Best/Worst update you've made to your classic?

So Tom ... other than those minor issues, how's the new F500?

My Fiat Spider was the first year of the big block 2 liter engine but in 1979 the single carburetor/manifold was constricted with plenty of power-robbing smog devices. I pulled the simpler better breathing carb/manifold off a 1974 Fiat Spider and removed a box of hoses and valves that had long since failed. These bolted onto the 2 liter block. The engine came to life with this simple upgrade and even MPG improved. Worst addition was a set of cheap 4 for $100 tires. I put up with these squealing for 4 years and then replaced them with a decent touring set.

Best (on my Valiant):

Front disk brakes. 9-by-skinny drums just didn't cut it. HEI. No more fiddling with points.

Worst: Non-retracting three-point belts. Save a few bucks, regret not springing for the retractable set EVERY TIME. Soon to be corrected, I hope.

rconlon wrote: big block 2 liter engine

That sounds like a contradiction in terms.....

wspohn wrote:

rconlon wrote: big block 2 liter engine

That sounds like a contradiction in terms.....

Not if you're comparing it to Tom's upgrade to a 1508.

Gary, yes the best upgrade I made to the Datsun was the F500. Had I done the F500 upgrade sooner the Datsun would have spared my questionable fabrication skills. In reality I should have dropped the car at my buddies shop and had him work his magic. As for the F500 it is great, I ran the battery flat (total loss ignition) at my first autocross and didn't get all of my runs but have since installed a bigger battery and have a jumper battery for starting the car. The car was awesome to drive I was 2nd overall when the battery died (only a friend's shifter kart was faster) I missed the afternoon runs and tumbled back to 5th out 103 cars.

Rupert, I only dream of a thumping 2.0 liter torgue monster. Now that Leo has that gorgeous Cooper he may not notice if slipped by his place and stole the BDA out of the Morgan. As for the 1508 motor it may seem puny but it was a 25 horsepower jump in a 1600lb car putting down 80 whp. At track days I used to lose 3 car lengths to stock Miatas down the straights, now I gain 3 or 4. For the vintage class I am in I can actually run a L20 motor which in race trim would be an double the power, it would add some weight but a 1700lb car with 195 whp would go rather well............of course with a 600lb single seater in the garage the desire to further upgrade the Datsun is pretty much gone.......$3500 for the F500 was the best upgrade ever, 0-60 in 3 seconds and 135 mph.....cheapest speed part ever.

 Tom

Oh, I would notice! But if you want my T9 Xmsn, maybe I could help you steal it!

I lay awake at night thinking about how that Cooper would feel with the BDA sitting in it. That would be something.

Speaking of modifications: I have started the long process of finding the correct Cosworth SCA (a SOHC version of the MAE) to put in to the Cooper to get it back to Formula 2 specs.

Leo

Leo, I could get access to a 3D printer and put a giant fake Cosworth in there or buy a busted block and trashed cylinder head.........of course if I went that far I'd likely get distracted shopping for shiny bobbles. An SCA will make your car go quite well, finding one will either involve some hunting or some dollars but when you get it done it will be awfully cool. I will be eventually swapping motors in the F500, I have a good bit of parts for the AMW engines but once those are used up I will go to a Rotax engine, I also have the choice of using one of those newer 16,000 RPM 600cc bike motors.

   Tom

I would love to have a 1:1 model of a BDA!

My suggestion, and Im sure you know, is to always get want you want first. If you don't youll always want it, and then end up spending even more money to finally get it.

If and when we ever cross paths, just let me know, and you can take the Morgan around the block once or twice. Its a treat!

Leo

My failed 2012 Challenge attempt. 1988 Fiero V8.

Car had a way too big holley carb and belt driven water pump. Very good friend and ace mechanic recommended I swap in a standard quadrajet and leave the rest be. Knowing "better" and wanting to be all hi-tech I changed it over to fuel injection and electric water pump. Car never ran right, even after changing to a milder cam. Electric pump couldn't keep up either and was always fighting over heating .

Don't you hate it when you just can't leave well enough alone? Car never made it to the Challenge and could have been a serious contender.

Leo I hear you about getting what you want, BDA - BDGs tend to be in Formula Atlantic trim also tend to be over 10K and that is more than the car is worth. Occasionally rally spec motors (170hp range) come up for as little as 4K-5K one of those would be well worth it. I do have a number of the components that make it possible to bolt a Nissan SOHC E-Series crossflow head on to the A-Series block, they came from one of the front running D-sports racers. The stuff was given to me because all the cars use bike motors now. It might be fun to have a former Runoffs winning custom motor in the car. It still wouldn't be as cool as the BDA, of course if I did find one I would be on here whining about all the Datsun engine parts clogging up my garage!

     Tom

Free is always good! Esp if its free and COOL!

Leo

The worst thing: a stereo. I was young and concluded a 'thumping' stereo was a proper addition to my 124 Coupe. Now, many years later, it pains me to see the factory door cards cut out with 8" round holes and sheet metal cut out from the rear deck to accommodate a couple of 6x9 speakers. I voluntarily butchered a perfect, stock car.

I think the worst was when I installed an overdriven Judson supercharger on my DD MG Midget - too loud and hot, not enough power for the trouble. The best is probably the 5-main MGB engine in my MGA - great power, looks correct, and the mod is reversible.

idk if my car counts as a classic but it's old enough. 89 Skyline, installing electrical fans to replace clutch based units. Caused a ridiculous amount of electrical gremlins that were only resolved by returning to stock. Taught me a valuable lesson.

best upgrade would have to be wheels/tires, stockers were ridiculously skinny and were all seasons.

In reply to Tom1200:

Pardon me for saying, but it sounds like your best upgrade was getting rid of that wife.