[Austin_Snake]

Hi all,
No sure where to start but I have been lurking for quite awhile.

I have one of the "New Kid On The Block" carbon fiber Reproductions. I have been reluctant to post but now that the snake is out of the bag (and it wan't me!) I am free to write about it. This car will be like the rest of my cars, a show car that gets driven and taken to the track (road not drag) regularly. I am not a big trailer fan so will be traveling light most of the time with a big grin. The tracks I frequent the most are Texas World Speedway in College Station and Motor Sports Ranch near Ft. Worth.

I have been following the progress of this endevor since its conception. What drew me to this particular car is the attention to detail in getting it as close to the originals as possible. I have a few other British cars that are concourse champs I drive regularly so can appreciate the effort it takes to recreate these cars correctly.

Ok so down to the nuts and bolts. It is a carbonfiber/kevlar blend body that is in the 44 pound range. Let me tell you it is very stiff. One person can lift it and it will not collapse or deform in the sill area.

For a power plant I had John York (VA) build a 351W at approx 400 hp which should be more than enough power to get me down the front straight . I liked the idea of a small block anticipating the handling will be better with less weight in the nose. I suppose time on the track will really determine that.

For the purist out there the car is set up to accept the FE so it can always be plugged in at a later date if I ever feel the need for 427 or to increase value.

I am still sorting out the motor mounts to go from the stock 427SC Frame to the 351W. I have completed a 3D design and am currently out for quotes. Its a nice design that uses a polyurethane bushings and billet 7075.

Of course there will be the correct side pipes on the car. Once again getting the correct pipe in appearance is an excercise within itself. The custom header for the 351W will be a bit of an expense but the guy making them is an artist.

A Ken Miles racing seat is expected to arrive any day now. There are also 2 roll bars. I do have instuctors ride with me time to time so it is pretty manditory.

Lets see, when it gets back from the paint shop it will be Wimbeldon white and have a black enterior.

I am still sorting out locating a slave cylinder (puller) and mounting so I can shift gears. Any sources for one that works with a late model '92 Bell housing to a T5 will be appreciated.

Sooner of later I will get some detailed photos online..

Later,
Richard