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Rotary Sprite

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Branson said:
remind me, are you running the original sprite rear or did you go with an rx7 rear?
Click to expand...
I installed some comp rated 1/2 shafts only but I'm still running the stock gearing. I'm sure they won't last long if I drive it hard, but it will have to do until I can afford the time and money required to do the shortened RX-7 deal. Plus I found it's not that stable at highway speed anyways, seems that it wants to lift if you punch it while going over 60. I'll need to lower the front-end, do some suspension upgrades and maybe an aero package. But it's a blast to drive!!!!!!!!!!!
 
WOW I just noticed the RX Bugeye has 19,000 plus hits, that makes me proud. I hope I can get it over 20K once it's painted. I been driving it a lot, It get's better each time I take it out. I think I'm getting the hang of it. Had it to 6500 rpm in third. I don't think the 8500 red line will ever be hit, just to violent and squirrelly.
 
I need to lower the front end of the Bugeye RX, because at highway speeds it's pretty squirrely. I've seen these lower kits the are just spacers that lower the bottom spring buckets in the arms. Has anyone used these? I figured I'd just make my own 1" spacers and give it a go, but thought I'd get the experts opinion. Also has anyone installed a rear sway bar? I was thinking of using the gas tank studs as a mount point and then making a link bar and just connecting it to the axle. And insight or recommendation would be appreciated. VR Dave.
 
1/2" spacers make the car one inch lower.
 
Really! So one inch would give me 2"?
 
Approx. Yes. But there is a practical limit before the "leverage" of the spacers will stress the metal of the a-frame and pan. Also, when you lower the car and maintain the same spring rate you will get more bump steer effect. Also the tire camber at rest is pushed to the positive direction, and ... you get the picture.

I have an acquaintance that is very knowledgeable about auto suspensions. He agreed to take a look at my stock suspension, put it in modeling software and help me design some changes. He laughed at the stock arrangement and muttered something about the car must handle like crap. So, after we bolted it all back together he took it for a drive and was amazed. All his suggestions for altering the suspension were too involved and expensive for me to undertake, especially since this guy didn't really have any background with sprites. (He was from one of those left hand turn team sports.)
 
So, do you think lowering it an inch will help the highway speed issue or am I wasting my time and should just live with it.
 
my memory has just incurred senile flatulence. So I think his name is Peter Brock, the guy who designed the Cobra Coupe. Writes in either Classic or Grass Roots Motorsports. A couple months ago he brought this very subject up. His recommendation go with an airdam on the front. But not your under the front bumper airdam.. He was talking about a strip from side to side just in front of the front wheels.... Might see what you can find for further info...
 
I was thinking of some sort of aero strip and I would have to install it behind the oil cooler as to not disturb the flow so the front of the tires is the only place I could put it. I'll start with those two references you provided and see what I can find. It's a must if I want to drive any distant on the highway. Thanks for the tip!!
 

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Hey!!
Thanks for the ride!
Sounds great, I'll bet it could be stupid fast. I like that!!!

Dave :driving:
 
Not yet, I have new/rebuilt shocks coming for the front, I've mfg but not install front spring lowering spacer and I'm making a one-off air dam that will be located in front of the wheels but behind the oil cooler. I'm hoping this will improve the highway speeds!
 
Thanks Dave, and yes it's quite a pant load when mash down on the gas.
 
I bet it will really be fun when he gets the RPM up. :p
 
DWeeB said:
Took the Bugeye out one more time before Paint to see the foliage and took the Bug-cam along for the ride. She sounds good and it's running well.


https://www.youtube.com/v/EnMxdTKt0WI?fs
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thanks too for the ride - lovely. I do have to confess I watched the first 15 seconds and suddenly had an uncontrollable urge to play frogger.
grin.gif
 
What are the chances something isn't assembled right? I know you did allot of swapping around.
 
Yeah, when I hit the higher revs (7k+) on the entrance to the highway was when I noticed that it wanted to fly! It reminded me of a two stroke power band, the engine all of a sudden just started pulling really hard until the front end got light.
 
I wonder if the front end is rising enough to change steering geometry to the point where it gets squirrelly.
 
kellysguy said:
What are the chances something isn't assembled right? I know you did allot of swapping around.
Click to expand...

Could be, but I get no shake or shimmy, it just seems to want to lift at 65 and over when I get on the gas. It tracks straight and feels solid until then. What do you think!
 
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