Hi from the New Forest (and some questions as usual)

[junbao]

Hi all,
Not an owner yet but am very much wanting to begin a build project here in the New Forest in the near future BUT as usual I have several million questions/misconceptions/gaps of knowledge!

My main requirement is low budget but I'm not totally on the no frills, and I have time on my hands. I am leaning at the moment therefore for the Sumo (sierra based) but I am up for a RV8, partly swayed by the V8 soundtrack, but also the abundance of bits and resale value versus initial cost.

I have done a lot of forum dredging but still have some q's.

1. I am up for the build, am not a mechanic as such but have done a fair bit on old golf's a over the years, from bodywork to mechanicals in my spare time. Is a 'from scratch' build a bit optimistic for an amateur? I get the feeling it is perfectly feasible with the right frame of mind BUT from the posts I realise that sorting some of the Sumo shortcomings is best done during the build and requires a bit of initiative and I'm a bit nervous about the talk of altering anchor points/suspension etc. Presume I can pay people to do these bits but would really like to do it myself. Wow this is a long first post.

2. I am getting a bit confused with the costs here and there and I'll keep coming back to these but can anyone give me a rough cost for an 3.5 RV8 (with/without gbox) and how much for recon as well. I feel the pinto would be a false economy in the long run.

3. A lot of cost seems to be with the 'extras', can u get it running right (SVA etc.) and then add/upgrade these without too much hassle in the future?

Lots more to come, many thanks for the patience with another newbie!

Jon

[TINKA]

Hi there and welcome to the club, first off a lot will depend on what you mean by "limited budget" in reality if money is that tight you would probably be able to get an old RV8 which is a runner and just drop it in without spending much on it at all and then upgrade to a better RV8 when funds allow But I do agree with you it has to be a V8

[junbao]

thank you for the my 1st reply!

perhaps a non recon lump is a good idea then, am perfectly willing to learn how to strip it myself as long as i'm unlikely to ruin it! (helped a chap with a wankel once, bit small but great fun!)

[Stu J]

As far as the modifications may worry you it is all common sense and you will understand the language of alteration when you actually put it together, even if you are a novice.

My opinion about the engine is that if you are going to build one of these then you should at least put an rv8 in as Tinka suggested, there is so much you can do to improve the engine. I am just installing Megasquirt which enables me to control the engine via the laptop, or you can try Jim at JRV8 who does the whole engine.

[TINKA]

First engine I ever rebuilt was a RV* and as long as you do your research and have a good reference book you ill have no problems, they are surprisingly easy to do. The only time it gets a bit complicated is when you start fiddling with it , changing the compression ratio ect ect. Good luck

[slogger]

Junbao, Jon, welcome the the mad house. As Tinka has said, you can start with a running motor and up grade later, but try and buy the engine from a running car and drive it. You don't want your big start up day to be a cloud of smoke and nasty rattles.

All the best for your project.

[dolphinboy400]

some have said the AK kit is pretty close to the pilgrim price wise and that it is an easier build to understand, i.e. not any mods! Have you been to any manufacturers or kit car shows yet?

[junbao]

not been yet but have some time off from end of this week so am gonna do a few trips around. I have heard excellent things of the AK and would seriously consider it if it is possible to still stick to a lower budget.

[titch]

Hi John

As the others say it would be worth going to some shows, i went to the kitcar live show at Grands Hatch and saw Pilgrim, AK, Dax and Gardner Douglas, we were following the Pilgrim around in a Dax, and the Pilgrim fell off the track twice. After this i bought a Dax, would be worth looking at AK and Dax kits, you can see a massive difference between them and Pilgrim, but like most things in life it boils down to money. If you would like a ride in a Dax or a General chat i am 10 miles the other side of Southmapton from you.

Regards Ian

Ready for the classic cant wait

[junbao]

Thats very kind, I may just take you up on that over the summer! Thank you!