Choices

[apalumbo]

I am honestly torn. The Atom is great, but out of my price range and even if I could afford it, I'd rather build an SL-R and have 40k left for another project.

My first instinct is to go for the Mev Rocket, it aint the prettiest, but it has charm and the price is amazing. However, the focus donor is less than ideal and I am just getting started in the kit car thing so I want to keep my engineering and fab work within my grasp.

The Sl-R is my favorite, it is great looking and has great potential with a honda k-series. Plus they offer a windshield package which is one less thing I have to fab up to pass VA state qualifications. The company producing them and Fran seem as legitimate as possible. The only kicker is it will cost more than twice as much as the rocket.

The V-storm, is third on my list. It's a little too new to the market for me to be comfortable with and it cost as much as the SL-R, but the central driving position, seating for 3 and Subaru drivetrain. Right now it's not even an option, but by the time my money is saved it may be worth consideration.

Realistically I am probably still leaning towards the rocket, but I don't want to commit to a decision quite yet.
I am going through some of the same thoughts but my pockets are really empty right now. I am looking at the storm but thinking about sculpting my own shell pieces to improve the look. I have quite a bit of experience laying glass for the movie industry and for the commercial sculpture business. I want something simple, fast and cheap and the storm fits that bill so far. I've noticed peoples negative comments about the ford focus donor so I wonder if anyone has tried a boxter engine. Does anyone know if it would fit?

[cheapracer]

CHEAPRACER.

My point exactly...you need apples to apples...

I view the Atom and KTM as expensive.....surely you agree...

I sell cars all over the World and taxes and shipping play a huge part in global business.

I look forward to meeting you and your car at the track with mine....:thumb2:

Expensive is relative obviously or Enzo's wouldnt have a market place.

I didn't like the way you spoke down your nose about MEV and it made me angry (something Gage seems to have missed) - maybe my way was wrong but you also started somewhere and seem to forget that. You know as I do this is a tough nut to crack and we have both seen literally hundreds of cars makers come and go in our time and often nothing to do with the product - again we both know car makers with excellent product that didn't survive while crap ones do.

If you enjoy a drink, arguing about cars and perving on woman then yes you will enjoy meeting me but from a car point of view I am in a completely different game of which long term you will probably benefit without even realising so.

Anyway, your where you are because your doing something right which is above hundreds of others mentioned, best of luck to you.

[Fran Hall RCR]

Cheapracer....not to belabour the point ..

nowhere in my post do I "look down my nose"...I admire anyone in this industry that can make a living doing what we do....its bloody hard work...and quite often a thankless task to make it all come togther in a seamless manner...(or far from it in reality)

I used MEV's product line because I like it and for no other reason than that....they build mulitples cars just like I do and they appeal to a wide range of interests...EV etc etc etc..again like myself......so the parity is valid in my opinion.

Having talked with people that have seen both products in the flesh , I think from first hand experience the comparison is still very valid....and both product lines are worthy of mention and merit in the same breath.

I am 41 years old and have built RCR from my garage shop to now in six years ....with no partners or investors ..so I still feel the heavy workload burden.....boy do I feel it.

[Karlo]

Did you guys answer "apalumbo" question or are you guys going to pull each others hair. LOL

[Fran Hall RCR]

No hairpulling here... but I am coming over to kick your arse instead....as you have no hair...

You have seen all the cars so why dont you answer him...:king:...Mr. Moderator man...:clap:

[cheapracer]

I am going through some of the same thoughts but my pockets are really empty right now. I am looking at the storm but thinking about sculpting my own shell pieces to improve the look. I have quite a bit of experience laying glass for the movie industry and for the commercial sculpture business. I want something simple, fast and cheap and the storm fits that bill so far. I've noticed peoples negative comments about the ford focus donor so I wonder if anyone has tried a boxter engine. Does anyone know if it would fit?

There are millions of the Ford Focus engines in 1 variant or another running everyday for a million people so I wouldnt get to concerned about 1 or 2 'stories'. I have 150,000 thrashed kms up on my Mazda 6 2.3 now and no issues at all.

Stay away from Boxter stuff, why would you bother when you can have a similar Subaru for a 10th the price (long term running).

You say you want something cheap but you mention a Porsche setup for a chassis not designed to take it - contradiction.

I cant talk about the Storm cause I cant get my head around 3 seaters.

Why don't you do a deal with Fran to get one of his awesome looking retro rod styles up and running. I may be interested to do something as well.

[Nigel]

Help, very interesting thread even if a little heated for my taste, but i just don't get it, when i read :-

'My first instinct is to go for the Mev Rocket, it aint the prettiest, but it has charm and the price is amazing. However, the focus donor is less than ideal and I am just getting started in the kit car thing so I want to keep my engineering and fab work within my grasp.'

OK looks are a personal choice, but whats wrong with a 'focus donor' ??????

We all like value for money 'best bhp for your buck' and all that so why not use a solid reliable mass produced donor, parts are cheep, tunning is easy, and at least in this country the power plant/drive train has a good reputation for being solid, and if you do blow it to bits its pretty easy and cheep to replace.

If you want to keep it simple use the donor the kit was designed for.

[Gage]

If you want to keep it simple use the donor the kit was designed for.

Well said.

[apalumbo]

When I say a "boxter" engine, I am refering to any opposing pistion engine. I really like the low CG factor. I am thinking about the Storm because I am a long legged 6'4" 240 lbs guy so I may need the extra room. Does anyone know if I might fit into the MEV Rocket or the Atomic?

[cheapracer]

When I say a "boxter" engine, I am refering to any opposing pistion engine. Does anyone know if I might fit into the MEV Rocket or the Atomic?

Ok but you need to say boxer engine as Porsche actually call theirs Boxter :)

6' 4" is no problem for the coming Mongrel, only engine/trans required not donor.

[cheapracer]

Did you guys answer "apalumbo" question or are you guys going to pull each others hair. LOL

oops this was supposed to be in the 'which car' thread, lol!

I'm a biter and scratcher myself.

[Crazyhippy]

When I say a "boxter" engine, I am refering to any opposing pistion engine. I really like the low CG factor. I am thinking about the Storm because I am a long legged 6'4" 240 lbs guy so I may need the extra room. Does anyone know if I might fit into the MEV Rocket or the Atomic?

The motor style is a boxer, the car is a Boxster.

The CG will be lower, but it's such a miniscule amount (1/2 a motor, maybe 200lbs, moved 4") that it might as well be nothing.

Going back to back in identicle (or pretty damn close) 914's, minw w/ a Subbie STI motor, and one w/ a iron block Small block chevy, there is a diffrence. There is also almost 200lbs in weight difference. You can feel the weight (like a passenger, same change in feel) but it doesn't make the car top heavy.:coolnana:

[Nigel]

.......... I am a long legged 6'4" 240 lbs guy so I may need the extra room. Does anyone know if I might fit into the MEV Rocket or the Atomic?

Hi, well I'm 6'2" 232lbs and have an inside leg of 34" and I fit in both a MEV Rocket and Sonic just fine but don't know about the Atomic not tryed to get in it, anyway its a little too much of a track day tool for me and I'm not convinced that my skill level is up to it, plus its design balanced for a 170lb driver.