DennisK

Mike, have faith! Anyone who gives as you do is bound to get justice soon. In just one week of membership, you've helped me a great deal. I hope the starter is under warranty. If so they might cover the wires and cables damaged, and possibly labor. Some manufacturers have labor claim policies. As to the fuel problem I was wondering if the return line being the same size as the feed line causes the pressure drop. Aren't most return lines smaller diameter? It might have too much room to breath. I'm no HP or racing expert, but it's a thought. Good luck to you.

Thanks for the clear-up. I knew the VR nose was different from the pics, and the Thunderanch and Stable looked different, aside from the tilt vs hood. John from VR told me of Rhino selling to Stable. The hood holdowns seem to be a problem to get as all three have said they do not have 'em. I need two, and would prefer four if you know of someone who has them. The only car I've seen in person is VR's, all the rest have been pics. Any help I can get is really appreciated. Went to your car, it is gorgeous! [This message has been edited by DennisK (edited April 22, 2000).]

Ron, on HybridZ home page choose links, 3rd choice down is trans diff design studio(or soething close to that!), that's it.

I have the Thunderanch quote, rec'd earlier this week which is McBurnie. I have only seen pics of his and Stable's cars and the nose looks better to me. Help me understand please, does one of these have a fit problem? As stated John Washington told me Tuesday the sale went thru from Stable to a group from Missouri. I can pickup in Missouri amd not pay shipping from Ca. However quality and fit are more important. Whattya Think?

Not yet-John Washington told me of the change of ownership this last Tuesday, so as soon as I find out I'll post it. He did say they are located in Missouri which makes things better for me here in Chicago!

This is the project I am building. I want the roadster or spyder version so the rear tub and open cockpit pieces are coming from John Washington @ VR. And yes, he is a super guy. The front end is tilt, and much preferable to hood/fenders of the others mentioned, but I like the look better, so I'm leaning toward using the front from the new owners of Stable. John says it's been done and should have no fit problems between the two. Stable and Thunderanch both make coupes. VR also has a coupe with a different look. VR also has a fiberglass removable top for the spyder. Many of VR's customers have V8s, and you can buy JTR book from them(A little cheaper than elseware). John washington will put you in touch with a Vela Rossa owner close to you to see one in person, ask all the questions and of course, find out about the aerodynamics. I hope this helps. Convertable tops are available from him also. There are a lot more of these type cars in the southwest and western states, so if you see one and find out any good stuff, let me know. Chicago is not a hotbed for Z Cars or Kits. [This message has been edited by DennisK (edited April 21, 2000).]

Thank You. I was really hoping you'd say that!

Yessir!!! I did post another question, and it was BEFORE the extra beers! Thanks for all the input, I really do enjoy this site!

I think it was Mikelly who installed the solid aluminum diff front mount. The poly trans mount was discussed in the same topic. JTR says these will transmit into the cockpit, along with poly motor mounts. I'd prefer all three, how bad is the vibes, noise or whatever they might do?

All points well taken, and quite knowledgble. I know in the real world all it takes to get top end speed, however , what I never really understood was pretty much what that graph/chart was saying. the engine turns(rpm) the trans turns(whichever gear) the driveshaft then the diff to the wheels. If the tire is 30" dia. the travel for one rev is the cicumference, 94.248". If the trans is in a 1:1 gear shouldn't the tire rotate at the ratio(say here 3.54) of 35% of total? Again, I know of aerodynamics and all, but it seems to me that the tires would be skidding as they were trying to go forward, and dirty air, drag etc. was pushing it back? I really do believe you guys, and know from personal knowledge, but this is fun to discuss!

I love it! Spenz' first thought is why not 200mph?!!! Yes, I agree with the answers so far. It really does depend on where you are going to use it. I live in the western suburbs of Chicago-no open desert runs for me! I am at the beginning stages of this project, so it'll be a while before I know for sure what's good for me. And, because of YOU GUYS, I've checked out availability of T56 trans in this area. In my set-up 6500 rpm would work out to 277mph. I understand that horsepower is important, but isn't that to get there? If given enough room, and enough time the rpm of the motor determines the speed of the gears. Diameter of the tire, in conjunction with the gear ratio determine top end, regardless of hp or weight. Hp and weight will just get you to top faster?

When I first logged onto this site I thought "wow, GREAT!". After a few days I"ve come to learn many things to help me with my project. The most important thing I've learned, however, is YOU GUYS ARE ALL NUTS! Just like ME! Now for your expertise. I went to the links where you plug in trans, tire size, redline and get speed on a graph. When I put the T56 at 6500 rpm, and 265/50/15 tires top end is a mere 277mph! There are some guys in Indiana that would be interested for next month's get together! I know some of you race and some are gonna show their cars, but for everyday driving, and putting down a Viper or Vette once in a while, is the expense and comlicated installation of the T56 worth it? Yes, I'm the guy who is going to use the Muncie M22, the chart says I'll top out at 160+mph(327, punched,bluprinted,etc.) I'll probably try to get there once(if I Live)or twice, but for the most part, GETTING to speed(however past the limit that might be!)is probably going to be the most fun. Doesn't that mean Less weight? I have a ZF trans that's awfully heavy, do the other 5 and 6 speeds have similar weight? Wouldn't that offset all the money spent to do what we really want to do? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I know I read SOMEWHERE that the Germans have a test for ridgity in chassis. As with all tests, a benchmark needs to be established for comparison. I don't know where I read this(old age), but the conclusion of the article was similar to the other responses. They put 4 inch blocks under opposing corners of the car and open/close the doors. If they don't bind, go racing!

Thank all of you for your input. This is a great site, and I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go along.

Two questions; I know JTR says a 4spd trans(muncie?)is NOT appropriate. Does any one know why-other than the obvious gas mileage and top end? My 65 Corvette sure ran well with this trans and virtually same engine/diff configuration back in 68'. Next question is on Hydraulic throwout bearing-Mcleod is one, Howe another(and LESS expensive from Summit). A dirt tracker told me he uses the Howe with a 5/8 clutch master-PERFECT!??? anyone know for sure on the Z conversion?