John B's Introduction

[JohnB_SPY8808053]

Hey all. As you might have guessed from the subject I'm John B & this is my introduction post. I live in Amarillo, Texas in the USA where I work as a Programmer/Analyst in the banking industry.

My car is a transformer (chassis SPY8808053) powered by a NA Guy Croft TC engine. It has the early G4 bodywork and is painted in the Marlboro livery. I am currently making a number of modifications to the car including a new G4 dash and all new wiring, conversion to LHD and upgrading/replacing the roll cage so it will meet SCCA requirements. Eventually I'll be adding the 5 bolt hubs and a V6. The car will be used for fun, show and tarmac rallies.

Well, I guess that's about it.

Ciao,

John B.

[Matt No VAT]

Hi John,

Changing to LHD - now theres a big project!!! I looked at this and was told its only been done once before and was very very complex.

How are you getting on with it??

[JohnB_SPY8808053]

Oh - it's not as bad as all that.

Everybody's biggest concern seems to be that there is not enough footroom because the central beam on the Hawk chassis is offset 1" towards the passenger side. What I found though was that the fiberglass tunnel takes up almost that much space anyway because it is a little wider than the beam. By redesigning the tunnel so that it fits flush against the beam on the left side, I will only end up with about 1/4" less room at my heels and actually have a little more room at my toes. The tunnel will now appear to be exactly centered in the car. ( I hope that made sense.)

The rest of the process is pretty straight forward. I was already planning to replace the dash, gauges & wiring so it doesn't seem like that much more work to do the LHD at the same time. Of course I had to buy a new steering rack and a quickener. New mounting brackets are required for the steering column (exactly the same just on the other side) and also for the pedals (Wilwood but Tilton would work too). The pedal bracket does require cutting a little bit of the fiberglass under the nose. If the brakes aren't good without the booster, I'll use a remote booster from a Lancia Scorpion with an electric vacum pump. I'm also removing the cable e-brake and going to a completely hydraulic system with an ebrake that locks both rears and a turning brake that will lock either rear selectivly.

Please let me know if you'd like more information about any of this.

John B.

[Doc]

Hi John
I thought I'd introduce myself as I see you posted a reply to one of my snide comments.
I apologise for using a serious forum for smartarse comments.
I was at the venue that our glorious webmaster lost his rear.
I am not a Stratos enthusiast as such but remember them from when i was a kid so when I got the chance to help keep one running i jumped at it.
I prefer my own brand of transport which is a Kawasaki Trike which I built myself with the help of a few friends and have been known to drag race once or twice.

[JohnB_SPY8808053]

Nice to meet you. I don't think any of your posts need an apology. I'm pretty sure David doesn't mind us poking fun at each other (or him) as long as it's not really offensive/insulting. Sounds like the rally was lots of fun. Do you have any pictures of the trike you could post?

John B.

[Doc]

Yes I do have photos but not with the Kawasaki engine in it,
It has a reliant 850 engine which was slow revving and only 25- 30 bhp I will post some photos as soon as I can.

[Stratos]

Ian,

I don't mind you poking fun at me. Other people might have other views if they do not know you and comments are directed at them. I know your posts were meant in jest.

This isn't meant to be a formal place - it's supposed to be fun and friendly, and as long as comments aren't insulting or offensive to other forum members almost anything goes.

Hope you enjoy being on here.