I'm looking into building a kit car, and I've started researching it on the net.

I used to have a stripped out throttle bodied Nova which was a lot of fun, I then got a bit bored and bought a Calibra turbo, and whilst its quick (300+ bhp) its just not as much fun as the small lightweight, loud Nova I had before it. Its just too dampened with no feedback; not enough of the feeling that its trying to kill you.

So I figured the ultimate fun car has to be a kit car, along with the fun and chance to learn a lot by building one myself.

So, what are the basic alternatives for builds?

I'm not to keen on the traditional old fashioned '7' look (call me vein) and I'm drawn to the Sylva Mojo. How do these compare to the more 7 style (front engine) driving and handling wise?

Any reasons not to go for the Mojo, or anything that maybe a better alternative? Anything I need to bear in mind, and any specifics that need to be considered when chosing a kit?

As you can tell I've not built a kit car before, but have done quite a lot of work on factory cars, built engines, engine transplants, fitted brakes, suspension, roll cages etc. Am I going to struggle with the build? Or will I get by with the 'if I can do it I'll enjoy learning how to do it' attitude?

I'm after at least 200bhp in whatever I build, which will be as light as possible, which probably means I'd have to go for the vtec if I went for the mojo. Anyone know much about tuning these na?

Any recommended kit car shows in the UK where I can get a feel for things? Hopefully as far southwest as possible.

Thanks in advance,

Miles

I think a Calibra turbo engined mojo would be quite something

From what you say about your experience, you should have no problems with a build like a Mojo

Good luck

Mark

Well, when I come to sell the Calibra it will go in bits because they are worth much more that way.

Has anyone fitted an XE/LET to a Mojo?

I dont think there would be clearance for a turbo between the engine and back of seats, would get mighty hot in that gap as well!

Would be interesting though, could mount the intercooler in one of the side vents.

I've grown to be a big fan of throttle bodies though, and think that style of engine will suit a kit car much more than a turbo.

[Edited on 11/7/05 by MilesE]

Not keen on a real car then?

Go BEC!

Excuse my ignorance, whats BEC?

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Originally posted by MilesE
Excuse my ignorance, whats BEC?

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I dont think that link works? The file is only 1kb, unless I'm doing something wrong?

I'm with you now. I was under the impression that using bike engines requires expensive gearboxes to get reverse, that they have limited life and are expensive to buy and tune? And still have no torque..

How heavy is your typical bike engine?

60kg including gearbox.

What do you need a reverse for?

Pat...

I'm about 7/42ths (ish!) of the way through a Mojo build. I've gone for the Toyota 4a-ge engine in mine. At least, it will have it one day! I was tempted to go for the Ford Zetec route, but I really like the 4a-ge engines. nice and light, and they really like to rev. The Honda Vtec engine sounds good too but I would want to check out the weight first, as I would be reluctant to put a hefty engine in the back. the lighter the better in my book! (obviously that only applies to the car, and not the 120kg prop forward building it!)

It is definatley not a "Bolt A to B" type kit car build, you do need some degree of common sense/engineering ability to figure out the best way to do things. I see it as a halfway house between a build such as a Westfield, (where you follow the instructions, and end up with a car.) and a Locost (where you buy the book, and are left to sort it out yourself!).

Having said that, if you can handle modding factory cars with engine transplants etc, then it should be a walk in the park for you!

Have a look at these sites for more on the Mojo anyway:

www.mymojo.co.uk (Neil Everett's build)
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/lordandy (my website, although it hasn't been updated since ages ago due to lack of free webspace!)

Hope that helps a bit!
Andy

Thanks for the replies.

No reverse would be too impractical for me. Although saving around 60kg's of engine weight is very appealing!

How heavy is the 4age? Its a 4 cylinder dohc 16v isn't it? Whats standard power and how tunable is it?

Most of the things I've done, even engine transplants (well, transplant actually) have been bolt off bolt on to be honest.

I'll check out the sites.

Cheers

Miles

I reckon you'll be fine building a Mojo. I've only ever changed brake pads, and oil filters before starting my Mojo... Admittedly, it isn't the easiest of builds, but I really enjoy the challenge!

The 4a-ge engine is indeed a 16valve Dohc engine. I think the standard power of the UK ones varies according to the year/model of the engine, but roughly 120bhp as standard sounds about right. I beleive they are pretty tunable though on top of that. I remember seeing an article in PPC magazine about tuning the 4a-ge a while back, the one with the Blue Beetle on the front (I don't have a copy though). Maybe someone would scan it for you?

Have a look here too:

http://www.billzilla.org/carindex.htm

There is a wealth of 4a-ge info there!

Cheers
Andy

As an alternative to the mojo, why not look at the R1OT. It is basically a mojo that has been redesigned to accept a mid mounted R1 engine. It will be every bit as good as a mojo but faster and lighter which gives better handling, in theory. I think it looks better as well. It was the R1OT that made me decide to build a kit car, although after some research, I decided on a VortX. If you are not too keen on the classic 7 look, then look at a VortX. Similar, like a mojo, but slightly different.

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Originally posted by MilesE

......Has anyone fitted an XE/LET to a Mojo?

I dont think there would be clearance for a turbo between the engine and back of seats, would get mighty hot in that gap as well!....

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Originally posted by MilesE
I dont think that link works? The file is only 1kb, unless I'm doing something wrong?

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Smart51, thanks for the suggestions, although the r1ot and vortX just aren't poncy enough looking!

Alan, yes I am, the turbo is at the front of the car as standard, so once its moved to the back of the car it will be at the back of the engine, but good call.

Hellfire, sorry for being stupid, but if I click on that link it just brings up a save file box, then saves the file as 1kb. Am I doing something wrong? It does the same from your site as well.

So how do the mojo's compare handling/traction wise to the traditional front engine rwd configuration? I assume the mojo is a bit lighter due to the lack of prop shaft and rear diff?

Thanks again all,

Miles

I can't really comment with aurthority on the handling differences between a Mojo and other kitcar, as I have never driven a Mojo! I've only ever sat in the one I am building...

I'm told that they have really really good traction off the line, due to the mass of the engine sat over the rear wheels. They also are slightly less forgiving than a front engine rear wheel drive car. Again, due to the concentrated mass aboe the rear wheels. There is less margin between the car saying "I'm going to let the back wheels slide now" and it actually doing that!

If you want a more authorative answer to how it handles, Send Neil an email from his website (www.mymojo.co.uk). Tell him I sent you, and say hello to him for me!

Cheers
Andy

PS. I'm shooting for a 550kg ready to drive weight on my car. Less if possible, but it depends how overboard I go with the interior!

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

So a decent powered mojo might not be the best car to start off my rwd life with? Or is that a minor detail.

I read through Neil's site, I'll drop him an email.

550kg's is pretty light in the way of things

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Originally posted by bigandy
If you want a more authorative answer to how it handles, Send Neil an email from his website (www.mymojo.co.uk). Tell him I sent you, and say hello to him for me!

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So are you happy that you chose a Mojo to build? Would you choose it again
if you know what you know now when you ordered the kit?

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Is there any room at all for luggage? Even just a ruck sack for a weekends
worth of clothes?

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Is it possible to take the engine out once the tub is on?

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Are you happy with the car's handling, and how does it handle compared to
other front engined kit cars?

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Is the suspension struts mojo specific and need to be purchased from mojo or
are they a normal generic size/fitment?

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In the wet, I treat it with extreme caution. I won't go into the details here, but I know that they can bite in the wet...

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Many thanks for the info.

At the moment I'm very keen on the idea of building a mojo, I now need to save up and sort out the space to do it, so will probably have some more questions when it actually happens!

My luggage requirements will be mostly what her indoors needs to bring, so if she can carry it, she can bring it

Thanks,

Miles

Good stuff!

If you ever want to see a 7/42ths built Mojo, then give me a shout, and you are welcome to stop by and have a look!

Cheers
Andy

Many thanks for the offer. I'll bear it in mind.

Are there any good kit car shows or events with a mojo presence?

Cheers

Miles

Likewise, if you are ever passing Warwick, you are welcome to have a nosey at my finished Mojo..

to Andy!

I should be going to Donington later this year, and might make it to the Totalkitcar Live event at Brands too...

Neil

i imagine there'd be a few mojo's at most of the main shows. donington and brands later in the summer and exeter in november should have some. if you are serious it might be worth a call to sylva to check with them which shows they're going to, owners nearby who might be willing to show their builds etc i'm sure they'd let you go and visit the factory to discuss the option aswell if you're keen.

Ned.