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davester
Jedi Trainee
Offline
Here's the story...
I bought a '65 Sprite from the original owner (still a friend) in 1972, then sold it to my brother in about 1975. He's had it ever since, though it has been in pieces for at least 10 years. A couple of months ago he gave it back to me...in boxes (gearbox in one box, block in another, carbs, etc in another, etc.). I even got some new/reconditioned parts (new clutch, rebuilt distributor by Advanced, recored radiator, etc). The body and interior is in great shape, but the engine and suspension not so much.
Engine: I hauled the engine (original 1098) down to the machine shop (Star Machine in Emeryville CA) for evaluation and they just called me. The conversation started with "Hi Dave, I hate to make these calls, but that motor is toast". It's not completely broken, but the pistons are galled, the combustion chambers are ovalized and galled, bearings are thrashed, timing chain loose as a goose, backplate cracked, etc. .
Suspension: When I got it the massive aftermarket sway bar (3/4" I think) had a snapped bracket. The bushings appear to have never been changed. The shocks are pretty bouncy. There appears to be some play in the left kingpin. I haven't even looked at the rear, though I assume the bushings/shocks are pretty wiped out.
Steering: Some binding in the rack.
Gearbox: Who knows, though it never had a known issue.
My main goal here is to get back on the road with a fairly reliable, good handling car with some pep for not too many thousands of dollars. I'm not looking for a barn burner but a little improved performance wouldn't be too bad. For the first step, I'm wondering what direction to go with the engine. Should I work with what I've got, which will mean a lot of new parts and machine work, or does it make more sense to look for an already rebuilt 1275 (or perhaps a rebuildable 1275)? Based on recent experience with an MGB I know that an engine rebuild done properly can nickel and dime you to death.
What about optional extras such as Gerard's crankshaft seal?...or for way more money a 5-speed? Any thoughts on the suspension and steering? Rubber bushings? Neoprene bushings? Shock options? There are a lot of different directions and options here so I'd appreciate some opinions on prioritization. One thing I don't want is to have this project drag out for years. I would like to have a working car in the not too distant future.
Opinions for the wise men of the forum would be greatly appreciated.
I bought a '65 Sprite from the original owner (still a friend) in 1972, then sold it to my brother in about 1975. He's had it ever since, though it has been in pieces for at least 10 years. A couple of months ago he gave it back to me...in boxes (gearbox in one box, block in another, carbs, etc in another, etc.). I even got some new/reconditioned parts (new clutch, rebuilt distributor by Advanced, recored radiator, etc). The body and interior is in great shape, but the engine and suspension not so much.
Engine: I hauled the engine (original 1098) down to the machine shop (Star Machine in Emeryville CA) for evaluation and they just called me. The conversation started with "Hi Dave, I hate to make these calls, but that motor is toast". It's not completely broken, but the pistons are galled, the combustion chambers are ovalized and galled, bearings are thrashed, timing chain loose as a goose, backplate cracked, etc. .
Suspension: When I got it the massive aftermarket sway bar (3/4" I think) had a snapped bracket. The bushings appear to have never been changed. The shocks are pretty bouncy. There appears to be some play in the left kingpin. I haven't even looked at the rear, though I assume the bushings/shocks are pretty wiped out.
Steering: Some binding in the rack.
Gearbox: Who knows, though it never had a known issue.
My main goal here is to get back on the road with a fairly reliable, good handling car with some pep for not too many thousands of dollars. I'm not looking for a barn burner but a little improved performance wouldn't be too bad. For the first step, I'm wondering what direction to go with the engine. Should I work with what I've got, which will mean a lot of new parts and machine work, or does it make more sense to look for an already rebuilt 1275 (or perhaps a rebuildable 1275)? Based on recent experience with an MGB I know that an engine rebuild done properly can nickel and dime you to death.
What about optional extras such as Gerard's crankshaft seal?...or for way more money a 5-speed? Any thoughts on the suspension and steering? Rubber bushings? Neoprene bushings? Shock options? There are a lot of different directions and options here so I'd appreciate some opinions on prioritization. One thing I don't want is to have this project drag out for years. I would like to have a working car in the not too distant future.
Opinions for the wise men of the forum would be greatly appreciated.
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