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Which classic to update
DIY Si - 15/6/10 at 04:13 PM

Afternoon all.

I'm having a slight quandary at the moment. I really like my BEC, but I would like something a bit more usable and also a bit nicer to look at and nicer to be in.

I'm currently thinking of either doing something silly to a Fury, like sticking a Cerbera V8 in it, but funds probably won't allow this; or updating an old classic such as an MGB GT or Roadster with a newer, more powerful engine, uprated suspension and brakes and so on.

Only real problem is that I have limited room in my garage and limited funds (but then who doesn't!). My garage has a usable space of 13' x 7' due to having a work bench in it, and I have what ever I can sell my Indy for, so say £6.5K.

I have found a 1978 MGB Roadster for £2750, which has been converted to chrome bumpers, but I'm not sure it's what I'm after. I'd prefer something that will end up looking a bit mean and a bit of a race car that's allowed on the road type thing, so cage, buckets and so on.

Any ideas? 'Cause I'm running out of suitable cars that are within my price range!

carpmart - 15/6/10 at 04:18 PM

I've an idea, buy my Fury!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1796126.htm

DIY Si - 15/6/10 at 04:26 PM

I would do, but it looks a too nice to just rip it all apart so I can fit a full cage and a V8.

But I will keep it in mind.

carpmart - 15/6/10 at 04:32 PM

quote:
Originally posted by DIY Si
I would do, but it looks a too nice to just rip it all apart so I can fit a full cage and a V8.

But I will keep it in mind.


Just up the boost and have the same power as a V8.

Alternatively, sell the Turbo pinto engine, www.turbosports.co.uk will see you easily getting £1,000 for that and have a cheap chassis to bolt your V8 engine into!

[Edited on 15/6/10 by carpmart]

austin man - 15/6/10 at 04:44 PM

MG midget with a bike engine free road tax if pre 72 few on the bay of e also Austin Healey Sprite . there is an excellent support /parts availability for these

DIY Si - 15/6/10 at 04:48 PM

Ah, should have said, it needs to be something that I can fit into easily. I'm 6'3" and 15 1/2 st, so I need a bigger car than a sprigdet. The mrs also needs to be able to drive it to work on a daily/occasional basis.

But it is an idea to bear in mind.

iank - 15/6/10 at 05:46 PM

quote:
Originally posted by DIY Si
Ah, should have said, it needs to be something that I can fit into easily. I'm 6'3" and 15 1/2 st, so I need a bigger car than a sprigdet. The mrs also needs to be able to drive it to work on a daily/occasional basis.

But it is an idea to bear in mind.


Might depend whether it's in the leg or body but this guy is 6'6" and fits in a midget with a few simple mods. (ironically most people you see in midgets are quite tall, guess short people don't want to give the jokers material).

http://www.peterrenn.clara.net/midget.html#legroom

deltron63 - 15/6/10 at 05:50 PM

A MGB GT V8 is what you need

DIY Si - 15/6/10 at 06:18 PM

quote:
Originally posted by iank
quote:
Originally posted by DIY Si
Ah, should have said, it needs to be something that I can fit into easily. I'm 6'3" and 15 1/2 st, so I need a bigger car than a sprigdet. The mrs also needs to be able to drive it to work on a daily/occasional basis.

But it is an idea to bear in mind.


Might depend whether it's in the leg or body but this guy is 6'6" and fits in a midget with a few simple mods. (ironically most people you see in midgets are quite tall, guess short people don't want to give the jokers material).

http://www.peterrenn.clara.net/midget.html#legroom


I'm long in the arm and leg, and that makes for some interesting reading. Thanks for that link.

SeanStone - 15/6/10 at 06:42 PM

S2000 MG

mattyc - 15/6/10 at 07:31 PM

Triumph GT6 mark 1 or 2 !!!

rpm - 15/6/10 at 07:31 PM

you need to buy my spitfire! have a look at my photobucket album, i'm 6'3 and 15st and i fit in it fine, it's nearly finished now, i've got it running and now trying to tune with megasquirt, it will just need final touches and comes with a spare custom bonnet!

02GF74 - 15/6/10 at 09:24 PM

quote:
Originally posted by DIY Si
Ah, should have said, it needs to be something that I can fit into easily. I'm 6'3" and 15 1/2 st, so I need a bigger car than a sprigdet.


can't comment on the midget but the '72 MGB I had, I could push the seat all the way back and not reach the foot pedals - no car since has come close to being able to achieve that. - and I am 6ft1.

bi22le - 15/6/10 at 09:41 PM

Mk1 Escort or Cortina?

Gotta love the old skool fords. Plenty of support out there to!

coozer - 16/6/10 at 07:05 AM

I'm late again.. but, as said..

GT6, original or there was a kit conversion for it

or

Mk1~2 Escort, can be made to look as mean/cool as you want.

Any of the above with a bike engine would be pretty trick/cool/wow

Jasper - 16/6/10 at 09:09 AM

quote:
Originally posted by coozer
I'm late again.. but, as said..
Mk1~2 Escort, can be made to look as mean/cool as you want.
/cool/wow


Mk1 Escort for £6.5k - you'll be lucky?

How about a Mini? I'm 6'2" and have loads of headroom. Great daily driver and handle much better than most British cars from the same period. I bought mine cos I wasn't using the expensive Stylus anywhere near enough to justify the cost, the Mini I drive all the time and always have a laugh driving it - smiles for ££££ it's very hard to beat.

And you can create any car you want, track day scream, classic look, rally replica, minimilist street car, rat look etc etc. And lots of engine choice, bike, Vtec, front or back, A series - turbo or supercharged? And it's all been done before so parts are available and relatively cheap.

Realistic with a £6k budget..... and the girls love 'em - had a whole car full of blondes waving and smiling at me at the lights last night (no, the car wasn't on fire!!)

alistairolsen - 16/6/10 at 10:24 AM

early TVR perhaps? vixen?


Pezza - 16/6/10 at 02:31 PM

I <3 my Manta

DIY Si - 16/6/10 at 02:56 PM

I had looked at early TVR's, but they seem to be a fair bit of money.
I used to have minis, and whilst I agree, you can do most things to them, I don't really fancy another at the moment.
As has been said, a decent Mk1 Escort will be too much money, and I'm not a big fan of them anyways.

Oh, and I might be tempted with carpmart's Fury yet too. Arrgh, indecision will be the end of me one day!