It's been a while since I last looked at what MK Engineering are doing and I'm very surprised to see the new website, GT-R now sold + 2 new projects (Seven + middie) being developed.

I've been looking for any information here in the forums but haven't found the relevant threads. Help?

I'm particularly interested in knowing prices and availability for the GT-R from Evolution Sportscars, as well as any pictures of these new developments of course, or any info of whatever is happening at MK Engineering lately.

I think a lot of people have heard of the impending new releases but as yet have been sworn to secrecy on details.

I can vouch for the New 7 type car. It is a really futuristic design with many chassis and body modifications (almost a totally new design) which is made from all round tube. The lessons Martin has learned from the old 7 design really show.

We must all bide our time and wait for the covers to come off officially.

Hi, I think the production runs of the new seven will only be in square tube,the first two only are being made from round tube.
I would have liked the third chassis in round tube but was told by Martin with a chuckle"I'm only doing two in round!"

Oh well,
DEAN......

I'm really curious as to why are they developing a new front engined car (after their developments of the last years, all mid engined, road legal, Le Mans racers). If there's a company with the know-how to develop either Seven-like or mid engined, that is MK. They are not doing it just because "that's what they are good at", they have to be doing it because it's good in some respects! (Cheaper maybe?). I know they are developing a new middie as well but are they not telling us somehow that mid engined is not to end with front engine as for new designs, not for now? I remember when I first saw the Sylva R1ot, with its cheap Locost style body panels, I thought well that's it, it can't get more "Locost" than this, if there's a Middie Locost, it's this and it looks like the way to move forward. Not so, then??

Cheers,

Alex

There's some photos on his developments page plus a link at bottom of opening page.

The photos don't really reveal some of the design features. The detail work is subtle but very clever, building in more strength without excessive weight gain.
When you see it in the flesh there's a big difference between the original Locost and his new design. It's not built on 'cheap' Locost principles but value for money, good quality product.

Talking to Martin revealed that there is a new fabricated front upright which he will make available. Not sure, but I think this will fit any of the 7 type designs.

He had a car in, which he had made up an exhaust and manifold for. This was a Raw Toyota engined car.

I'm hoping to get him to make me a silencer with quite a lot of silencing for hillclimb competition this year. The tracks are now applying new slightly lower limits for this year, under duress with pressure from local councils.





[Edited on 30/3/05 by Rob Lane]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rob Lane
I'm hoping to get him to make me a silencer with quite a lot of silencing for hillclimb competition this year. The tracks are now applying new slightly lower limits for this year, under duress with pressure from local councils.

---

does'nt the straw catch fire when you stuff it up your silencer ?

or when you hit it wrong.

Hopefully that won't happen when I am on the affected corners.

Same thing with Curborough.

The local council approved plans for a new housing estate despite opposition from the local area.

The estate was built, then the new residents complained over the noise from the track

It was pointed out to them and council that this is in their deeds but an action group was formed which pressurised council. The council then applied new limits and restrictions on use.

I'm aiming for around 88db if possible. This is very quiet but I have a design in mind that may achieve this.

So far the testers have turned a blind eye when I state max revs as 6000, should be 8000. So the test is done at lower 4000 revs steady state.
The current silencer will meet the regs in steady state but when on track is one of the loudest.
Now some tracks are also applying 'drive by' limits during the timed runs
This will mean a definite change is needed for me, the car howls when under full power.

That is the problem at Harewood - got to watch the actual noise when the car is going up the hill, rather than the static tests.

Apparently, one of the residents organised a full days sound monitoring during one of the events last year.

Why do councils not tell people to stop wasting their time when things like you say happened at Curborough happen? At least Harewood have neighbours who can prove 400 year family history in their houses so have a bit of reason to complain!!