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Hi,
Let me start off by saying that I have very little mechanical/fabrication skills! I can bolt and unbolt things -more comfortable with the unbolting part... But that's it. I've spent the last 17 years messing with 80s BMWs -e28 & e30 chassis cars. I've pretty much done everything except bodywork, engine internals &diff/tranny internals. But as cars get more and more complicated and more like appliances/computers I find myself yearning for something simpler, lighter and 'rawer.'

Given the limitations of my mechanical skills, I think it is prudent to start with a kit. I'm actually leaning towards the MK Indy R kit, but am concerned about fitting in one. I had the opportunity to drive a friend's 7, but couldn't fit in it. I believe his was a standard dimensioned book frame. My legs were wedged between the steering wheel and pedals and i couldn't completely release any pedal, without stepping off of it sideways... I think I would need a frame that was 2-4" longer. The standard width is fine. I wrote to smart Sportscars and they were not sure of the exact dimensions, but mentioned the frame was smaller than a Brunton Stalker, but larger than a caterham. Would anyone happen to know the available extra legroom relative to a book frame?

My plan is to use a yamaha r1 or a busa. I live in california and am also concerned about having to smog the car if SB100(?) goes away. I would be content just keeping it for track events if it can't be street legal -but making it street legal would always be preferable...

Thank you,
Narayan

Dimensions of the chassis are known, the dimensions of you are not, which makes answering your question all the more difficult.

List the following and you might get some meaningful feedback:

Your height
Weight
Inseam (bottom of foot to your crotch more or less)
Shoe size
Hip width (seated on flat surface)

The devil is in the details as they say.

I am also brand new to this forum, live in California, and am also keen on the MK Indy R (I chickened out of building from scratch and can't afford a Westy). I do like the styling of the MK a lot, and it appears there's a lot of sensible engineering been done (although the triangulation on the sides up front looks odd). I am waiting to hear more about their Miata based kit, due to be released at the end of this month. I did receive dimensional information from Smart Sportscars (see attached). I measured my Miata and the MK has way more length, but a bit tighter width ways.

Hi Chetcpo,

Your height 6'1"
Weight 180lb
Inseam (bottom of foot to your crotch more or less) 34"
Shoe size 9.5
Hip width (seated on flat surface) This is kinda hard to do to oneself. My waist is 32". The shadow cast by my hips whilst seated appears to be about 15"

Hassleweed,
Where are you located? I'm in the San Jose area... BTW, I fit fine in a '91 miata with the top down, or with the hardtop... unfortunately not with the soft top up...

Thanks,
Narayan

Well based on that, (and those numbers posted) IMHO you should fit just fine. Super long legs and big feet are the usual deal killers.

That's a lot of money though so you may still want to sit in one before you commit to anything.

Narayan,
I'm in the San Diego area. I'm 6'2" and about 175 lbs and have had experience with a couple of 7s in the past. Firstly a Robin Hood S3 - it was a tight squeeze, but a steering wheel adaptor that brought it closer about 10 inches allowed my legs to get in. Then I had a Westy - I fitted in fine when I took the stock seats out (about 5 inches thick) and replaced them with some foam pads.
It's going to take me a few months before I'm ready to buy the kit - still at the dreaming stage. I'm planning the 1800 Miata engine if I can get one for a reasonable price.
Are you thinking of going for the current Ford version, or waiting for the Miata based kit?

Maybe contact Meerkat here on the site. I believe he has connections with the MK folks in Florida.

Hassleweed,
I am not sure if I care Ford vs Miata, as I want a BEC... Should I care? I am also in the early dreaming stages... figuring on starting in 6-12 months

How in the world you found out Chet´s Height?

Yeah, and to think all these years I've gone around thinking I was only 5' 10". This new information does wonders for my BMI.

That is a similar timescale for me too. I just figure that Miata parts might be more readily available e.g. Torsen diff. I've also got a bunch of wheels lying about from my autocross Miata, so it would be handy to have them interchangeable (different PCD from Ford).

True.

In fact I actually AM the MK folks in Florida...so connected is a little understated..
Just ask me anything you like I'm here to help.

Also, for anyone who may be interested we are official distributors for the MK Midi.... a mid-engined, bike engined sevenish two-seater.

Any info. just shout,

Cheers,

Alan