Hi Bill: I thought I could add my 2 cents worth to the discussion. I have
a Series V, 1725 cc which is now much more dependable than it was when I
bought it. To make it more reliable, and more driveable, I converted the
alternator to a Delco 63 amp. I swapped the Lucas windshield motor for a
60's something Mopar - sorry, I just don't recall what year Plymouth was the
donor. I installed a Pertronix ignition device and a Weber 32/36 carb with
K&N air filter. The big project was the transmission exchange. I swapped
the Alpine 4 speed for a Toyota 5 speed. I am very well pleased with the
results. You can read about that swap either by visiting
http://www.almjeld.com/wsnD26C.html or by going the www.sunbeamalpine.org
and clicking on the feature back issues - December, 2000. At any rate, the
Alpine is a lot more dependable than it was and I do not hesitate about
driving long distances on the interstate. The performance is adequate,
considering the size of the engine. The mileage is consistently around
32/33 mpg. It starts easily, runs smoothly and gets a lot of attention out
here in the wide open spaces of South Dakota.
Paul #14649
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alpines@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-alpines@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Barbara Blue
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2001 10:08 PM
To: alpines@autox.team.net
Subject: Alpines for Touring
My wife and I have a Series V in need of a major redo. We have recently
decided we would like to use the car for rather extended touring when we
retire in a few years. I am concerned about two issues: excessive revs for
long trips and a breakdown 30 miles south of East Bumfuk, Nowhere. I have
about decided to install a Ford rear axle to drop revs. I have no faith in
the Lucas system, so it would be replaced as much as possible. Is there
anything that should be done to the engine to dependablility? What would the
list of recommened spare parts be? Would we be better off to replace the
entire drivetrain with something we could repair anyplace? We are thinking
of
trips 1000-1500 miles away from home.
Bill
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