Body Chassis Drivetrain |
Electrical Interior MegaSquirt |
First Drive Racing Media Daily Driving |
While this was originally intended as a “Bucket List” vehicle and a toy, over the years it has often been pressed into daily driver status.
Some things one should know if you want to build one:
Very windy. The “Book Chassis” places the windshield quite a ways away from you, which shields you from direct impact of wind, but it gets you from the side. Wind wings would be a good idea, but as of this writing (15 years of ownership), I have not made any.
Suspension Compliance. You are going to want some. Avoid the polyurethane bushings, and run either rubber or spherical rod ends. ESPECIALLY in the rear suspension.
Visibility. While often everyone sees you, there are lots of times when nobody sees you. You are very low, and are not at all the vehicle people expect to see. Be very defensive in your driving, make sure you are watching the eyes and head turns of every other driver so you can anticipate their moves. If you’ve driven motorcycles, you probably got this.
Maintenance. If you’re building, don’t be afraid to deviate from the “Book” and alter things to make it easier to work on. I could really use an extra set of elbows in my arms.
Power-To-Weight. Initially 120hp in 1275lb car was ridiculous. Now I’d like 180hp. And I’m sure once I get there, I’ll want 240hp. Horsepower is like Crystal Meth – you never get the same high twice.
Fuel Filler. Place it outside the bodywork (not inside the boot). You can thank me later.
IRS vs Solid Axle. I’m still on the fence over this one. The IRS will ride nicer, true – but you don’t buy/build these for ride quality, and anything you do on the street where the heavy weight of the solid axle is going to be a danger is probably already “prison” speeds. If an IRS falls into my lap, I may change it, but I’m not regretting the solid axle at this point.
13 years after being on the road: Cleaning Fuel Injectors