Info on registering and insuring a Rocket in the US

[rwood01]

Does anyone have any info on registering a Rocket in the US? I'm interested in building one, but would like to be able to have it registered for on-road use. Also, anyone in the SoCal area currently building one of these? Last question: How tough would it be to use an Acura Integra GSR as the donor car?

[Karlo]

Yes, all States have laws that allow for self build cars. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for details.

Cord is building the first Mev Sonic7 see his thread.

[devilman2075]

laws vary upon states, considering ur in cali ur gonna have alot more fun with ur smog than anyone else ha...good luck

as for a gsr anything can be done, its a kit car for a reason, its going to depend upon how much time,money,and engineering you want to invest into a car that u can build with a smog commisioned 2.3l duratec for under 15grand....if ur gonna waste time on a gsr without much more power than the focus engine then u might as well go all out and get a k20 or even h22 anything less and it will be a waste of money in my eyes....or buy a slr roadster and use the k20 as its the engine of choice but your looking at 15grand for the kit 5 plus for the motor and miscellaneous parts ur talking closer to 30 grand....


im just hoping kits are around cuz next year i gotta buy a house i cant be affording projects on the side

[cordycord]

In California, 500 vehicles per year are allowed to be titled as "special construction" vehicles. They are titled as special construction, and need to meet smog standards from 1965 (none). After 500, you need to meet the smog standards from the year of registration.

Special note--Cobras and other kit cars are not special construction, but are titled from the year that the original car is based upon. It is conceivable that if you are registering a Sonic 7, you could persuade the DMV that you're registering a Lotus 7 kit car. :)

Included in the process is a visit to a CA inspection station, manned by police officers. They take the car in back and go through it, making sure that it's safe and includes all necessary approved items. It frankly depends on what side of the bed your inspector woke up on if you have questionable areas in your build. It's simply better to build the car to pass inspection, and then change back those items that you find unappealing (headlights set at 24" above ground, etceteras).

Other state laws will vary from California, but are generally going to be less stringent. The only other item for a few states and exocars is windshield wipers. Some need 'em. You can choose to include them on your car, or potentially have the car inspected without a screen, IF your state law allows...