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Re: Bug Eye Upgrade Questions

To: hubbard@idir.net, spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Bug Eye Upgrade Questions
From: Bkitterer@aol.com
Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 03:04:06 EST
Reply-to: Bkitterer@aol.com
Sender: owner-spridgets@autox.team.net
In a message dated 2/20/99 6:07:29 PM, hubbard@idir.net writes:

<< Well, I'm starting to lean more towards doing a Bug Eye as my restoration
project.  <Lined up my dad's garage so the restoration idea is a go.>  If I
went with a Bug Eye, I would want to make some improvements.  This leads me
to a few questions.  

1.  I'd want to upgrade to a 1275cc engine.  I assume from earlier comments
that this is a fully reversible decision if I decide to go back to the
original or I end up selling the car.  Is this true?  IOW, it does not
requiring any cutting of the chassis or whatever, right?>>

The 1275 will drop right in with out any modifications to the body or mounts.

<<2.  Will either a smoothcase or ribcase tranny work with the 1275?  I'm
assuming I'd want to upgrade to the ribcase if I couldn't take the idea of
putting a Japanese transmission in my LBC.>>

The original transmissions have a rather large gap between 2nd and 3rd gear.
The gear spacing on the later transmission is more evenly spaced and we think
makes for a better driving car.  

<<3.  I've been told that the front drum brakes are ok to leave as long as
I'm just talking street use.  Bad idea for any kind of autocross?  I don't
envision doing a lot of that, but one never knows.>>

Also consider if you are going to be doing much freeway driving.  The drums
will do but it is more comfortable having the stopping power of the disk when
traveling at 65 mph.

<<4.  Alternator vs. Generator - do I need to upgrade the generator to an
alternator?  I won't be having a radio.  So it's a case of how bad are the
generators.  Halogen lights?  Maybe, but I don't have them yet on Arioch,
the '74 Midget so I may never even do that either.>>

Still using the alternator and with Halogen lights.  May change in the future.

Bob and Annice
1960 Sprite (Mk IV in disguise)


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