Well done Andy,be afraid........:eek:

Can we expect plans for a mini moto type roadster:D

Fantastic, just what i've been waiting for, time to get more of the mx5 bits sold so i can get my order placed for the chassis pack!

Nice one Andy! How do you find the time! :eek:

Cheers Leroy,

I've got a skivvy here now doing all the non-thinking graft (could job he doesn't use the computer). There's an awful lot to do Leroy but it can be very satisfying to, got a car to get ready for IVA next Thursday so that should make it all worthwhile to. Plus another exciting project i cant wait to get started.

Thanks....Andrew

well congratulations Spud and anja
Lins works in cams now she gave up acute a little while ago ..
she thinks its the most rewarding thing she has ever done
i hope all goes well for you
cheers les g
Ps well done on the mx5 build
that is looking cute

Thanks Les, we got the final signing off yesterday so just waiting for the phonecall now, we both have the right attitude and although we don't know exactly what to expect i'm sure we will find it most rewarding to. My philosophy for the last 10 years once i got out of the rat race was "you dont know if you dont try" and "you work to live not live to work" - probably why i'm doing this and Saturn to.

Cheers Les......Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Got a quick question, I understand the front uprights do not need reaming and we aren't using maxi ball joints but what are we using for the front hub upper ball joint?

Cheers

Chris

Sorry Chris i missed this one, the transit drag link fits in the taper of the mx5 upright just fine.

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

In the build guide it states utilising a Mk1 MX5 as a donor.
Is the Mk2 MX5 also suitable or are there any reasons/differences why it shouldn't be used?

Vodou chassis/suspension design does and includes ALL dimensions required to allow it to be made.

well f..k me
where has my post gone.
have the delete fairy,s been at work again
cheers les g

Hi All

First post.

I am the owner of a mk2 Supercharged MX5 215 bhp (250 on the way!) and am very interested in building one of these.

I have a few questions.

Will Saturn be at Stafford at the weekend?

Will you be able to use the camber adjusters from the likes of Rally Design front and rear?

Will the MK2 be an option as a donor?

What is the wheel base/ track of the car?

What is the weight of the finished car?

Thanks

Rog

Hi Rog,

Afraid we wont be at the Stafford show, already got other commitments which have to me met.

The front wishbones could be drilled out to take the rally design adjusters but the way the rear wishbones are they will not be able to take the adjusters but can still be adjusted manually for camber.

Not sure about the Mk2 car as a donor, i would have thought that the various parts of the drivetrain have remained unchanged but i'm pretty sure that the uprights have changed.

The track width remains the same as the Mk1 with the wheelbase being similar. The overall car is shorter though due to the reduced bonnet / nose length of the roadster to the mx5. The overall weight should be about 560kg

AndyH

Thanks for the quick reply.

How much have you taken out of the propshaft?

Cheers

You need to take about this much out of the propshaft...


For those of you reading this on a laptop or small monitor I'm holding my hands 'that far' apart so you won't be able to see them......sorry could'nt resist.

The Vodou wishbones can be made to take the rally design camber adjusters although I'd prefer to make them from steel rather than ali.

230mm Rog, must make sure it's re-balanced professionally though.

Or do what I plan to do and get a new shaft made up :)

Got the chance to look round an mx5 the other day. I can now see the attraction, turning a car you would not be seen dead in to one you would.

Bob:)

Oi - My last car was an MX5!
I'd challenge you to a fight, but my wrists are feeling a bit limp today, and I've got to cut someone's hair later :D

Ahaha I did think John won't like that. I'm sure you only ever drove it with the roof up!:D

No, no, no - I only ever drove it with the roof DOWN.
I hated driving it with the roof up, it was really claustrophobic, and felt like I was in a small tent!
I'd get some funny looks when it was raining mind :)

huge thanks to andy from Saturn for reaming the my uprights out to the correct taper today. Thanks again!!

Finally got the latest revision of the build guide for the Mx-5 up on the website for download. Sent it off to be put on but the lad who deals with Saturns website was on hols and i forgot to chase it up.......:confused:

It now contains additional guidance for mounting lower rubber mount on diff and gearbox. The threads on the diff and gearbox are the same as the engine mounts so decided to reuse these. It also includes guidance for the Handbrake mounting and cabling, works similar to the sierra just with different brackets.

http://www.saturnsportscars.co.uk/mx5.php

It also includes a rudimentary cutting list for the chassis and cutting checklist if it helps.

Will be putting up the pedal box next to re-use the mx-5 master cylinder for the brakes and hydraulic clutch.

Just to try and let everyone know, it's time to have a couple of days away (make the most of this lovely sun) so the unit will be locked up tomorrow and Saturday - back to normal on Monday.

Enjoy the Sun.......AndyH :cool:

Thats great news andy

Enjoy your well earned days off

Enjoy your well earned time off Andy, I know you,ve been very busy lately , all be worth it tho :cool:

I like the latest photos you,ve put up on your flicker page :cool: , a major milestone indeed .

Might pop over on monday, put the kettle on :)

cheers
andy

I'm liking the videos too :cool:

Oh wow, I didn,t realise they were video,s too :o

Great to see it moving under its own power :cool:

cheers
andy

Mx-5 build guide version 3
 

Version 3 of the Mx-5 build guide is now up on the website ready for download. It includes pedal box, air box, exhaust, brake lines. Didn't get time to put the steering column arrangement in but it's quite straight forward.

http://www.saturnsportscars.co.uk/mx5.php

Have a good weekend.......AndyH

Just realised putting the front wheels on that the brake pipes i have named in the guide will not work (foul the rim of the wheel) they need matching banjo couplings on the caliper end - i'll find out which and update it

Hi Andy,
Nice job on new build guide, I was glad to see my pedal box was similar to yours:D . Not had time to sort brake and clutch yet but was working along similar lines as you.
Glad to know you are back on track with MX5 build will help heaps.

Thanks Johno

Good work Andy
 

Pleased to read that you have found some time to add to the MX5 build guide Andy :cool:

I am sure it will help a lot of builders using the MX5 as a donor :)

Cheers Ronnie, just received word that K4Kev has the fuel tank ready so should have it's first test drive under its own power come the weekend - time to get the cones out again.......:)

Had to have some more fun again yesterday though, took out the rolling chassis for the Mx5 build for a tour round the estate and, considering it was being towed, was most pleased with the way the car felt - plenty of front end grip, steering felt good and well balanced, good in sharp changes of direction. Got upto 50mph and everything felt smooth. Ride height a bit high, need to get the correct damper and spring lengths. Had to put a video up on youtube again......

http://youtu.be/wN0iU-vn5CQ

AndyH

Great work Andy
 

Just had a view of that video Andy, cracking stuff mate :)

I am no expert but it looks as if you have nailed that front steering geometry, those front wheels look as if they are well planted :)

Very much looking forward to seeing the Saturn MX5 Roadster driving under its own power.

All of that hard graft is coming together very nicely.

Not too late for me to have a change of build plan yet, I am very much liking what I see :o:o

Thanks Ronnie, that's always nice to hear. I know the fact that it is being towed will help the front to change direction, we were even coming off the throttle in the car and letting the tow roper slacken and it felt the same, but for its first proper go in anger it felt right. It was even self centering enough for IVA man.

I'm pleased......AndyH

thats a good looking guy driving it:D
Cones arived in the post this morning andy

Let's go for it this weekend for its first proper blast then.......:D

Which guy, must mean the one driving the Citroen doing the towing.

Ahhhhh, that will explain the smoke & there was me thinking it was a foggy day :D :D

Sorry Andy, couldn't resist :o

Dodgy geezer in glasses.....
 

Looks like fun there Andy,
So who was driving then?.....reminds me of that film something errrrrr ........Miss Daisy...ONLY 50mph come on man whats up with yer. :D
I can only say "Dam glad to be building one of those" Come on Bonzo cross over and step into the light its not too late.::cool:
Well its looking good and guess we lost the race in the end to a better man....Well done....
Sorry but you do know I am going to keep pestering you for info don't you till the end...LOL...:eek:

Keep up the good work and thanks for all your help......Johno, Tony, Simon, Luke, Martin.

that looks like fun!!

Spud, is there any chance you can pop a photo or 2 of the sterring column onto flickr

thanks - good luck for getting it moving under its own power at the weekend

David

Hi David,

I've added 5 pics David:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saturns...57625932340212

AndyH