Miata kit cars

[anavrinIV]

I mentioned it in my thread somewhere around here that we needed a separate thread about kit cars for miatas. There are a few of them, I'm sure in time there will be even more as proud owners work to find new skins for defeated race cars that still run and drive well.

If you've made it this far you can see that I'm building an exocet, or at least that's the plan because to date I have not ordered the chassis. The exocet is a kit car designed by MEV (Mills Extreme Vehicles) in the UK. In England and throughout Europe the kit is sold through RTR (road track race) who distributes all MEV kits. In the US the exocet is manufactured by Exomotive. Exomotive began by importing Exocets and other miata-based MEV kits but has since done a complete redesign of the Exocet for the US based on the original MEV design. Exomotive is now selling kits to an Australian company who will be selling them as the AUS spec exocets as well. This is just a quick history, more can be found on the webs.

Where my original thread divulged was with the introduction of the Catfish, a full-bodied skeletal frame miata replacement body. Like the exocet the Catfish uses the entire running assembly of the miata but it looks more like a traditional car, save for the lack of windshield or roof. Like the exocet the catfish is (apparently) available with a full racing cage.

If you take a wander over to the Exomotive site you will see that they offer 2 additional miata-based kit cars as well, the Mevster and the MEVX5. The Mevster is much like the exocet with its open wheel design, but it incorporates a full built-in windshield and complete body paneling. The MEVX5 is available with a full body open top design just like the catfish and a closed top, full window design as well. These options are less racecar than the first 2 but still offer a serious weigh reduction advantage.

This is all I have for now, I haven't done any more research into the matter. Post up. Post pictures, thoughts, arguments, additional kits, ideas...whatever as long as it's related to miata kit cars.

[Fatguy729]

If I were to get a kit car, I would go with the 818. I don't know much about the miata kit cars, but that thing is fucking beast mode. I don't know if it's possible to beat it for power to weight/price point.

[captain slow]

I'd build an Exocet for tracking and cuz its the best price. Catfish for a straight up roadster that looks pretty cool.

[Tokay444]

Isn't it a speedster if there is no roof option at all?

[anavrinIV]

Originally Posted by Tokay444 Isn't it a speedster if there is no roof option at all?

Honestly, I have no idea. Makes logical sense given the definition of a roadster but it's not something I've ever learned.

[Tokay444]

I'm gonna google it.

[bigx5murf]

There's also the old Caterham looking one FM offers, the Westfield. It's pricey, but you get lots of custom options, and classic looks, awesome performance, all turn key.

[anavrinIV]

Originally Posted by bigx5murf There's also the old Caterham looking one FM offers, the Westfield. It's pricey, but you get lots of custom options, and classic looks, awesome performance, all turn key.

I forgot about the Westfield. I like the idea but the frame doesn't look any bigger than the "book" seven replica frame. For me it's just too small to fit in but they're great little cars

[3Gee Tee]

A cheaper alternative to the Exocet, a "Ghettocet," lol.



~800 lbs removed.

[bigx5murf]

Originally Posted by 3Gee Tee A cheaper alternative to the Exocet, a "Ghettocet," lol. ~800 lbs removed.

Someone local to me did that to a honda crx, its fast, when it's not doing weird things suspension wise.