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grandad - 30/11/07 at 07:14 PM

Hi Guys
i am totally new to the world of kit cars. it is something that i have always wanted to do and i have the opportunaty.
i recently accured a k plate seirra GLS for free. i know that this has the 2.0 DOHC engine and these are not the best solution but i think that keeping costs to a minimum is paramount (as its my first project). i think that i am correct in assuming that the gear box is the MT75.
my main questions are, will i need to have a welding certificate to pass the SVA test if i weld the frame myself (cant find absolute answer anywhere).
where can i find information with regards to the above mentioned engine (manuals etc..). also the engine has efi system, is this required or should i look to replace this with carbs??
any help appreciated

please ingnore the poor spelling!!

nib1980 - 30/11/07 at 07:22 PM

The gearbox is probably a type 9, 5 speed (push down for reverse to the left), you can easily replace the EFI with a set of carbs (even motorbike carbs) plenty of info on here.

Making you own chssis is easy, so long as it looks good as they say then it will pass the SVA.

oh and welcome and questions you have will definately be answered here!

russbost - 30/11/07 at 07:35 PM

Hi & welcome, I'm no expert on Seven's (they have the engine at the wrong end), but I believe the biggest probs with the DOHC are tha it has a lot of ancilliaries, & the exhaust? on the O?S of the engine which all tends to clash with the steering column - I believe Robin Hood did a car using it tho' no doubt someone will be along to correct me if I'm wrong, they like doing that!

GeoffB - 30/11/07 at 07:53 PM

welcome.another kentish man to the ranks.!!

twybrow - 30/11/07 at 07:54 PM

Welcome to the wonderful world of cold nights in the garage, and plenty of use of the adjusting hammer!

One of the reasons people tend to to use the DOHC is that it is very difficult to tune. The standard SOHC has plenty of parts available and more info on here for sure. You could pick up an engine for very little cash and it would bolt straight to whatever gearbox you have.

Whatever way you go - good luck!

big_wasa - 30/11/07 at 08:00 PM

The gearbox WILL be the Mt75

They did do a carbed Dohc so bits are available.

Mansfield - 30/11/07 at 08:31 PM

Most people will agree that the DOHC engine would not be their first choice, but they pull like a train and have plenty power for a seven.

Several people on here have used them, from memory JohnN has one in a nice looking car (I think a stainless +442) and I dont doubt he is very happy.

Main issues are height/weight and tuneability I believe. Height can be taken care of with a taller chassis and bodywork, weight - all car engines are heay anyway, tuneability - if that isn't quick enough for you then a hot Zetec will bolt straight on to your gearbox.

Cost of manifolds cause problems too, but if you can make your own chassis an exhaust and an inlet manifold will be the least of your worries.

Go for it, you dont get much cheaper than something you already have.

grandad - 30/11/07 at 09:26 PM

Thanks for the speedy response guys. i started to dismantle the sierra this evening and have a few days holidy comming up where i may remove the engine, gearbox, diff, brakes and suspension. i will probably remove the steering and loom before this. i have had a quick look on ebay for Zetec engines 9(these could be a possiblity).
the Chris Gibbs book seems to be fairly detailed on the manufacture of the frame and fitting the engine but doesn't seem to mention too much about engine ancilleries and where to fit them. is usually information that is sourced from other locations.

cheers

snapper - 1/12/07 at 11:06 AM

Robin Hood did a DOHC 2b derivative but still had clearance problems with the steering column. No big deal to fix but you may also need a floor mounted pedalbox.
if you fit the DOHC engine then a little bonus is that the MK5 Escort RS2000 engine will replace it and if you go for a Zetec in the future then the inlet and exhaust are on the same sides.

Simon - 1/12/07 at 05:51 PM

Grandad,

Where in Kent are you, N, S, E or West.

Quite a few builders in Kent to West London.

ATB

Simon

martyn_16v - 1/12/07 at 08:23 PM

quote:
Originally posted by russbost
the exhaust? on the O?S of the engine which all tends to clash with the steering column


Only if you build a left hooker, the DOHC I threw out of my donor had the exhaust on the passenger side.

dnmalc - 2/12/07 at 07:55 AM

When stripping the body don't forget to cut out the chasis no and stip out the vin plate !

This is the exciting time lots of enthusiam quick progress and a great web site for support as time goes on it gets harder so come along to one of the get togethers and you will find lots of us are happy to discuss, help(?) or just commiserate.

grandad - 2/12/07 at 04:18 PM

i live in maidstone,
i will make a note to myself to remove these plates before i get to carried away.

Michael - 2/12/07 at 08:36 PM

Welcome.

I brought my seats, seat belts and steering wheel and boss from a Car Shop when i was on my way to Maidstone, when i had just started my build in 2000 (its still being built)