Unfinished Striker Mk2 to BEC?
Discussion
Hello,
My brother has a Sylva Striker Mk2 which he bought in 1992. As a very keen 13yr old assistant I spent that first summer helping him put it together, but over the years various distractions have got in the way and its never been finished. He's recently suggested that I should have it. He's actually done this a couple of times over the years but I haven't been interested (all my car projects have been rallying related), but my tastes are changing and now it seems like a good plan. Over the last couple of weeks I've found myself spending far too long reading about Sylvas. I hope you can help me answer a few questions that my research hasn't (and I can't answer by looking because the car's 180 miles away!).
The chassis was built to accept a Fiat twin-cam. However, I'm much more interested in fitting a bike engine, specifically the R1 which seems the most sensible choice. Is there anything about a Mk2 (live axle aside) that would prevent this?
I've had a quick read of the IVA manual, which seems straightforward if onerous. Is there anything I've overlooked which would make a IVA difficult with such an old chassis?
I'm 6'7", a bit on the large side for such a small car. I can fit into the car (with pedal box and ~13" steering wheel but without seat) but realistically it needs a longer footwell with the pedals moved forwards. This is one of the reasons a bike engine appeals so much, as there's much more available space for lanky-freak modifications. As above, is there anything I'm overlooking here?
Clearly the big disadvantages of the live axle are limited number of available CWPs and the difficulties associated with reverse. I need to do some more research into R1 ratios but a 3.54 CWP doesn't sound too bad... The reverse is perhaps more important; has anyone any experience with an electric reverse mounted at the engine?
That'll do for the time being! Thanks very much for reading.
Rob.
My brother has a Sylva Striker Mk2 which he bought in 1992. As a very keen 13yr old assistant I spent that first summer helping him put it together, but over the years various distractions have got in the way and its never been finished. He's recently suggested that I should have it. He's actually done this a couple of times over the years but I haven't been interested (all my car projects have been rallying related), but my tastes are changing and now it seems like a good plan. Over the last couple of weeks I've found myself spending far too long reading about Sylvas. I hope you can help me answer a few questions that my research hasn't (and I can't answer by looking because the car's 180 miles away!).
The chassis was built to accept a Fiat twin-cam. However, I'm much more interested in fitting a bike engine, specifically the R1 which seems the most sensible choice. Is there anything about a Mk2 (live axle aside) that would prevent this?
I've had a quick read of the IVA manual, which seems straightforward if onerous. Is there anything I've overlooked which would make a IVA difficult with such an old chassis?
I'm 6'7", a bit on the large side for such a small car. I can fit into the car (with pedal box and ~13" steering wheel but without seat) but realistically it needs a longer footwell with the pedals moved forwards. This is one of the reasons a bike engine appeals so much, as there's much more available space for lanky-freak modifications. As above, is there anything I'm overlooking here?
Clearly the big disadvantages of the live axle are limited number of available CWPs and the difficulties associated with reverse. I need to do some more research into R1 ratios but a 3.54 CWP doesn't sound too bad... The reverse is perhaps more important; has anyone any experience with an electric reverse mounted at the engine?
That'll do for the time being! Thanks very much for reading.
Rob.
You have probably picked the wrong car for a 6'7" bloke! They're renowned as being small (but good) cars.
Anyway - I don't know if there's a Striker forum, but there a lot of knowledgeable guys and gals on www.locostbuilders.co.uk - quite a few 7-style cars including Strikers, plus many bike engined car owners.
Anyway - I don't know if there's a Striker forum, but there a lot of knowledgeable guys and gals on www.locostbuilders.co.uk - quite a few 7-style cars including Strikers, plus many bike engined car owners.
Re: reverse. Go for an electric (starter) motor on the prop. I had a mech box, and TBH they are heavy, and are not that reliable IME.
You may also benefit from raising and then extending the steering column - I had this done on my westy and it made a massive difference to me being able to get comfy when driving it - I used to catch my knees when quickly applying opposite lock on track. For info I'm 6' 5"
You may also benefit from raising and then extending the steering column - I had this done on my westy and it made a massive difference to me being able to get comfy when driving it - I used to catch my knees when quickly applying opposite lock on track. For info I'm 6' 5"
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