Seeking advice/opinions

[gunner]

So, basically is there models to avoid regarding '7s', first kit I looked at being a 15min drive away was a RH Exmo nice chap and was the original builder, bloody tidy, but have been reading it's possibly not the best chassis being the s/s box section ( heavy ,stress points, weld cracks etc) tubular 2b is improvement I believe, handling is not to sharp?? , now a Tiger is looking tidy along with MK indy, again I know Jack s**t about any of these cars so seeking some advice opinions, so many others I've noticed but have read many of the existing producers of certain models don't exist anymore,is this a problem or is there sufficient back up from other part supplier's? A lot of cars seem to use the 'Sierra' as doner (but outdated surely) also thinking about bike engine cars, again advice from owners would be good.
Don't want to start a mines better than yours thread so please give constructive replies.
Budget 5-6k not to bothered with some minor attention needed as this budget is obviously not going to buy a Caterham!!
Like to do a track/airfield days so some input on models best suited to this would be appreciated!
I'm off to drink my tea now that I've bored you stupid with a long list and will await the response!!

[DJ.]

I really like the Jeremy Phillips designed Sylva/Raw Striker if you can fit (they are tiny) or the Fisher Fury which has a Seven style chassis but more aerodynamic body. I own a Caterham and my brother's fury is just as good to drive on track or road. You'll probably have to do some work on one at that price and/or put up with a less popular/powerful engine. Remember, you can have a lot of fun with 100bhp in such a light car despite what most people on forums say

The MK Indy looks well engineered and there are some on here who have done high mileages in them.

You're unlikely to get a Westfield in your budget.

[Tony B]

I also like the fury’s, here’s one for sale at the moment from someone who used to be really active on here....

[greenwoo]

it comes back to what you want to use the car for....
i had a 2b briefly, and on that paricular one( i dont know that its relevant to all) the front suspension was poor and no chance of adjusting....and i think the wheelbase is a tad longer than others so there's a risk of catching crud/grounding out on smaler backroads ( if small b roads are your thing).

firstly, i'd take a look at the possibility of getting spares, a nice looking car where panels/parts or even the info about what components came from would be a no no for me.
5-6k might just get your towards a zetec engined car, which may be considered a bit fresher than a pinto.I'd say that panels are more of a challenge with some manufacturers that don't exist anymore, other bits can generally be sourced, i'd guess that the worst would be wishbones which wouldnt be transferable between any/many cars - but getting some made up if you bend wouldnt break the bank.

a good owners club is also goo to know exists, cos then you can tap into 'what did this come off'....

sierra donors....nope , dony see that as a problem, the tiger cat uses the whole rear from a sierra and can easily be set up.


as for mk etc there's a fair few that should tick the box....

have you sat in any yet? to check how they feel ( ignoring seat position/type, do you fit in them all? some are wider than others....
most things cane be overcome unless your 7ft tall.....or 33 stone.....

big difference between a bike/car engine, a screamer vs something that has torque...again,personal preference.

i'd jump in a cple and see what impressions you come away with.

biggest tip.....do not get seduced by the wild claims of 0-60, how little it weighs or how much power it has UNLESS it has evidence,and in the latter case a recent powergraph ( even those can be fudged).
have lost count of the crazy adverts on ebay......0-60 in 4 seconds, weighs 500kg and has 195bhp.....

[russtik]

Got to agree with Duncan, in that sort of price bracket it’s hard to beat one of the Jeremy Phillips cars. In the past I’ve had a Tiger and a Road Runner but I think my current Fisher Fury is a great little car. I really like the Striker and Phoenix too, renowned handling and can be very affordable. You should be able to get something with a 16 valve engine if you bide your time. It’s worth waiting for I’d say and if you are thinking bike engine then it’d be worth getting a ride in one before taking the plunge to see if they’re your cup of tea. To be honest, with your budget it would take a lot to make me consider something else. By the way, as has been alluded to there’s a few marque badges to look out for as Jeremy sold the designs on. The main ones to look out for are Sylva, RAW and Fisher. A lot of kits still rely on Ford parts, Sierra or older. For the best part it’s not a major issue and “factory back up” can be somewhat of a mirage, even for some of the well known bigger brands. The best support tends to come from the community, so you’re in the right place

[Nash]

As has been said previously get a passenger ride in some. Size varies and it’s worth checking a few out.

I’ve got an INDY and I’ve done a lot of miles in it, in it’s various guises. MK have just been acquired and now operate out of Essex and they are putting a lot of effort into growing the brand again. Shameless plug for my YouTube channel but here is a link to my INDY review from a couple of years ago but still relevant.

https://youtu.be/qU2nincr4Qs

Loads of videos on both my and SKCC’s adventures on there.

£5k-£6k will get you a lesser or older spec’d Car but not likely to get you much in the bec market. Kevin’s blue fury is a lot of car for a bec and it has a AB Performance fireblade in it so would be worth taking a look at?

Whatever you end up with you will get upgraditous so be aware.

Your location would be a good excuse for a drive out later in the summer.

Good hunting and keep asking the questions.

..... Neil

[Kegco]

As has been said previously get a passenger ride in some. Size varies and it’s worth checking a few out.

I’ve got an INDY and I’ve done a lot of miles in it, in it’s various guises. MK have just been acquired and now operate out of Essex and they are putting a lot of effort into growing the brand again. Shameless plug for my YouTube channel but here is a link to my INDY review from a couple of years ago but still relevant.

https://youtu.be/qU2nincr4Qs

Loads of videos on both my and SKCC’s adventures on there.

£5k-£6k will get you a lesser or older spec’d Car but not likely to get you much in the bec market. Kevin’s blue fury is a lot of car for a bec and it has a AB Performance fireblade in it so would be worth taking a look at?

Whatever you end up with you will get upgraditous so be aware.

Your location would be a good excuse for a drive out later in the summer.

Good hunting and keep asking the questions.

..... Neil

Great review Neil hadn’t seen that one

[gunner]

Thanks for the response,need to have another look at the you tube video when less household distraction'd going on, the fury is obviously a well respected car by the soui of it but the styling is not for me, starting to realise a £7-8k budget brings you into a Whole new better range of cars! there is a westie near me for £6k but it's got a 1700 crossflow which is a ancient by today's standards, will keep gathering info and keep an eye out for anyone meeting up near me and go and have a nose...

[Fury1630]

there is a westie near me for £6k but it's got a 1700 crossflow which is a ancient by today's standards,

Not disagreeing with you, but try it, a properly set up crossflow (mine was circa 100bhp) car is quicker than a Boxter S & will out-handle it anywhere. The Pinto is a heavy old lump & can upset the handling if it's mounted forward as it tends to be in sevens - all personal taste of course.

The other thing is that it's easier to swap a Zetec into a Cross Flow car, as the exhaust & carbs are on the same side, on the pinto it's opposite. Nothing insurmountable, just less work if you don't have to cut more holes & move the fuel system.

[Nash]

The x-flow is a thirsty beast (although they do sound great). If you are spending £6k on that then spend £7k and get a decent efi and sorted car. IMHO