After some research I settled on the Sylva J15. I like the fact that it takes a current powertrain and that it is reasonably cheap (compared to landing other kit cars in Australia). Sylva had also been in business for a while which gave me some reassurance that they would survive between the deposit and the delivery. I would have liked an LMP styled car, but none of these could match the previously mentioned criteria as well as the J15 and the J15 retro styling is still pretty cool, so the choice was made.
As luck would have it, 2 others in Australia also ordered J15s and Riots at the same time, one of them organised the sea container and the order was placed.
That was some time ago now. So here is the story of the build - not sure how it will end, but hopefully the blog will bring inspiration to others struggling with their mid-life crisis.
Hi Aussie Dan
ReplyDeleteI am also building a Blue J15 (started March 2015) and was wondering if we could discuss Australian modifications
Sure. I'm no expert but will help where I can.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteHi Aussie Dan.
Thanks for replying to my mail. Just thought it may be useful to chat to others in Australia who have gone the J15 route.
Apart from mine there is another J15 under construction (Alex) just down the road from me on the Sunshine coast. We also have a fellow Glen Hooper who has purchased the rights to the J15 from Jeremy and has the bucks for the to make body molds. His plans are to redevelop the car for a single donar from a Hyudai Getz
Could you perhaps tell me a bit about your car, is it on the road yet?, what engine did you use? did you have any problems with the statutory B&T test?, what stiffness values did you get?
My build is about mechanically there. I have made up all my ally panels ready to fit but I am currently fettling the bodywork while I still have access. Then it is engine back in and start the wiring. The engine is a long story
Look forward to hearing about your car
Regards
Trevor
Hi Trevor. I should update the blog with some progress, but really there is not much. There is Andrew over here who has finished his J15, you may have bought your J15 through him? He will be able to help you with the compliance questions.
ReplyDeleteMy progress is slow. Seats are in, electric power steering is in place and connected to steering rack, next job is hubs and brakes.
Engine choice is Ford Fiesta, with direct injection VVT and DBW. Too early to know if that was a good choice or not. It would be good if you could share some pics of your build to inspire those of us who still have a long way to go.
Dan
Hi Dan
DeleteI sent a whole long reply with pictures but it does not seem to have gone through. Any chance of giving me your e mail address so I can easily send some pics
Trevor
Hi Dan
ReplyDeleteManaged to get the frame through the Queensland B&T test - bit of a struggle and had to add a few extra tubes. According to Terry Southam Andrews chassis got over 4000 Nm/degree. My chassis struggled to get even 3/4 of this value. Not sure how they achieved this value
Next is the bump steer test. Hope to do that in about two weeks time. Not sure what to expect as Jeremy claims that he has never calculated, measured or ever been asked about bump steer on the Riot or J15. The only test he has done on the front suspension is to measure the camber change in bump and droop.
Interesting times. Really enjoying putting the car together and moving towards an engine start
Regards
Trevor
Managed to get my engine started with PATS,all the emissions kit and the original ECU (we need all this in Qld)- well chuffed!
ReplyDeleteTime to gear up for wiring - my least favorite job of a build
Managed to get my car through its inspection with only minor problems and now just waiting for the paperwork before I hit the road.
ReplyDeleteHow is your build coming on?
Jeremy suggests I offer to build it for you