New Spider Build: Challenge a Lotus Exige

[vandor]

> Getting a 16v head that could work would be awesome but I don't know if I could get one easily here.

I believe Miller's Mule in Houston has some.

[divace73]

re the starter, in my honest opinion, I'd go with one of high torque light weight units that are not much more that $200..

[jasonboes]

It's not worth the extra money. I have all receipts for the car since it was new. It has 70K on it and the starter lasted all these years. I would say it is pretty good and a nice quality rebuild should have it reliable. Remember I am working on doing this on a budget without breaking the bank. If I even get close to the Lotus I have been pretty successful! I set lofty goals and I am not afraid to try! I figure at least I tried!

Jason

[jasonboes]

Talked to Miller's Mule via email today. Looks like I can get the top end done for about $6,000. Going to take a lot of fab work but I can see it being done. I have also decided that I am going with the transmission package that is made in Italy. It's late right now so I am drawing a blank on the name. They make custom 6 speeds. Control arms and suspension will be custom made by me and convert it to a wide body to match the width of the Exige.

I can 100% see this being done and I will be starting to work on things in a couple weeks after I get it tuned up and running properly. It appears I am going to need to do brakes on it as they went to the floor yesterday! So I am guessing that the budget for this car is going to be in the $15K to $20K range. Which means I need to get to work on some other cars to get the funds.

So the decision for the drive train is to go supercharged 16v using a megasquirt system fueled by E85. This will take care of the power. Transmission will be the 6 speed unit, and the rear will be converted to IRS. I will probably try to use QA1 coil overs and flare the body for some really wide rubber. Although the Porsche transaxle adapters I seen have me curious. A 928 unit could make the weight distribution even more ideal. And I have driven a couple 928's and the are great machines.

So I am not rich but with dedication to this I am sure it can get done. Pictures will start this weekend and I will start video blogging in on YouTube.

Jason
SillyFast

[vandor]

It's not worth the extra money....

Weigh your stock starter. The gear reduction unit weighs ~9 lbs. If you are going for a light car, once you have stripped everything it will be hard to find a way to loose ~10 pounds...

[jasonboes]

This weekend I removed the starter. Will be rebuilding it on Tuesday as a class project. Was looking at a few things on the car and seeing how I could remove a lot of weight. I decided I am going to remove all of the convertible top stuff. It needs replaced and I figure the money could be better spent elsewhere. Wheel wells are going to go too. All the interior padding is going and I will make a lighter weight carpet kit for it. Bumpers will go as well.

For the top I am going to custom form a fiberglass or carbon fiber roof and have it formed in as a fastback. Then when I want to go topless I can just unbolt it off the car. I should have it done in a few months so everyone can see it. Sorry I got busy and forgot to take pictures. Will make sure I do next weekend!

[jasonboes]

I am having trouble locating the starter solenoid. Anyone know where I can find one. Rock Auto listed one but when I added it to the cart it says item no longer available. I am thinking about getting the gear reduction starter but funds are limited this month.

[SoFlaFiat]

Jason,
I have 2 or 3 spare starters, all working, if you need parts. I can disassemble and send only what you need.
Let me know...

[vandor]

>I am having trouble locating the starter solenoid.

I think we have a new one left. If not more will be coming in ~2 weeks.

[jasonboes]

Well I was able to rebuild the starter and solenoid for about $38.00. It is working properly now and everything is good. Now to fix the brakes and drive the thing for a while this summer.

I have resigned myself to probably stick to supercharging the motor this winter and converting it over to megasquirt with an E-85 tune. I figure with cams and the higher compression pistons I can do all the N/A stuff for power and still supercharge it if I use E-85 fuel.

Transmission and rear end are just going to have to break before they get replaced.

I am also going to make a carbon fiber "Aero" fastback mod for replacing the convertible top assembly. I am going to secure it using the mounting locations from the convertible top and use the trunk latch in the rear. That way if I want to go topless I can quickly unbolt it and drive around free in the wind.

Whole thing is going slow right now cause of a wind storm blowing the roofing of my garage. Need to fix that first now.

[jasonboes]

Hello Everyone,
What a winter it has been. Have not even gotten to the Fiat in a while. I am building and restoring two cars for the Detroit Autorama. We have a display there and will have 3 cars. The Fiat is not one of them. But if you are there and want to stop and talk Fiat I would be more than happy to talk about the cars. The booth is SillyFast.
On a side not I have started a Automotive plumbing shop. So I am hoping to have a turbo kit in the next year and sell the plumbing lines for it. I also make fuel lines, and DOT street legal brake lines in rubber or stainless braided. The stainless braided will fit just like the originals and be easy to install.
I am hoping that April brings better weather and I can get started on getting the car to the track.

Jason

[WYSpider]

I am having trouble locating the starter solenoid. Anyone know where I can find one. Rock Auto listed one but when I added it to the cart it says item no longer available. I am thinking about getting the gear reduction starter but funds are limited this month.

http://www.autoricambi.us/product/EL8-4 ... -Solenoid/