Hi Gary,
Reminds me, strongly, of the feature that I ran in Austin-Healey Magazine a
few years ago titled, "Favorite Modifications"
<http://www.healey.org/favorite-mods.shtml> -- nice variation on the theme.
I agree with the "could" vs. "should" comments from several Listers, but am
somewhat surprised that no one has objected to the gearbox swap. Changing
the gearbox means changing one of the major components of the car that
defines its drivability, and that means changing its whole character -- goes
way beyond a few little things to improve reliability or safety. Everything
else on your list improves safety and/or reliability, but swapping the
gearbox means you are starting down that slippery slope towards losing the
car's very essence.
I mean, if you'll change the gearbox, why not the engine? Why not flare the
fenders to clear those monster wheels and tires? It won't really be an
Austin-Healey anymore, but it will certainly be "improved"! ;-)
Of course, we could slip into the discussion of what Healeys were REALLY
like to drive "back in the day" by fitting bias-ply tyres... you should have
seen me throw my 100M (shod with Dunlop SP5s) sideways to avoid t-boning a
woman in an SUV who pulled out in front of me last week. I mean, adrenaline
IS my drug of choice, but not at the expense of that $$$ paint job.
Anyway, nice list. As usual, looking forward to your always interesting and
always well-written column in SCM.
Cheers,
Reid
Reid Trummel
Portland, Oregon
100, 100M, Ski-Master
>Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 12:10:57 EDT
>From: Editorgary@aol.com
>Subject: Ten Improvements
>I've just submitted my English Patient column for the December issue to
>Sports Car Market magazine. The assigned topic from the editor was: ten
>things you should do to improve your British car. I'm thinking about doing
>a more Healey-specific version for an upcoming issue, so would appreciate
>any disagreements with my current list, and help with specific sources for
Healeys.
>Here's my list:
>Three-point seat belts
>Spin-on Oil filter
>Lightweight multiblade fan
>Pertronix points replacement
>Modern fuse panel
>Alternator
>Gear-reduction starter
>12-volt battery replacing six-volt ones
>Five-speed transmission
>Upgraded engine at rebuild time (flywheel, cam, intake and exhaust work,
>hardened valve seats)
>
>Thoughts, ideas, comments, best sources?
>
>Cheers
>Gary
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