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 Post subject: Pauls MNR Vortx R1 Build
PostPosted: April 17, 2011, 8:01 pm 
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Joined: May 16, 2010, 7:18 pm
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Location: Rochester, NY
I promised myself I'd try really hard to contribute by posting my build log as over the years I have got so much information from others. I just hope I remember to stop and document as I go! Also I know I'll do something stupid and hope someone points out the error of my ways!
I chose a kit mainly because I wouldnt trust welding a chassis from scratch (I've welded before but nothing I'd trust my life to) and also I prefer the idea of knowing all the parts and geometries are sorted. I'm not planning a quick build - in fact really trying to not put a time limit on it despite many friends and family insisting I get it done as quickly as possible. On the other hand I really cannot spend 5 or more years on something like this, too much else going on!

I decided on MNR after considering MK Indy, but after reading Peters Miata build (http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=9631 ) and looking at the quality of the kit and especially the use of round bar for the chassis really swayed me. Chris at MNR has been great in helping me through the option process.

My choice of motor is the Yamaha R1, I figured if I'm going to build an impractical car it may as well be very impractical. I've had several bikes over the years and love the idea of 12,000+ RPM and sequential transmission in a car. On the color choice I went with Kawasaki Green - love that color, and should stand out on the road!
The MNR R1 version uses mostly English ford parts, in particular the 7" diff from the Sierra. I am not too concerned about having parts sourced from the UK as all my family still lives in England, I'm there every couple years or so.

So --- Kit arrived just in time for the weekend, unpacked and made a little progress already. I sourced my own diff through my brother so it needed some TLC, that was job #1. Cleaned it up, made sure it really was a 3.38 ratio as recommended by the MNR guys. Also made a battery tray and started work on brake pipe routing. I'll post more picures once I get better at using the forum here.

Paul


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PostPosted: April 17, 2011, 10:17 pm 
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Joined: October 6, 2009, 9:29 am
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Yo, Paul!
Love the color! Good choice...

Congratulations on starting your build, I wish you continued good luck with it. Do please keep us posted on your progress!
:cheers:
JD "Slotus Racing Green" Kemp

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Quinn the Slotus:Ford 302 Powered, Mallock-Inspired, Tube Frame, Hillclimb Special
"Gonzo and friends: Last night must have been quite a night. Camelot moments, mechanical marvels, Rustoleum launches, flying squirrels, fru-fru tea cuppers, V8 envy, Ensure catch cans -- and it wasn't even a full moon." -- SeattleTom


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PostPosted: April 17, 2011, 10:37 pm 
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With the color you should have used a Kawasaki mill. 8) Keep us posted!!

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PostPosted: April 18, 2011, 8:50 am 
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Theres an R1 MNR build on the net somewhere (it's own website).


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PostPosted: April 18, 2011, 2:21 pm 
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Joined: February 17, 2010, 1:48 pm
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Location: Seattle, Wa
Congrats!!! Can't wait to see your progress! (I still go back and forth about BEC vs. miata engine...sequential gears sounds so great!)

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PostPosted: April 18, 2011, 8:04 pm 
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Joined: May 16, 2010, 7:18 pm
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Location: Rochester, NY
Thanks everyone for the encouragement.
Yes a Kawi motor would be the obvious but I've been around a lot more Honda and Yamaha bikes than Kawasaki. It should keep people guessing.
I havent found an R1 MNR diary anywhere, if anyone knows where it is I'd like to know.

Now I know how to post pictures here are a few more from the weekend.
Attachment:
diff before.jpg

Attachment:
diff after.jpg

Attachment:
diff mockup.jpg

The build manual shows a very different chassis than mine so I'm guessing as to the rear brake pipe routing. Anyhow this is how I started off
Attachment:
starting brake lines.jpg


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PostPosted: April 18, 2011, 8:11 pm 
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What did you do to clean that diff?

Man, that's too purty to use

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PostPosted: April 18, 2011, 9:47 pm 
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Location: Rochester, NY
Yeah I feel I should wear gloves every time I move it!
I just degreased it (a lot) cleaned it up with a dremel and then cheated with aluminum colored engine paint. Probably too many hours than makes sense.


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PostPosted: April 18, 2011, 9:56 pm 
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Joined: February 2, 2011, 8:12 pm
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Cool to see another US mnr... I'm still waiting for them to finish my kit and ship it (I live in the midwest). You are making me second guess my busa choice a little bit...


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PostPosted: April 19, 2011, 12:11 pm 
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ffrgtm wrote:
Cool to see another US mnr... I'm still waiting for them to finish my kit and ship it (I live in the midwest). You are making me second guess my busa choice a little bit...

Nice - look forward to your build! When I first started my wishlist the busa was there but I decided to simplify things a little and avoid all the dry sump complications and additional costs. I guess I'll always be second guessing myself what the busa would be like. I dont think I'll be bored with the R1 though.


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PostPosted: April 25, 2011, 1:46 pm 
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Not much to report this weekend. Was away for Easter, though I did find time to complete front to rear brake piping and install the pedal box. Hoping to crack on a little now after a slow start.


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PostPosted: April 25, 2011, 2:37 pm 
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Location: Seattle, Wa
here's another R1 MNR build...I thought there was another one too...

http://bassettsbuilddiary.blogspot.com/

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Building a MNR Vortx w/ '99 Miata donor: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=9631


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PostPosted: April 25, 2011, 6:36 pm 
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Thanks Peter, this looks like a good resource. Good luck with your inspection on Friday.


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PostPosted: April 25, 2011, 8:38 pm 
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Looks good so far. I ordered my kit from MK about 5 months ago. Still waiting, so you may have made a good choice :)

Looks good so far, keep the updates coming..

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- Link to build blog- http://BluLi7ard.blogspot.com/


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PostPosted: April 26, 2011, 9:06 pm 
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Location: Rochester, NY
Ali, really nice blog, looks like you did a great job on the motor, looking forward to seeing progress when your kit arrives. Do you have an ETA?


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