Tigers,
I just had to fwd my son's reply to the Tiger/Alpine questions.
As background, Jay is the head of the legal department at a prestigious
firm. As a young man, and later, he helped me rebuild my Alpine (now
his with modifications indicated), build my "RED TOI" (see "My Life with
Cars <http://www.tigersunited.com/articles/sl-mc/SteveLaifman.asp>" on
TigersUnited.com (with your sound on), and currently owns almost every
car I have ever had. His goal - ALL of them!
His views on Tiger/Alpine comparisons are the voice of experience.
Enjoy,
Steve
___
Steve Laifman
Editor - TigersUnited.com
<http://www.TigersUnited.com>
Jay Laifman wrote:
> Here is my completely unbiased opinion here. You know my Alpine has the
> Holbay engine, with dual side draft DCOE Webers, rally cam, special high
> flow head, flat top pistons, etc., for 130hp. That's more hp/lb than a
> 'stock' 260 Tiger. I have a kit car with a beautifully smooth and powerful
> 60 degree V6 in it. Love them both. Yes, my Alpine in theory is better
> balanced and with more hp/lb than a stock 260 Tiger, might perform better in
> some situations - as it similarly would with a V6 or a rotary. For 20+
> years I loved my Alpine, and simply brushed off the snide (and unfair)
> comments by Tiger owners. Yes, if Sunbeam built the Alpine as my car is
> now, I'd wager that they never would have needed or considered to build the
> Tiger. It is a hot roadster with all the right quickness and liveliness.
>
> BUT, I have had the pleasure of being able to drive your 260 Tiger for a
> month or so, with its almost stock engine, and H pipe exhaust. THERE SIMPLY
> IS NO SUBSTITUTE for the sensational intoxicating auditory experience of
> that V8. I don't care if it's heavier. I don't care if it's not as
> powerful as other options. My senses tell me it's better. And what do we
> get out of it if it is not for the senses? Yeah, driving my Alpine hard in
> those high singing rpms is an absolute joy, and I'd never sell it. But,
> come on, upshift the Tiger to 1,200 rpm and hear and feel that grunt power
> come on. Wow. No V6 or 4 is going to do that.
>
> I will add that I did definitely look into the V6 conversion. And the kit
> for it is a work of art, and does make for a great car. But, as indicated,
> the performance parts bin is next to empty, and I'd rather put in another 4
> banger to keep it more like an Alpine - or go with another brand car.
>
> Jay
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