kit car

[The Radium King]

hey kcpaz, in your experience with boxsters, do you think there would be any economy/market in building a tube frame that utilised the boxster front and rear sub-frames (w/ steering, suspension, brakes, even engine/transmission)? from what I can see, if you use the complete assemblies, it wouldn't be that complicated - the front sub-frame is a pretty much stand-alone unit, and the rear as well. or just easier/cheaper to build from scratch?

[kcpaz]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

hey kcpaz, in your experience with boxsters, do you think there would be any economy/market in building a tube frame that utilised the boxster front and rear sub-frames (w/ steering, suspension, brakes, even engine/transmission)? from what I can see, if you use the complete assemblies, it wouldn't be that complicated - the front sub-frame is a pretty much stand-alone unit, and the rear as well. or just easier/cheaper to build from scratch?

I think from a business standpoint, kit cars in general are a really tough market. Businesses like Factory Five are a rare success story. How do you predict what consumer will want (design wise)? And then how much money will someone need to invest in molds, chassis fixtures, custom glass, rubber seals, door hinges etc... It's the same way with marketing engine conversions, but on a smaller scale. Everyone wants something different. In engine conversions for example, some people want LSx, Subaru, Audi V8, VW 4 cyliner, and within each of those choices, there are a lot of different ways to configure each option. Imaging how you would decide which kit car to build.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

hey kcpaz, in your experience with boxsters, do you think there would be any economy/market in building a tube frame that utilized the boxster front and rear sub-frames (w/ steering, suspension, brakes, even engine/transmission)? from what I can see, if you use the complete assemblies, it wouldn't be that complicated - the front sub-frame is a pretty much stand-alone unit, and the rear as well. or just easier/cheaper to build from scratch?

For a track toy maybe, I think the key is the required level of fit & finish. The Shelby Series 1 used mostly Corvette C4 suspension components, bolted to a custom aluminum tube frame/tub. C4 steering knuckles were used front & rear by swaping sides in the rear like a Boxster. C4 knuckles are forged, C5 knuckles are nearly identical but not forged. Shelby's contract with Oldsmobile included free GM parts for the 1st 5 prototype cars. Shelby was allowed to buy production intent parts directly from the vendors that manufactured them. I was amazed to see the largest C4 brake rotors (13.5" Z-51??) cost $37.50.