plates mx5

[robedywer]

can somebody have sizes for all plates needed to roadster based on mx5 thanks rob

[baz-r]

what version are you building? there is 2 versions vodou or saturn

[robedywer]

Saturn model
Thanks rob

[PorkChop]

They're spread over the book and the SSC build guide. Can't remember if the guide contained the plans for the plates common with the Sierra build.

You'll need both the guide and book for the build for reference.

[jason 82]

Send me your email address & I will forward the saturn sports car plans. ;)

[csherwood]

There is 2 versions vodou or saturn

I am new to this and looking to build an MX5 Roadster.

What are the differences between the vodou or saturn?

Cheers

[voucht]

Hi,
Both companies kind of disappeared. But build plans are still travelling on the Internet.

I can't answer your question, and I think you should try to get hold of both build plans and make your own opinion. To me, it looks however that Saturn design is much more popular than the Vodou one, but people who built MX5 based Roadster will be able to give you a better answer than me (Sierra based Roadster).

But, there is a thread on LCB about that. There is lot of blah-blah, but also very good and useful information I think, it can be a good start:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=164784

hope this can help :)

[csherwood]

Many thanks, I will read the LCB thread. :)

[Not Anumber]

They are both good designs, make sure you read up everything you can on them and take advice from people who have built both.

At one time it was quite polarised with HandyAndy backing the Saturn plans and producing flat packed chassis for it whilst Phil at Talon was doing the same for the Vodou design.
These days HandyAndy is no longer making chassis and Talon seems equally happy to work with the Saturn plans now as the Vodou and has come up with some mods which will work with both such as a special diff enclosure allowing the MX5 diff to be mounted in a similar way to the Sierra diff.

[PorkChop]

As far as I know...

Vodou was set up by a Haynes builder (Matt, was his username Airhead?) who adapted the Sierra spec chassis to take the MX5 running gear. The rear diff area was quite different from the original Sierra design. He set up Vodou, Mark Bean was involved with the bodywork, Phil (Talon) was licensed (I believe) to supply chassis.

Matt published his chassis plans, but apart from a few chassis being made, it all went very, very quiet and has remained so.

HandyAndy used to be part of Saturn with Andy Hugill (Spud), then sort of left. However, he still did the flat packs for Saturn. When I bought my Saturn MX5 flat pack, I picked it up from HandyAndy's house (I seem to remember taking some other bits over to him from Spud at the same time :)).

Anyway, Saturn, adapted the Sierra chassis for the MX5 gear. The front section of the chassis is as per the Sierra spec, the wishbones were altered to take the MX5 upright. The rear section was kept as close to the Sierra spec as possible but to accomodate the winged MX5 diff casing. This caused a redesign of the rear wishbones. The plans (or the modifications required to the Sierra spec chassis) are freely available.

The Saturn stuff ended up at Gillham Online. I noticed in this month's Complete Kit Car that Dan is planning to market more stuff over the coming months for the Roadster, I assume this will incorporate both Sierra and MX5 based parts.

Phil (Talon) has recently announced that he is doing his own MX5 version, the TMXR, which is probably the closest to the Sierra spec chassis. You will need a different rear diff over, which Phil produces. The MX5 upright wishbones, I believe, will fit on a completely Sierra spec chassis. I'm sure Phil will correct me if I'm wrong.

HTH

[csherwood]

Many thanks both.

Assuming I can get a flat pack MX5 chassis (Talon), what are the merits of the Mazda diff case or the Talon one?

Cheers.

[PorkChop]

OEM MX5 diff case - cheap, lots about. Awkward shape as it's wide at the top. Used in several kits unmodified. It does have a Mazda-engineered failure mode in the RHS arm so it will snap in accident and prevent the PPF from puncturing the fuel tank/acting like a battering ram in an MX5.

Talon MX5 diff case - more expensive, but will be very nicely engineered (I'm very happy with the quality of the Talon parts I have). Much more compact, will give you more fitting options WRT chassis choice. Customisable; you can put whatever mounts you want on it to suit.

HTH :)

[csherwood]

Thanks, I think the Talon case looks a neater option.

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/talonmotorsport/finishedrearmx5.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/talonmotorsport/media/finishedrearmx5.jpg.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/talonmotorsport/24072012341.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/talonmotorsport/media/24072012341.jpg.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/talonmotorsport/mms_img-1223594502.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/talonmotorsport/media/mms_img-1223594502.jpg.html)

Ahh, I have just seen the price, £175! :eek:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/talonproducts/Other-/_i.html?_fsub=1

[TalonMotorFabrication]

I'll sell you the 6mm thick base mounting plate and oil seal rings for £30 you can have a go at making one your self, shouldn't take you much more than a complete working week to make a jig,cut all the plates with a grinder and weld it together so it's oil tight.
Don't forget the book is called 'build a car on a budget' not 'build a car for free' :rolleyes:
Also has every body met my new publicist and Roadster historian 'PorkChop' doesn't he do a wonderful job, he's worth every penny!
(shame he doesn't get paid for it) :D

[csherwood]

Phil
I am not saying your case isn't worth £175, I am asking whether I would notice a difference when driving the car if I went that route.
It's £175 that I don't 'have' to spend.
Chris

[TalonMotorFabrication]

How the diff is mounted has nothing to do with how the car drives it's how the diff reacts when you apply a turning force to it. If you suddenly drop the clutch at 3000rpm away from the lights or change from 5th to 3rd it lifts the nose of the diff, get it wrong and the nose of the diff can end up breaking free and your back side will be next to it.

[PorkChop]

Also has every body met my new publicist and Roadster historian 'PorkChop' doesn't he do a wonderful job, he's worth every penny!
(shame he doesn't get paid for it) :D

I do it for the sheer love of it Phil :D

And yes, preventing excessive movement at the diff nose is a key thing to get right.

[csherwood]

Thanks for the info, food for thought.