Sprint Engine Conversion

[MaddMart]

Just picked up my new toy today. I've taken a few dimensions & I reckon a Sprint engine will sit nicely in that engine bay. Coupled to the Sprint o/d gearbox I think I'm on to a winner...<br>
<br>
What do you guys think ?<br>
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<!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.dolomitesprint.com/images/misc/s2k1.jpg" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br>
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<!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.dolomitesprint.com/images/misc/s2k2.jpg" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END-->

<p>Martin<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.dolomitesprint.com/" target="top">www.dolomitesprint.com</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--></p><i></i>

[SMIFTER]

You Git Martin! - You've got to let me have a go!<br>
<br>
I take it this replaces the Prelude?

<p><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
Featherweight 1974 Dolomite Sprint - Soon to be XE'd, NOS'd, Megasquirted and 5 linked Lash up to scare myself (and my wallet) senseless<br>
<br>
2004 Smart Roadster (company car!!) - 698cc of turbo'd adrenaline fuelled rollerskate - destined to classic status thanks to Daimler Chrysler bean counters.<br>
<br>
1997 Audi A4 2.6 to chill out after the above and fill with baby products.....<br>
<br>
2005 Trek 1400 (ok its not a car but still fast) - <br>
a bit like Lance Armstrong but slower and fatter</p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p206.ezboard.com/bthetriumphdolo ... SMIFTER</A> at: 5/11/05 8:34 pm<br></i>

[LewisK]

Loverly pieces of kit the S2000's, 9000RPM redline, I think that'll do nicely. <br>
<br>
I assume there's no reverse transplant here, shame, would be a good conversion (Sprint+S2000 engine & box)

<p></p><i></i>

[SMIFTER]

I've got an idea - could you attach it to a lamppost for me <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :rollin --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/roll.gif ALT=":rollin"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

<p><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
Featherweight 1974 Dolomite Sprint - Soon to be XE'd, NOS'd, Megasquirted and 5 linked Lash up to scare myself (and my wallet) senseless<br>
<br>
2004 Smart Roadster (company car!!) - 698cc of turbo'd adrenaline fuelled rollerskate - destined to classic status thanks to Daimler Chrysler bean counters.<br>
<br>
1997 Audi A4 2.6 to chill out after the above and fill with baby products.....<br>
<br>
2005 Trek 1400 (ok its not a car but still fast) - <br>
a bit like Lance Armstrong but slower and fatter</p><i></i>

[MaddMart]

I've wanted one of these for quite a while now but didn't expect to get one so soon.<br>
<br>
I went to our local dealer & had a test drive in a brand new one (27k <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :eek --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... ns/eek.gif ALT=":eek"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> ) & I loved it straight away. Although I must admit at lower revs it is a bit docile, once you've wound it up though, it flies. But there again it's pretty much the same with my Prelude. I can't wait to have a "proper" go in it. I had a drive in it last Saturday & the guy I bought it from let me wind it up down the dual carriageway but I let the other half drive it back from Cardiff today. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
Smifter was looking to transplant one of these into his Sprint, which would have been awesome. Can't remember why he didn't. Cost ?<br>
<br>
I'll come up soon Graeme & we'll do swapsies (no not the Audi). The Prelude's up for sale if anyone's interested. <!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.aqpd91.dsl.pipex.com/" target="top">www.aqpd91.dsl.pipex.com/</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--> ooh, is that classed as advertising ?

<p>Martin<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.dolomitesprint.com/" target="top">www.dolomitesprint.com</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--></p><i></i>

[SMIFTER]

Yeah it was purely cost - I missed out on the complete running gear off one on ebay for 1500 quitd - the cheapest any breaker has quoted me since was £3500 which is still good value but way outside my budget! Would have been awesome - 237 BHP and 9000rpm as standard with the possibility of 300bhp plus with a supercharger!<br>
<br>
I'd still like to see it done.<br>
<br>
G<br>


<p><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
Featherweight 1974 Dolomite Sprint - Soon to be XE'd, NOS'd, Megasquirted and 5 linked Lash up to scare myself (and my wallet) senseless<br>
<br>
2004 Smart Roadster (company car!!) - 698cc of turbo'd adrenaline fuelled rollerskate - destined to classic status thanks to Daimler Chrysler bean counters.<br>
<br>
1997 Audi A4 2.6 to chill out after the above and fill with baby products.....<br>
<br>
2005 Trek 1400 (ok its not a car but still fast) - <br>
a bit like Lance Armstrong but slower and fatter</p><i></i>

[Carsreunited]

Nice choice Martin. Fancy coming up to the lincolnshire meet to show it off?<br>
<br>


<p></p><i></i>

[alun n]

Revs well, but NAASTY interior. <br>
<br>
Did some early market research on it when it was launched; they pitched it against the Boxster and Z3...and then asked folk who'd bought the Elise (y'know, proper sports cars) new to compare them all...<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :b --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... tongue.gif ALT=":b"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
Looks better in black than silver with red interior like all the others are<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :b --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... tongue.gif ALT=":b"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
You'll be off to get the 'S200 OMS' number plate now then?

<p></p><i></i>

[MaddMart]

<!--EZCODE QUOTE START--><blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>Revs well, but NAASTY interior.<hr></blockquote><!--EZCODE QUOTE END--><br>
<br>
I think the interior is great. Each to there own, as the Elise doesn't have an interior <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
I would love to get an Elise but only for track use. Couldn't imagine driving one too far. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
I could only afford an old S & they only came in Red, Black or Silver<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START >D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/grin.gif ALT=" >D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> . Can't stand Silver cars (probably just upset half of the TDC members), my last two cars have been red so black it had to be.<br>
<br>
Reg no. is S200 JEL (don't ask) anyone what to buy it. I'm not into personalised number plates.

<p>Martin<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.dolomitesprint.com/" target="top">www.dolomitesprint.com</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--></p><i></i>

[Carsreunited]

I can only say that Jel is sometimes used as a nickname for people with the name Jeremy. Either that or design your own hair product and call it S200 GEL and write off your car as an advertising expense??!<br>
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Looks like its handbags at dawn for you and Alun! I'm faster (in a straight line I must add) than both of you AND my interior is gorgeous AND it can seat 4 (cough) comfortably AND its Purple! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :b --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... tongue.gif ALT=":b"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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<p></p><i></i>

[SMIFTER]

on the track next year!<br>
<br>
Alun' Elise<br>
Mart's S2000<br>
Scott's TreVoR<br>
<br>
Just to make things fair I'll have to drive them all to keep the driver ability equal<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :rollin --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/roll.gif ALT=":rollin"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

<p><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
Featherweight 1974 Dolomite Sprint - Soon to be XE'd, NOS'd, Megasquirted and 5 linked Lash up to scare myself (and my wallet) senseless<br>
<br>
2004 Smart Roadster (company car!!) - 698cc of turbo'd adrenaline fuelled rollerskate - destined to classic status thanks to Daimler Chrysler bean counters.<br>
<br>
1997 Audi A4 2.6 to chill out after the above and fill with baby products.....<br>
<br>
2005 Trek 1400 (ok its not a car but still fast) - <br>
a bit like Lance Armstrong but slower and fatter</p><i></i>

[MaddMart]

4 seats...can't be a proper sportscar. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :p --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... tongue.gif ALT=":p"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
The nearest mine wil get to a track is in the spectator car park.<br>
<br>
OK so I've got the slowest car, 0-60 in 6 secs, what a bummer.<br>
<br>
To stop any more bickering, I like the Elise & the TVR...oh and the S2000.<br>
<br>
Alun, stop stirring it up!<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

<p>Martin<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.dolomitesprint.com/" target="top">www.dolomitesprint.com</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--></p><i></i>

[mbellinger]

I have had the pleasure of driving both S2000 and Elise (mk I and II) in anger on the track. They both have their strengths and weaknesses.<br>
<br>
The Honda's undoubted strength is its running gear (engine AND gearbox) which are probably, as a combo, in the top five of any on sale in the world today. The handling and roadholding are exceptional up to a point, but when that point is reached you need an opposite lock button not a steering wheel to avoid disappearing rapidly arse first into adjacent scenery. Other than that, reasonably good looking, decent seats, usual Honda bulletproof reliability. Jap interiors are a matter of personal taste - personally I can't stand them and the Honda's is no exception to that. Others think differently and I have no issue with them. The worst single dynamic quality of the Honda is it's ride, which is actually truly appalling on any surface other than polished linoleum. In this respect it is demonstrably inferior to The Lotus, and is thus, contrary to expectation actually the <!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>more</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END--> tiring of the pair to drive for any length of time.<br>
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The Elise on the other hand, also looks good in a plastic sort of way, also handles and grips superbly up to the point of breakaway and uses its lightweight to its advantage at all times. The ride is actually quite good and supremely well damped. The tiring aspects of doing a journey in the car emanate from other angles - the excessive noise and vibration, and the not brilliant seats. The worst aspect of it is the engine (exactly the converse of the Honda) which is harsh, asthmatic, and unreliable - as is every single aspect of the car. Of the three Elises I have driven, the gearchange has never been better than okay as well, unlike the tactile joy that is the Honda 'box. The interior is again a matter or personal taste, though again I personally like the "de minimus" approach. The Elises biggest drawback is that the Vauxhall VX220 is a better vehicle in every measurable area, and is cheaper - especially secondhand.<br>
<br>
The main point is that both the Elise and the S2000 are wonderful barking mad cars and we should treasure the fact that we can buy either of them. They both have their faults but the motoring world is a richer place for their existance and I certainly wouldn't coat anyone who bought either - indeed they should be applauded on their having the balls to make such a subjective and different choice to the mainstream.<br>
<br>
Much of this might be said for the TVR, of which I have no driving experience, though I did tow my mate home in his Griffith on about nine occasions before he got fed up with it. For me, there is more than a vague whiff of chest hair and medallion about them, but that does not make them any less an exciting choice for others.<br>
<br>
So stop bickering girls. A head to head would be amusing, but more for the differences it would throw up rather than the placings. They are all good choices in their own way.

<p>Martin<br>
<br>
1968 Triumph 1300FWD<br>
2002 BMW 320d<br>
2002 Renault Scenic<br>
<br>
</p><i></i>

[Jon Tilson]

The primary point of suspension is surely to address the comfort needs of the occupants. I dont care how sporty a car purports to be...if it goes down the road like a wasboard on marbles then it has failed in its primary duty as a means of conveyance. As such I agree totally with Mr Bellinger. The funny thing is that people outside Japan have long realised that a good sporty chassis not only can but MUST have a decent ride quality. That has been the characteristic of any quality sports car that has acheived the status of all time great...E type, Lotus Elan, Caterham Seven. Elise. All have excellent ride quality (even the seven) and so funilly enough does the MGF. The french also realise this but dont make a sports car as such...well Pug and Citroen don't anyway.<br>
Its funny that the Japanese with all there undoubted engineering and manufacturing expertise still cant come up with a car that goes down the road nicely....Its all very well doing 9000 rpm but not much point if you loosen your fillings on anything but glass...<br>
I wonder if the NSX rides well?<br>
<br>
Jonners<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>


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[Carsreunited]

They come on Bilstein shox from the factory and the ride is softer than the Mini and probably the same as a dolly on Spax/Avo's.<br>
<br>
Martin, the hairy chest and medallion were an option on the 4.5 cars, sadly mine's a 4.2<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :( --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /frown.gif ALT=":("><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
MadMart, the S2000 is very nice. VBH used to have one and she's no fool. I reckon that wherever we book for the 2006TT, we should take dollies and our lovely 2nd cars and have a little unofficial play!<br>
<br>
Scott

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