:41:00 GMT
In the UK both need the same process. However in the U.S. I've heard of some states registering it on the Miata title, would you use a donor for a rocket?
|
|
|
|
Post by swordsman on Apr 20, 2015 19:16:45 GMT
Yeah, if I went the Rocket route, I'd definitely be building a Ford Focus-based one. I'm a bit of a Ford guy anyway ('08 Mustang GT).
|
|
|
|
Post by mawdo81 on Apr 20, 2015 20:27:33 GMT
Yes but donor or new parts? That might make a difference...
|
|
|
|
Post by swordsman on Apr 20, 2015 20:41:31 GMT
Oh, sorry. All donor, as much as possible. Any kit I attempt will be the mother of all budget builds!  |
|
|
|
Post by Stewart on Apr 21, 2015 10:59:22 GMT
I spent the day testing the newly modified race Exocet at the local track. Just bolted a M45 Supercharger to it, so from 130bhp upto 200bhp. Sweet baby Jesus!
The thing should be renamed the Rocket. It goes like stink.
Was playing around with trail braking into chicanes and the car is so balanced. Braking while the car is unsettled then a dab of power and the car leans over and powers out of the bend... with a bit of a powerslide if you're too eager. Counter it with a bit of opposite lock and you're off.
Like Stu says it really depends on what you're using the car for.
The Exocet takes one of the best handling 2 seater sports cars and keeps all the bits which make it that good and sheds a good 3-400kg.
The Rocket does look good, but it's going to be a bit more technical to drive due to the lump out the back. If you're well versed in front engine, rear drive cars, jumping into the Exocet will be straight forward enough.
If budget will rule the decision, the Exocet makes the most sense. You don't have to buy all the nice bits straight away, you can get driving with all the components from the donor.
|
|
|
|
Post by swordsman on Apr 21, 2015 12:51:50 GMT
Sounds like the Exocet will be my best bet all-round. I'm really hoping to make it to the Caffeine and Octane show May 3rd in Atlanta to see Exomotive.
Thanks to all for the info!
|
|
