Spyder chassis & possible five speed?
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:41 pm
I have had my car inspected, and, kinda as expected, the frame will need immediate replacement . Cannot be licensed until repaired is the current opinion, but I am trying some other options just to be able to drive a bit this fall.
I have read a bunch of the archive comments on Spyder vs. Lotus replacement chassis, and now trying to decide what to get.
I am pretty relaxed on the originality front, so the Spyder chassis option looks pretty compelling. My goal is a nice reliable driver for occasional use, and I am OK with sensible upgrades; improved wiring, better starter, alternator conversion, electric headlight lifts, cassette water pump, current radio, etc. come to mind. Will probably get the body/paint done while the chassis swap is underway this winter, and a color change from stock will be happening. i want a good looking car, but not overly fussed on all original.
My big outstanding question is whether the Spyder chassis would make it easier to fit a non-stock replacement five speed down the road. This really interests me, as not that comfortable with the high rpm's when driving the "wide open plains" around Calgary. Five speed would be great for the 100 miles to the mountain roads
I also read in some (rather dated) archive posts that Spyder was putting together a five speed conversion kit, I assume for the TC. Does anyone know if this happened? I read over quite a few posts regarding five speed conversions and admit to being a little lost in the technical details. Just really wondering if the Spyder opens up some possibilities that would be more difficult or impossible with the OEM chassis. I am going to get in touch with Spyder next week; insight/background on this appreciated.
Keep in mind it is not particularly easy here to source some of the transmissions used in GB cars of the past; we just didn't see them here in quantity at all. Therefore for this to be a reasonable option for me in Western Canada, it almost has to be a complete kit c/w rebuilt five speed or a very common NA spec donor vehicle.
The five speed deal is not an immediate plan, more a future consideration. Could effect my chassis selection.
Thanks
I have read a bunch of the archive comments on Spyder vs. Lotus replacement chassis, and now trying to decide what to get.
I am pretty relaxed on the originality front, so the Spyder chassis option looks pretty compelling. My goal is a nice reliable driver for occasional use, and I am OK with sensible upgrades; improved wiring, better starter, alternator conversion, electric headlight lifts, cassette water pump, current radio, etc. come to mind. Will probably get the body/paint done while the chassis swap is underway this winter, and a color change from stock will be happening. i want a good looking car, but not overly fussed on all original.
My big outstanding question is whether the Spyder chassis would make it easier to fit a non-stock replacement five speed down the road. This really interests me, as not that comfortable with the high rpm's when driving the "wide open plains" around Calgary. Five speed would be great for the 100 miles to the mountain roads
I also read in some (rather dated) archive posts that Spyder was putting together a five speed conversion kit, I assume for the TC. Does anyone know if this happened? I read over quite a few posts regarding five speed conversions and admit to being a little lost in the technical details. Just really wondering if the Spyder opens up some possibilities that would be more difficult or impossible with the OEM chassis. I am going to get in touch with Spyder next week; insight/background on this appreciated.
Keep in mind it is not particularly easy here to source some of the transmissions used in GB cars of the past; we just didn't see them here in quantity at all. Therefore for this to be a reasonable option for me in Western Canada, it almost has to be a complete kit c/w rebuilt five speed or a very common NA spec donor vehicle.
The five speed deal is not an immediate plan, more a future consideration. Could effect my chassis selection.
Thanks