Hello List,
I've been a Big Healey owner for a few years, and spent 2 years on their list
before buying, a great idea, learned tons.
Now I'm lurking again, looking at buying a Sprite. Something to drive a bunch,
maybe daily in the summer. I've found a '64 MkIII, in good condition. No rust,
upgraded (1098) engine with 10K on the rebuild, reworked brakes and wires.
I drove it a week ago and I have some questions. This is the only sprite I've
ever driven, and it seems under powered. Not quick away from a light. Now this
is compared to my 100-4, but 2nd gear was required to make a steep hill. Is
this typical?
Also, I had to really mash the brakes to get it to stop. Again this is compared
to my 100-4. I thought the front disks would help stop this little car on a
dime. I also noted they faded once stopped, requiring ever greater pressure to
hold the car still on a hill. The owner said the master cylinder unit was
replaced a few thousand miles ago. This owner is a club member so I believe
him.
The car seems to be as reliable a driver as one can expect from a 36 year old
British car. Are these things I've mentioned problems or typical of a tiny
inexpensive sports car?
Brian
http://www.mixed-media.net/100Lemans/
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