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Going one step further, to modify or switch?

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Do want luxury or sport? When you move to a heavier car you give up a lot. I would make the changes for the sake of performance or reliability, fuel economy, but nothing else is going to drive the same as a spridget. The Bs always made me feel like I was in a midget with a 500 pound fat person in the passenger seat.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Think of a 3 as a TR4 that spent too much time behind a trailer with all the carnys at the county fair and a case of tequila.

[/ QUOTE ]

Bwah-hah-hah-hah!!!!!

That's the best thing I ever heard!
 
Not so much a short marriage, Mustafa, just had the car long enough to start to to learn a few lessons about what I like, and what I'm looking for in a fun car. Still really like the shape of the Bugeye, and it still makes me smile when I go out into the garage. Just always trying to keep a bit of rationality in the plans, since I'm of limited means and need to make the most of what I'm doing. Trying to get a plan together for what's next.

Also, I'm weighing the fact that the Tunebug is so original still, and do I want to mess with that. Trying to frame the possibilities, to think through and research all the options so I can feel confident about the path I take. I'm a researcher by nature, just the way I am.

Zimmy's advice is good, time to step away and see what I think in a little while.
 
Drew!!!! Keep it "original" and offer it up... then go find a Lotus Elan S-3 in need of a home. It ain't called a "SuperSpridget" fer nothin'...


BWUHAAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Doc... good to see you back! Lotus boostering aside, this is the core of my dilema. Now that I've come to terms with modifying a car, I'm not sure if the Tunebug is the right one to modify. I could see myself rebuilding the carbs and fixing a few other things, and passing it on to someone who really wants an original car.

On the other hand, dropping in a 1275 and ribcase is easily reversible, and the little guy is in good shape otherwise.
 
Drew,

If you love the Bugeye for looks but hate the lack of performance I would suggest swapping in a Miata engine and tranny - but then I'm just evil anyway! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif Just think of the looks of 'shock and awe' when you blow away the Mustang in the next lane /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
The dilema is do you own it for yourself or what someone else might pay to have it. Showcars aside, I think if it's reversible and original parts are kept there's no problem. My bugeye has the innards out of a '74 midget donor - modified 1275, ribcase tranny, dual brake system, front discs, crossflow radiator. Most people can't tell it from stock - unless they go for a ride...
 
Aye, I think the trick, unless it is a show car for it to look stock from the outside. No one but one of us should be able to tell.

In the old days we called em sleapers and yep I had one of course. 54 Ford convert with a Lincoln export engine warmed over to boot. Single exhaust pipe even, hehe.
 
As I'm going through this discussion, I'm leaning more towards the reversible-modification route. I like the look of the Bugeye a lot, and the handling, even of my tired car, is fantastic. Besides, it fits in the garage so well, and I already have it. Time to dream a bit, I think, and see what I'd like.

This has been a very helpful discussion for me. Lots of good opinions to think about.
 
Keep your eye out for someone parting out a midget and you'll be able to find a usable drivetrain for a reasonable amount of money. And the best part about this route is that you can continue to enjoy the car while preparing the engine. Then in one weekend you can swap it over. The tunebug will thank you.
 
And remember that it is usually cheaper to buy a complete later model Midget that was wrecked (but still has a good 1275 and disks) than to buy the parts individually. Then you sell the remaining parts to the rest or us and even make a few bucks in the process!
Bill
 
The idea of a 1275 engine/trans combo is the best of both worlds, IMO. As you stated: reversable.

I keep a spare engine for every one of mine... 'cept th' Benz.
 
[ QUOTE ]
then go find a Lotus Elan S-3 in need of a home. It ain't called a "SuperSpridget" fer nothin'...


[/ QUOTE ]

MEEEEE WANTEEEEE! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

Let me know when you find one in my price range /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nopity.gif
 
Drew,

I've never driven a 948 Sprite, so I really can't discuss the comparative improvements that a 1275 transplant will make, however, I can tell you how a 1275 Bugeye compares to a TR4. It's slower, but not a lot slower.

It won't accelerate as quickly as my TR4, but it's still plenty peppy. And of course it handles much better.
 
A 948 gives you lots of time to do thing and think about your options.
 
Thanks for the thoughts, Kurtis. Was wondering if you might chime in. A TR4 I've driven, so that gives me something to compare to. Still really a long time out from any sort of decision, just sort of thinking out loud.

And, as Jack points out, I can still drive the Tunebug in the mean time. In fact, I think I'll go for a spin right now...

vroom vroom
 
There was a message on spritespot by a fellow wanting to sell a 1275. No real details though.
 
Saw that, and your reply. Wonder where that one is located. Can't imagine it's all that cheap to ship a motor.
 
No, it wouldn't be cheap to ship a motor. It is almost always better to look for a "local" deal.
 
I keep being tempted by a fellow in my club who is selling a RWA project car. Rust free body, running engine, needs to be assembled. If I had the money, I'd get it, pull the drive train, and sell the rest. Unfortunately, I have no cash right now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
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