Hello everyone.
having just got hold of a 1971 Arkley SS bodied Austin Healey Sprite requiring some work, I was wondering which class it could be entered in? It is still essentially a Sprite with a fibreglass nose and tail, but they are of course a different shape to the original body. Is it still eligible for class 5, or do the fibreglass bonnet and boot mean it has been "modified beyond permitted limits" amd consequently push it into class 7? It also has a Midget 1500 engine fitted. Any thoughts appreciated before I begin work!
Thanks,
Mark.
Mark - Are you planning to enter both ACTC and MCC events? This is important. For ACTC events, the only way to prevent abortive work is to ask the ACTC Technical Panel before you start. I'll refer your request to them on your behalf. I do know that there is at least one competitive Arkley in Class 7 already, but I do not know how much it has been modified from the Sprite/Midget base. If you are planning to enter MCC events only, you need to be aware that the MCC has a re-classification system which, basically, allows them to put any car/driver combination wherever they think is most appropriate. This might be an option for staying in Class 5, but only for MCC events. If you wish to discuss this further, please feel free to e-mail me directly on mailto:andrew.k-brown@virgin.net. Andrew
ReplyDeleteAndrew, Also I think Duncan Welches car is basically an Arkley in't it? Michael
ReplyDeleteThis message has been deleted by the author.
ReplyDeleteWas he at Bridport last weekend? A friend from SDMC just rang me to say he was behind an Arkley on the event and the Arkley looked to be doing rather well (I'm glad to hear!). He said it had quite a square back to it, though.
ReplyDeleteMark - It was Ray Goodright's Arkley running in Class 7 in the Hardy Trial last Sunday. I'm not sure how long he's had the car but he's been doing a lot of ACTC events recently and has been very competitive. It's listed as having a 1600 engine, but I do not know which 1600. Duncan Welch's car is, essentially, an Arkley but has been modified so much that Duncan chooses to run in Class 8. I understand that this is a personal decision and that, technically, the car is still eligible for Class 7. Perhaps someone else knows more? Andrew
ReplyDeleteCould it be based on the very rare "Atlantis" Midget with an Xflow ford engine? follow this link to find out more : http://www.mgcars.org.uk/midgetspriteclub/sprite/spriteatlantis.html
ReplyDeleteAndrew- re Duncans car I think its lost a few inches from the wheelbase - how I don't know! Michael
ReplyDeletedue to the change of body shape it should go in to class 7 the arkley which you saw on sunday is a local car to me has always run in class 7
ReplyDeleteThe Arkley IS a Class 7 car. Those of you with incredibly long memories and even better filing systems will note that when the current class structure was anounced back in 1983 the explanation of it all included listing the Arkley as an example of a car modified beyond permitted limits. (Dig out your old copies of Brian Cope's "Wheelspin" magazine if you don't believe me) The Ray Goodright car, as seen last Sunday and on many wect country events for a couple of years, does have a Ford 1600 engine. It also has a 105E (Anglia) back axle, 14" wheels and a Marlin style tool box on the back. I don't think its based on anything " incredibly rare". Although Atlantis may have actually marketed a Ford powered Midget, there are plenty of people out there who have been doing it for themselves for a long time. I personally would not recommend the Ford engine conversion to Mark S, the 1500 Triumph engine is a good strong unit, and the Ford engine/gearbox combination is significantly longer, which results in restriction of rear axle articulation which is far more important for climbing hills than outright power. I would recommend the 14" wheels, and I would also suggest looking at one of the 5-link rear axle conversions that the racing boys do. If, as the 1500 engine suggests, its based on a late model car, the front suspension is already high. In the longer term, look possibly at a 105E Rear Axle (stronger, takes a Fack Diff, but a bit rare these days), and a Mazda gearbox (Needed because with the 105E axle, the weak link becomes the gearbox, which is much harder to change than a diff) Most Important Advice: Get out there, do some events in it, and try it out before you spend much money on it. There is no such thing as the perfect machine, and only experience on the hills will tell you what mods are right for your driving style.
ReplyDeleteWell thankyou indeed for a most huge amount of information! I think you are absolutely right and I will suck it and see with the car near enough as it is. I ran the motor yesterday for the first time (after apparantly standing for 3 years) and it sounded very good indeed. I don't know about the Triumph unit being particularly strong, though, as all I'ver read so far says it has a weak bottom end and is inclined to drop thrust washers into the sump. But as I said, it sounds like it's actually been looked after so it's a goer with me. Which Mazdas were rear wheel drive? I can remember early 323's from the late 70's early 80's, but I thought they were front wheel drive. Other than that, I've read people fit Toyota or Ford 5 speed boxes. Thanks again, Mark
ReplyDeleteEarly 323s were definitely rear wheel drive
ReplyDeleteI had a T-reg (78?) of the early type (rounded at the back) and must say
that the engine and gearbox were superb.
My father had a later, mid 80s FWD C-Reg which I also used. Trust me, you
don't want one of those gearboxes!
Doug
_________________________________________________________________
Find a cheaper internet access deal - choose one to suit you.
http://www.msn.co.uk/internetaccess