123 Roadrunner SR2:CKC Guide 2009
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Roadrunner SR2
THE ROADRUNNER SR2 may be a relatively new name having first appeared in 2010, but it arrived on the market after a thorough three-year development period. The quality of the kit is very high and the specification is generous. Take the chassis kit as a key example. As well as being made from round tube, it’s also laser cut for accurate fit and finish. The quality of the welding is very high and it’s very well presented. The other main attraction of the SR2 is its single Mazda MX-5 basis. As well as being affordable as a donor, it’s also very well engineered. In 1600cc form it produces 115bhp while the 1.8 develops 130bhp. Put that into a 560kg car (that’s in full road trim with a full rollcage and a full tank of fuel) and you have a very lively roadster. In lightweight track day spec, it’s possible for an SR2 to dip under the 500kg. The MX-5 engine is highly tuneable, too. Roadrunner has experience of both supercharging and turbocharging the engines, while there’s a whole raft of other companies which supply back-up and parts for the MX-5. Roadrunner has recently become an agent for Jenvey throttle bodies, so that’s another upgrade avenue to be explored. Other engines can be fitted to the SR2, but the beauty of retaining the MX-5 unit is threefold. One, it’s very robust. Two, it comes with the donor. And finally, if it does go pop it’s cheap and easy to find a replacement. It’s not a package that requires expensive aftermarket engine management. As well as offering high quality and spec, another focus of the SR2’s design was ease of build. By way of example, one recent improvement to the buildability includes a custom-made loom that simply plugs into the Acewell instrument and warning light pack. Overall, there’s a lot to recommend the SR2.
SPECIFICATION CHASSIS: Round tube. Tubes are laser cut. BODYWORK: GRP bodywork supplied in a choice of gelcoat colours. Wings supplied in black as standard. DONOR CAR: Mazda MX-5 Mk1 or Mk2. ENGINE OPTIONS: Mazda four-cylinder twin-cam in 1.6 or 1.8-litre form. Other engines can be fitted. SUSPENSION: Front – Double wishbones, coil-over dampers, Mazda MX-5 uprights. Rear – Double wishbones, coil-over dampers, Mazda MX-5 uprights. STEERING: Modified Mazda MX-5 column, Ford Escort steering rack. BRAKES: Discs all-round. KIT PRICE: £3995 plus VAT. BUDGET BUILD COST: From £7000.
SUMMARY – Excellent donor choice and quality components add up to a highly appealing package. Offers good value for money and is very tuneable.
Roadrunner Racing, Unit 8 Jetpark, Main Road, Newport, Brough, East Yorkshire HU15 2PR T: 07802 766128 E: roadrunnerracing@hotmail.co.uk W: www.roadrunnerraccing.net
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www.completekitcar.co.uk