kit car

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

I think the 904 is probably the easiest, and purest (keeping it all Porsche) project. I don't think the scale on the 550 is right for a boxster, and I've heard about the beck and thunder ranch 904 copies but out of my price range. and really, their offerings are bespoke cars. I'm thinking more custom tube frame, swing over the boxster running gear, then add body. then the details.

the thing about the 904 is that is was all fiberglass straight from porsche, like a factory kit car. so, the fit and finish (the part that kills most amateur car builders) is pretty easy to attain. note the doors/side glass on the 904 - simple. dash - simple. hinges and latches - simple.

well, simple-ish. it would probably die an unfinished project, after nightmare struggles with custom brake lines, properly aligning doors, hours of wet-sanding, etc.

I think I know what you are saying. Probably the most successful manufacturer is "Factoryfive racing" They make a 65-67 Cobra kit car designed to bolton 87-93 Mustang powertrain & suspension components. This is so popular they now make about 10 different kits mostly Ford based.
I worked for Shelby American 2+ years on the Shelby Series 1 project. This project had the full cooperation of GM & most of thier parts vendors, but after 4 years, still failed to meet my fit & finish expectations for a $150K sportcar.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

I think I know what you are saying. Probably the most successful manufacturer is "Factoryfive racing"

Hey Bill, speaking about Factory Five, have you seen their new mid engine design that uses a Subaru engine?

There is an article on Grassroots magazine and also a F5 ad that offers two kits, one for 9k (street version) and 10k for the track version...

The concept looks great (if you can ignore the S2000 look alike face..) but a well designed track toy for 10k plus a Subbie donor car sounds great IMHO

Regards, Gilles

.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Hey Bill, speaking about Factory Five, have you seen their new mid engine design that uses a Subaru engine?

There is an article on Grassroots magazine and also a F5 ad that offers two kits, one for 9k (street version) and 10k for the track version...

The concept looks great (if you can ignore the S2000 look alike face..) but a well designed track toy for 10k plus a Subbie donor car sounds great IMHO

Regards, Gilles

.

Yeah, I've seen it but I like cars I can drive anytime & anywhere. I like driving the WRXs,but Subaru engines are far from the top of my list for transplants.

[evomind]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

I think I know what you are saying. Probably the most successful manufacturer is "Factoryfive racing" They make a 65-67 Cobra kit car designed to bolton 87-93 Mustang powertrain & suspension components. This is so popular they now make about 10 different kits mostly Ford based.
I worked for Shelby American 2+ years on the Shelby Series 1 project. This project had the full cooperation of GM & most of thier parts vendors, but after 4 years, still failed to meet my fit & finish expectations for a $150K sportcar.

Id pay the upcharge and buy Superformance.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by evomind

Id pay the upcharge and buy Superformance.

I'd invoke my employee discount + a upcharge & buy the Shelby kit!

[evomind]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

I'd invoke my employee discount + a upcharge & buy the Shelby kit!

The Shelby kit isn't necessarily an upgrade.
I have experience with both. The Shelby kits are more expensive and a total biatch to work with as compared to the SPF.
Honestly I give a slight nod to SPF however subjective that may be as I think the total quality is slightly better. Not much. That and the fact the Shelby kit is harder to install the exhaust. A lot harder.
That said I wouldn't argue with either one.
I had an SPF GT-40 that I put the motor and trans in myself, I loved that car. Before settling on the GT-40 I looked real hard at Shelby and the SPF Cobra.
All top notch cars

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

I think I know what you are saying. Probably the most successful manufacturer is "Factoryfive racing" They make a 65-67 Cobra kit car designed to bolton 87-93 Mustang powertrain & suspension components. This is so popular they now make about 10 different kits mostly Ford based.
I worked for Shelby American 2+ years on the Shelby Series 1 project. This project had the full cooperation of GM & most of thier parts vendors, but after 4 years, still failed to meet my fit & finish expectations for a $150K sportcar.

[kcpaz]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

Agree, I've driven one on track and inspected it closely... the fit and finish is terrible. Even the Lotus Exige/Elise reminds me of nothing more than a refined kit car... although way more affordable and enjoyable than the Series 1.