After much deep thought I have decided I want to build a BEC seven. the question is- which kit? I don't want to do much welding, so want to buy a complete chassis, and budget is probably around 4-5k. I want it to handle well, am not bothered about it having a fabric roof available. The reason I ask is I bet lots of people on here would possibly buy a different kit if they had their time again, which ones are not so good?

All opinions wanted!

Erk.

ere we go........

The best thing to do is look at all the major manufacturers and see which car you like best. Go to a show and see them all in one day or go to their factories or look at the cars of people who live near you.

MNR and MK are quite popular. That was my shortlist, after Luego said they wouldn't support my build if I fitted a bike engine.

depends on where you live, but mac1 mnr and mk would give you the bec you need

You'de be advised to do a search using the search facility... this is discussed at (very long) length frequently and TBH, it brings up all sorts of opinions about the various manufacturers... do a search and decide for yourself is my advice.

Steve

PS Welcome to the Madhouse and enjoy your build, whatever you decide!

Where abouts in the world are you? If you can get to kent, Total Kit Car is on at brands. Go there and have a ride in a few cars and talk to some people.

Is it just welding you want to avoid, or general fabrication also?

If the latter then Westfield and Caterham are probably the only true "bolt together" options and unfortunately out of your budget.

If it's just welding then have a hunt round the dedicated forums for problems people have encountered.

IMHO, it's also worth considering the distance to the factory. However building a car within your budget may be a real stretch as any "production" kit will take a huge chunk out of that.

[Edited on 14/5/07 by stevebubs]

Firstly thanks v much for all the replies. Lots of really good angles. I based my budget on a friend of a friend who built an MK R1 for 5 1/4k. I was thinking of maybe a cheaper engine (ZZR or blade), and some crafty purchasing, along with a mate who has access to a pretty big car breakers yard stock at the right money. And of course when do you ever actually come in on budget, I'll just have to sell a kidney if the money runs out.

I am quite happy to do plenty of fabrication work, even a little bit of welding, just didn't want to get into welding my own chassis, as I would get bored before it resembles anything like a car.

What difference is there between a caterham chassis and the mk (new or old) chassis? Is there really lots and lots?

Am in staffordshire, but have a work car with free fuel so kent is not a problem. Already went to stoneleigh but there was just too much information to take in all in one go.

Off to look at MNR website now.

:-)

ERK, there are a couple of subtle differences between caterham chassis' of a few years ago and most 7 manufacturers, and one decent difference - Price!

I would be (pleasantly) surprised if your mates budget of £5250 for an R1 MK was entirely accurate, but obviously you know him better than me.

I built a MAC1 Worx (£600 extra for the worx kit) and a couple of extra goodies like brakes and suspension), but even with a £570 blade engine my OTR total was nearly £9000...

hth
Steve.

edited to add - there are wa few people nearish to you (esp with your free company fuel!) that would be happy to take you out for a spin

[Edited on 14/5/07 by worX]

You won't go far wrong going with MK, MNR, GTS, Luego.
In fact, if you could combine the best bits of them all you'd have an amazing car!

Cheers,
James

Not sure whats up with the MNR site, I cant seem to get the module pages to work at all.

I went out in an MK (blade I think) last year when I went to see the factory, my memory of it was that it was an incredibly intense experience!

Just out of interest what build costs have people on here paid in total then?? I don't know the R1 chap very well so not 100% on the build cost, I have exchanged a few emails with him, was going to go over and see his car at some point, maybe I might go in the next week or so.

Mine is still on target for 4k before sva.
I cheated and bought a part built one cheap though :p I've been very careful with my spending though.
Having a well equiped garage has helped too on the fabrication side of things.

part built is the way to go for budget

I spent over 10 grand on my black car

bit daft really

although i got most of it back

quote:

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Originally posted by James
You won't go far wrong going with MK, MNR, GTS, Luego.
In fact, if you could combine the best bits of them all you'd have an amazing car!

Cheers,
James

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quote:

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Originally posted by Erk
Just out of interest what build costs have people on here paid in total then?

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