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Go Back   Madabout Kitcars Forum > Mad Build Area > Marlin 5exi builds

Marlin 5exi builds Calling all you sexi builders....sorry 5exi builders, show us your progress.

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  #1  
Old 22nd June 2013, 15:59
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Default First Drive

Had my first drive of the 5Exi-R on the roads today: I had it booked in at a local garage to put on their emissions machine and to adjust one of the headlights.

Car goes really well, although I don't think I actually went above 50mph or so. I was quite nervous, plus it seemed very 'twitchy'. The journey was only about 4.5 miles each way, with about 2 of it being on a (not particularly smooth) 'A' road.

No doubt after the IVA retest I'll be after suspension set-up tips. I already have the bits for BigRich's rear suspension mod and will be fitting that first.

Tim
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Old 22nd June 2013, 21:15
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The bump steer and flex in the rear makes the car very twitchy. The most notable thing is that when it does come around (be careful on damp roads) it'll do so at a rate that even the sharpest driver will struggle to catch.
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Old 22nd June 2013, 21:42
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Cheers for the advice.

I'm not planning on doing many miles in it before modding the rear suspension. In fact I was planning on driving it to the retest but today's experience has made me rethink: I want a bit more practice before a long drive, and to get the rear suspension done ASAP post IVA.

Tim
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Old 22nd June 2013, 22:29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alackofspeed View Post
The bump steer and flex in the rear makes the car very twitchy. The most notable thing is that when it does come around (be careful on damp roads) it'll do so at a rate that even the sharpest driver will struggle to catch.
I know that from experience and was not even wet!

Turbo cut in on a bent and crash! 180 on a spindle. Forget your mk2 Escort rear wheel drive power slides!

When starting, think straight point and shoot to get used to the car and grow confidence in it. Trouble is. It will be on your own. Nobody will pull next to you at the lights. I've had a transit and a motorbike!

Just be careful if twitchy at motorway speed as it comes quickly.

One of the things that pulled mine left and right. Crap old tyres. Changed wheels with decent tyres, cured problem. Done wheel alignment etc a good few times before finding out.
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Old 22nd June 2013, 22:55
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In the knowledge that there have been 3 (to my knowledge) wishbone failures in the 5EXI and 1 in the Sportster communities of this site, combined with the inherent issues with bump steer and jacking, I feel obligated on safety grounds to continually champion ditching the Marlin suspension arms.

Everyone so far that has suffered a component failure has avoided personal injury, which is just pure luck I suspect.

The images of Ric H's rear suspension mods I found scary.

Costly yes, especially when you're in the financial push to IVA compliance, but driving the standard car with its woes post IVA is too risky for me.
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