ERA #783 - with questions

[jeffy]

Mooch-

You won't be "feeling every bump", the ERA ride is very smooth and the seats are surprisingly comfortable. I don't need a heater or heated seats because my wife said she'll never ride in it and I don't plan to drive it much below 60*, but if I were you I wouldn't hesitate to get both: build it the way you want it!

BTW, if you skip the glove box, Peter P. will probably advise you (as he did me) to get the side pockets: you are going to have stuff you'll want a place for. Jim Holden went 100% comp car authentic, with no glove box or side pockets, and told me that he misses not having a place to put things.

Jeff

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by jeffy

Peter P. will probably advise you (as he did me) to get the side pockets: you are going to have stuff you'll want a place for.

Get the side pockets. With the four point belts on it's hard to reach over to the glove box. I keep my wallet and cell phone in the side pocket -- it's pretty darn convenient.

[DanEC]

Looks like we are neighbors - car wise anyway. I'm chassis no. 782. Good luck with your car.

Dan

[Mooch]

Spoke with my builder and here are some figures:

Idle around 900-1000rpm
Cruise at 1800-2000rpm

Torque:
500 ft-lb @ 2500rpm
~600 @ 4000rpm

HP:
300's @ 2000-3000rpm
600+ @ 5700rpm

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to drive this thing.

Regarding pockets, I think I am going to do them. I'm also planning on doing a small strapped down cargo box in the trunk for emergency supplies, tools, registration, etc.

Good luck Dan, good to hear from a close build.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by Mooch

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to drive this thing.

If you've got Poncho race history it's a start. You're just 1000 pounds lighter than anything else you drove.

Just work your way up to the car's limits gradually and only apply power in a straight line. Learning the brakes is as important as the power.

[Mooch]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

If you've got Poncho race history it's a start. You're just 1000 pounds lighter than anything else you drove.

Just work your way up to the car's limits gradually and only apply power in a straight line. Learning the brakes is as important as the power.

This is rather funny. I definitely see myself sitting in the car the first time and saying "Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to drive this thing." No doubt about that.

My original meaning was regarding my top end driving style. i.e. whether I'm going to be looking cruise in 5th at lower rpms and less engine noise with the .64 and deal with the wide shift or have it better spaced and available with the .82, yet have a higher rpm at speed.

decisions, decisions. then again, the G-Force T5 is tempting

[cobred]

I have my ERA on the road 4 years now, 6000 miles. I have driven it from high 90 degree temps down to low teens and never once did I wish it had heated seats. I did get the glove box and side pockets and im glad I did. I do wish I got the larger oil cooler, just for looks. I didnt think it was worth the extra money back then. Also, I would get the harness mount for the roll bar and the clip on shoulder harness. . Mine is bolted to the bulkhead behind the seat and to change it now I would have to recarpet the back because the carpet is crushed. Its all personal choices that you must make so you are happy with your car.
Im curious why nobody ever mentions the richmond when they talk of 5 speeds. Its a true 5 speed with 5th gear 1-1. I never did the math but how about it with a 3.08 gear. Has a low 1st and would cruise nice. There must be a reason though.