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Re: Converting a UK Frogeye to USA Bugeye

To: Robert Latham <Robert.Latham@central.sun.com>
Subject: Re: Converting a UK Frogeye to USA Bugeye
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001 11:39:10 -0700
Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net
References: <200102271417.HAA29211@bast.Central.Sun.COM>
User-agent: Mutt/1.2.5i Robert.Latham@central.sun.com on Tue, Feb 27, 2001 at 07:17:11AM -0700
Hey Robert,

I don't think we've met, but my girlfriend Trisha sent you her impressions of 
driving a Bugeye in Colorado.  First off, I'm glad you decided to bring it, 
they are a joy to have in this area.  With over 300 days of sunshine a year you 
won't regret it, and you may well forget how to work the hood.

On Tue, Feb 27, 2001 at 07:17:11AM -0700, Robert Latham profoundly declared:
> So some stupid questions
> 
>       - after it been for a pollution check it
>       will be issued with Colorado plates. So what
>       is the best way to attach them. The current
>       nmumber plate fits snugly in a recess at the
>       back and on a small plate ( no bumper) at the
>       front.

If the front plate is the plinth that was available for bumperless cars, then 
keep using it.  Don't do anything too permanent because there is legislation 
going on right now to rid Colorado of the front plate requirement.  Off hand I 
don't remember how the rear one is mounted on Trisha's car, but I'm sure when 
she sees this she'll tell you.
>       
>       - Petrol or Gas - I have 956cc Gold seal engine
>       (basically a factory rebuild of the original
>       956cc). I'm inteding to add some STP lead
>       subsitute to the tank what rating fuel
>       works best.

With the altitude the required octane rating drops two points.  At sea level 
the regular gass is 87, up here it is 85.  For the diffence in cost we run 
premium in all our LBCs but the rule is you can run as low a rating as you can 
without pinging.  They will run on 85, but I prefer the premium because I feel 
like my gas mileage and performance is up a bit.
>       
>       - Carbs being at 5000ft+ intending to fit some
>       lean needles to its HS1 carbs, does this make
>       sense.
It makes sense, but it is unnecessary.  I taking a few flats out of the jets 
will lean the mixture over the whole range of throttle, assuming the car ran 
right in the UK, that is all you will need to do to get it running right here.  
I think as a rough guess, it will take 8 flats leaner to get in the correct 
range.  I've brought a few cars here from sealevel, and they all seem to take 
about 8 flats.
        
> 
> Any other thoughts as to what needs doing - I hope it will
> not need seat belts etc.
> 
Seat belts are not required for pre-67 cars, but if they were ever installed 
then they will have to be there.  Either way If you ever get stopped you will 
probably get ticketed, and you will have to explain to the court that the law 
says you don't have to have them.  I doubt the traffic cops will know this.  If 
you want, Moss has some nice vintage looking belts (lap only) that go very well 
in a bugeye.

Consider the classic plates, they are a bit more expensive, but they only 
require smog testing every 5 years.  I don't know the rules on mileage and 
driving with them though.

> Robert
> 
Happy Motoring.  This is a great area to have an LBC.
-- 
James Nazarian Jr
71 MGB roadster
71 MGBGT - with V8 parts
01 Impreza 2.5RS

A complex system that does not work is invariably found to have
   evolved from a simpler system that worked just fine.

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