Top speeds for 948 and 1275 engines

[ichthos]

Can someone tell me what realistic top speeds a Bugeye with a 948 and 1275 would be expected to reach? Thanks, Kevin

 

[Trevor Jessie]

stock engines?
75 ish for 948 with 4.2
90 ish for 1275 with 3.9

my SC 1275 with 3.9 and 5 speed could easily reach 115 if I was foolish enough to try

 

[vagt6]

FWIW, I drive a '74 MKIII Midget with a nicely built 1275 (about 70 HP or so), stock (3.90) gearing and a Datsun 5 speed gearbox.

I had her up to about 97 MPH (according to my GPS) on Interstate one day, with the hood (top) down. I figure it may go a little faster with the top up, or the hard top on. Calm winds, flat section of road, no traffic (and thankfully, no cops! ). Seemed about all she'd do, but not quite at the redline RPMs.

I don't think I'll ever go there again. Heck, I usually don't get above the speed limit. :laugh:

Bugeye is a bit lighter, I'd assume they're good for more speed, if it's a 1275.

Plenty fast: a modestly modded 1275-powered Spridget with the right gearing will flirt with 100 MPH and keep up with traffic almost anywhere.

 

[Sarastro]

The stock Bugeye spec is 82 MPH, but that's just 15 MPH per 1000 RPM time the 5500 RPM red line. Might need a tailwind. Also, a little personal lunacy might be useful.

 

[JPSmit]

Can someone tell me what realistic top speeds a Bugeye with a 948 and 1275 would be expected to reach? Thanks, Kevin

0ps7ebU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

 

[GeeBee1]

Don't expect to go over a hundred with a stock BE (clearance and bodywork), no matter what you run, the eyes start lifting and it gets way too squirley. A later Spridge has better stock aero and can get a bit higher. Gear ratio's play a big factor as well. But totally stock I would say 75\80 - 948 and almost 90\95 - 1275; also factor in, if you have a long enough distance and how much you like speed :wink:

Pat

 

[ichthos]

Thanks for all the information. Just for the record, my bugeye is all stock. My interest is more from the stand point that I would like to make a cross country trip, and was interested in how it rides at higher speeds. I was more concerned with how a Bugeye rides around 70-75mph, since there are freeways that have these as top speed limits.

 

[Hap Waldrop]

Ah, this one, about 130 or so

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Stock bugeye on a long trip? I'd plan on 65 mph being a tolerable top speed.

 

[Pythias]

When we did the big trip to LOtO, we figured we would --drive 60, --to average 50---a stop every 2 hours or so for fuel--10 hours a day--4 days for 2000 miles. It put no stress on the cars OR our bodies that way. We're figuring to do about the same to Elkhart Lake, which is marginally further. Be sure to drive with the top up, as the sun will take its toll after a few days, plus you get better fuel economy.

 

[Gundy]

Ah, this one, about 130 or so

Is that a 948 or a 1275.

 

[hpmowog]

A hair over 120 with a 948.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.


(with 14+:1 compression, 8600 rpm, 1-1/2" ground clearance etc.)

 

[Gundy]

A hair over 120 with a 948.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.


(with 14+:1 compression, 8600 rpm, 1-1/2" ground clearance etc.)

Hap's example must have been a 1275.

 

[jlaird]

Ha, Bugeye, 73 down hill, down wind, top up. Stockish engine.

 

[Hedgehog]

Hap's is an F Prod car so would have the 1275. And I'm sure a little higher compression, big carbs, cammed, etc....

 

[toysrrus]

Howdy Folks,

When I had my totally stock `59 Frogeye just a few months back; I would get her up to 65mph (Max) & She would be "SCREAMING" for a 5th gear. I think I had the 4.2 gears.

Jack is right. "73" downhill, downwind, top up and maybe someone nudding you from behind. Maybe someone like "Gundy or Hap"!

Regards, Russ

 

[RickB]

This is making me wonder what rear gears are in my MK2 Sprite.
On the way to the ABFM last weekend my wife was driving the Midget following me.
She said I was doing 78 MPH down the hill between Snoqualmie & Preston.
It didn't seem like the car was straining, maybe I was coasting in neutral...