upgrade reccomendations

hi im new and was wondering if anyone here could give their helpfull opinions.
basically i have aquired a carrera kracken bike cheap from auction. i am looking to do it up to a good spec. it is in a bad state but the frame is in good condition, and i read that it was a worth while frame to do up.
i am hoping to keep the deore cable discs if they service up ok, maybe some new cables, pads?
i was wanting to know if anyone has upgraded a kracken and what will fit and what is good etc.
i used to ride before but have fell out of touch haha. mainly xc bit single track/downhill.
i will be trying to get all parts cheap or second hand also. many thanks tom.
p.s. i know a lot is based on personal feel and opinion but my ideal answer would be
what you want is this fork, this set of cables, this cranck e.t.c. then you have a awesome setup. preferably all often available second hand or cheap enough. thanks again

In essence it is an upgradable bike and it is fun to fiddle anyway!

If I were you I would get rid of the Deore cable Discs and find a set of Deore hydraulics, or something similar, they can be had really cheap nowdays, check chain reaction or you local bike shop (LBS)

If the drivetrain is OK then you need to look at forks, then wheels…

cheers flamejob im a bit confused with sizes though. i know my local bike shops have had my eyes out before, so i would rather as you say fiddle myself.
just dont want to buy something say off ebay then find it wont fit on the the bike. should i be looking for a particular sizes and were can i find what those sizes are? cheers

like what size crank, bb, forks will fit, or will any fit, or how do i find out haha??? cheers

well forks should be standard size inch and an eighth, travel wise i wouldnt fit more that 120mm, but thats just a guess.

bb would be 68mm, but just measure the bb shell and that’ll tell you.

cranks are pretty easy too, most are standard size 175mm arm length – just make sure bb and cranks are same fitment i.e. square taper etc

Some things are standard, others will have sizes printed somewhere on them. for instance

Seatposts: pull it out and down the bottom it’ll have a diameter, and a length printed on it. (for instance 27.2 dia, and 330mm length is a common one)

Bars, come in any width you want, but are generally only 2 dia yours will be 25.4 the other size is 31.8.

Stem, will need to fit the bars, but length is up to you.

cranks; it’s the type of axle interface that’s important here, there are many standards: Isis (probably yours) shimano’s own, and external ones. You can fit any you like to your bike, but the bottom bracket, and chainset have to match.

mechs: rear will fit any frame. Front; you’ll need the band size, and whether it’s pulled from the bottom or top.

wheels/hubs, won’t matter yet.

Forks, don’t go for oversized steerers, or too long suspension stroke.

That’ll get you started

class, great replies thanks a lot.

I’d concentrate on getting the bike mechanically sound to start with.As you say new pads and cables for the brakes.New gear cables, chain,cassette and chain rings.New btm bracket if its worn out.Things like wheel bearings and a good set of tyres.Whats important is that you get out on the bike asap.Unless the forks are totally shot leave them on for the winter, think about better ones come spring. Get it working,get out and ride think about upgrades later.

For cheap bits start scouring the classifieds on here, mucho bargains to be had!

thanks all. i ended up selling the kraken and buying a commencal frame. obviously theres more to do(it being frame only). but with the postson here i think ill do fine. cheers guys maye ill put pics on when its done. once again any reccomendations welcome.
its the absolute cromo frame (i got the kracken for £2 then sold it for the price of this!)
im thiking of running a single speed in front cassette in back
thats as far as i have got haha