gadrego Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 My Westfield is now sold. I sold it as I was made redundant. It looks like I now have a new job in the pipeline and I'm also running an internet business for a bit of earning on the side. Now I'm beginning to think about getting another 7. This time, I quite fancy the BEC route and I'm condiering building an MK Indy with either Fireblade, ZX9 or R1 engine. They seem to get pretty good reviews and a build looks affordable. Some concerns I have are: the availabiltiy of a quick rack, Getting a decent LSD ratio to run 13's, cost spiralling out of control. Anybody know much about these and can recommend or put me off them? Posted a few Q's on the Locost forum but no unbiased answers as yet. Would get another Westy but I fancy something a bit quicker this time round and a Westy BEC is beyond my budget unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 there's a guy building one in/for Which Kit? magazine, you might want to have a look at recent issues (last month maybe?) From what I've seen of them they look OK and don't have the 'cheapie reputation' of Locosts etc. I don't see the problem with quickrack/LSD etc, they're essentially only Ford parts aren't they? so anyone can do these (Rally Design/Burtons/CAT etc) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisG Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 Hi Gadrego Not sure about a quick rack as it would need to be Sierra based, but I imagine they can be sourced, have a word with Rally Design or any other decent motorsport supplier. LSD is the same as any Sierra based kit car rear end (inc Megablade etc). You can get Ford LSDs from certain Sierra/Granada models with suitable gearing for a BEC (either 3.62 or 3.38 I think), but if all else fails there is the usual aftermarket routes to take. Ive not heard anything bad about MK, they seem to be a very helpful lot and the stuff they produce is good quality. I have heard that they can be a little too busy to get hold of sometimes, but people don't seem to look on it as too much of a negative so it cant be too bad. Engine wise, if I was building now, Id defintiely go for an R1, a good 20+bhp more than a blade/ZX9, just as cheap and seem OK reliability wise so far. Put a post on the Yahoo BEC list as its probably more neutral than either the Locostbuilders or WSCC for obvious reasons Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samcooke Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 Hello As chris says; get an R1 Indys are perfectly good cars, but also look seriously at the Sylva Striker. I don't like the styling, but it's a cracking drive. Richard Miles (rather smart) Striker R1 will crack 60 in 3.4 and 100 in mid 8s. If you're not set on a 7 type, also consider a Sylva Phoenix or a Fisher Fury. I chose to build an R1 Fury for the styling, a little bit more stowage space and cos it has a screen. These cars will also be quicker as the speed rises due to aerodynamics. Have a look at the results of the 750 MC roadgoing bike engined car race series and you'll see Fishers and Sylvas consistently at the front. Live axle (escort) or IRS (sierra) are available. a 3.54 is the lowest FD for a live axle which gives just under 130mph on an R1 engined car, a quaiffe ATB LSD is about £400+VAT + fitting. All the above use escort racks so quick racks (or the parts) are easy to come by. You could easily build an R1 Sylva/Fisher for £7k without any scrapyard forraging - less if you don't mind that sort of thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gadrego Posted August 14, 2003 Author Share Posted August 14, 2003 Cheers guys. Yep, the R1 is my favourite option as well but could potentially be a little more expensive for custom exhaust, prop flange etc... Still top of my list though. Haven't really considered the Striker or fury to be honest. I'd prefer to stick with a seven style. Don't ask me why coz I don't know!! I do like the Striker but like you, I'm not a fan of the looks either and, call me sad but, I used to spend quite a while staring at the Westy. Think the MK looks quite mean with its wide track. Actually I could be persuaded to buy Richard Miles Striker if he wants to give me it for a couple of grand but I somehow doubt it. Speaking of Fury's etc.. My old MD races an orange fisher Fury in some 1600 Race series. God knows how much he spent on his car but it had 200+ BHP from a XFlow and weighed in at 420kg. I had a quick passenger ride in it and it scared the living s&%t out of me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu999 Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 I think if you are going the budget BEC route the Raw Striker is probably the way to go too. Superb handling, light, simple, and a surprising amount of room inside one too. The MK looks to be fabulously made chassis, but the steering rack is a problem if you want a quick rack. IIRC the 'quickest' rack that can be obtained for a Sierra is 2.8 lock to lock (down from nearly four though ), and they are quite expensive, and IIRC they need to be shortened too. What about buying an unloved early Westy and rebuilding/restoring that with the go faster goodies you require including bike engine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Everall Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 The MK Indy is very good and an excellent option IMHO Big Tel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickieB Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 Martin Keane (MK) is very helpful as well if you ever bend it it. Not that I've ever..... nope can't lie, yes I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mb893 Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 prop flange etc... Think the Blade one will fit, talk to Mark Fisher. Regards John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barney Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 the blade prop flange will fit the R1 but will need about .2 machining off the rear face. the props will be no problem,probably no more expensive than blade ones as they have the same flanges. theres no problem converting say a narrow se to blade power,mine now weighs in at 396 kgs with some more to go ,off the car and ,before mr navin chips in off the driver as well hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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