Jenks

Next question... Any suggestions on US engine suppliers? Preferably new crate engines or reputable rebuilds. Possibilities consisting of but maybe not limited to: Duratec 2.0L (wet or dry sump) Mazda 1.8L (BP-Z3, I believe) Honda K20 or K24 Motorcycle engines probably are not an option, and I think I'll be sticking to normally aspirated.

Thanks to everyone who's chimed in. While I don't hate the idea of a Slingshot, I'd lose out on the build aspect. @zootnewton and @CBuff, thanks for the heads up on MK and thanks to @MK Sportscars USA for answering my questions today. I'm still having difficulty finding Birkin pricing and options. I'll keep looking. Does anyone know if the only GBS kit option for the US is their USA Self Build? It appears this is another Miata donor build and I am leaning towards something that provides a kit that is as complete as possible. I'm not sure if their other complete self builds are meant to be exported or not. After my last rebuild project I've grown fairly weary of disassembling, cleaning and painting repurposed parts.

Hello everyone, Not exactly sure what knocked the idea loose in my head, but for the last several weeks I've been exploring different kit car builds. For many reasons I think a 7 fits what I'm looking for, both in terms of the build experience and what I'll have to drive after completion. At this point I'm trying to figure out what kit makes the most sense considering availability, fit and overall cost. I have experience building and road racing purpose built, lightweight, low horsepower formula cars; which is why a 7 is appealing to me. However, I don't really plan on tracking the car much, if ever, so a full blown track setup might not be as good a fit as something more purposed for road driving. I don't imagine I'll do much touring, maybe an overnight trip at most, otherwise mainly fair weather floggings on back roads. Something with a 2.0L engine seems like an appropriate power/weight combination although it's possible I could be swayed either way. If a 2.0L, I understand the main advantages of the dry sump version are added HP and more ground clearance? For fitment considerations I'm 5'11", 195# with a size 12 shoe if I need to think about a larger chassis/footbox/floor pan. I'll be sure to try a car on for size first before making any decisions. I am not interested in a build that involves a donor car or drive train. A Caterham seems like an easy choice although the cost is difficult (for me) to justify. My understanding is a landed 360 or 420 could easily end up around $70K all in. I've heard they keep their resale value but ideally I'd like to build something to keep. I've researched Stalkers a little bit. I like the idea they are US based but are they still in business? The website seems incomplete and I have some questions on the differences in their models. I originally didn't consider them too seriously being that I'm leaning towards a smaller displacement, lighter weight power plant but maybe I should be. A Birkin seems like a possibility from what I think I know so far. I think I like the idea of an IRS as opposed to a de Dion. I've also read up on Westfields. Their new car looks very impressive but it's not available as a kit. I'm not aware of any US distributor and am leery of potential customs implications/costs on a Sport Zetec Final Edition kit. I also think I'd prefer the Duratec. If there are other kits I should consider please chime in. I'm happy to spend more if the quality justifies it; I'm not looking for the cheapest option. Yet, I'm not at all sure on what overall total costs I'll be looking at. A lot of information I've found is quite dated and many of the phone calls I've made to inquire have gone unreturned; which is disappointing and gives me the fear that customer service/support may be lacking after any potential sale. Any and all input is appreciated. Thank you in advance.