Robert.....what you said!!!
I really dont want to get a serious pi****g contest going, BUT.... It
has always seemed to me that the reason we want to buy a Bugeye, or
any other classic from a particular time period is, to as much as
possible, recreate the vintage driving experience and ambiance of that
period, with that vehicle. I have a few cars representing classic
eras. To most collectors its all about having that unique driving
experience, which is enhanced by touring the car as it was, when it
was new. If you transplant a years newer engine, tranny, and a never
ending list of ancillaries, you are no longer able to have that
experience....nor will anyone else who happens to subsequently acquire
the piece of "automotive exotica" you have created. None of my cars
are show pieces, but if you want an accurate idea of what it was like
to drive a 1947 MG TC, come on down. If you want to experience a
Bugeye with a 948 engine, a smooth case tranny with all the inherent
limitations that combo provides, come on down. These and so many
others are unique vehicles in their own right, and deserve to be
passed on, intact, to another generation. To get really
philosophical, we don't really own these cars, we are merely fortunate
keepers of them, temporarily, and therefore we should drive and
maintain them as stewards for the next guys (or gals). Of course
these cars have shortcomings compared to the Toyota in the next
lane....accept that and enjoy the car for its quirks. It's why you
wanted it to begin with, right? There are kit cars galore......"get
you one of 'em" and create to your hearts content. Or better yet,
save one from the crusher and build it as it pleases you. Just dont
"improve" an existing example.
Having had my rant, I do recognize that this is still America, and
they were only cars, afterall.
----- Original Message -----
From Robert Weeks <robert at woozy.com>
To: Brad Fornal <toyman@digitex.net>; ryan marro
<ryan_marro@hotmail.com>
Cc: <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, October 22, 2000 9:35 AM
Subject: Re: Engine and Transmission
> Arghhh...
>
> He could just go buy a Miata or a Z3 or a Corvette instead of
> chopping up yet another Bugeye. I still don't understand why anyone
> would want to do this to a classic car.
>
> I hope by the time I have the funds to buy a Bugyeye that there will
> still be some around that haven't been butchered.
>
> That's my rant for the day,
>
> Robert Weeks
> 1969 MG Midget
> http://www.woozy.com/midget
>
>
> At 8:16 AM -0500 10/22/00, Brad Fornal wrote:
> >You will lose the nimbleness and turning ability of the car if you
do that.
> >However it will go like stink from stop light to stop light. IMHO,
> >the only way
> >to go and not wreck the engine weight to suspension ratio is to use
a rotary
> >engine and 5 speed in the car. Use a '79-'85 12a and a '79 5 speed.
The '79 5
> >speed is shorter than it's other counterparts of later manufacture
> >and when you
> >shorten the shifter tube on top of the tranny (you do this to bring
> >the shifter
> >up in the stock position so it isn't obvious what you have done)
you don't
> >suffer from adverse affects, like the tranny wanting to hop out of
> >1st and 4th.
> >The installation is pretty simple, but if you live in a small town
a major
> >problem is finding a shop willing to help build you exhaust system.
You will
> >need to get a pumpkin out of another housing and get it welded for
a
> >spool type
> >rear end also. The '73 still has my fingerprints imbedded in the
top of the
> >windscreen frame on the passenger side from spinning in circles
trying to take
> >off in a straight line <G> Even at speed this can be a problem
because a quick
> >shift and a heavy foot will send your car on a end swapping
attempt.
> >The guy who
> >ended up with the car took it to OK, the laws an inspection are not
> >as tough as
> >here in Texas (I guess mufflers are optional equipment), and had
the thing at
> >well over 100 mph. Says he lost his ball cap somewhere along the
way
> >but at that
> >speed he was to damn scared to look back for it.................
> >p.s. I would not recommend that you add a Holley and a racing
intake with the
> >stock 2 can muffler system unless you are very adept at jetting
> >carburetors. The
> >'73 had a new Pep Boys rear muffler on it and Dave was in his
garage tweaking
> >the engine. I am assuming that the raw fuel was making through the
> >first can and
> >collecting in the second one, until it got hot that is. BOOM!! He
> >though he was
> >a victim of a drive by, it split that muffler at both seams, I
> >couldn't talk him
> >into taking it back under his warranty though............<G> Does
> >Craftsman make
> >mufflers!?!?
> >
> >
> >ryan marro wrote:
> >
> >> I have a 1275/ribcase Bugeye. Trans is bad. Thinking of doing a
Datsun 210
> >> or similar conversion. Thinking of also upgrading engine. Is
there
> >> anything beefy that will easily fit into a Bugeye (Like a Chevy
350)? :-)
> >>
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