SPF lowered footbox w/ under car exhaust

crASH · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 06:37 AM

I understand that the 2" lowered footbox on the driver's side of later model SPFs is a fairly recent development. Does anyone here have a later model SPF with the lowered footbox AND the under car exhaust? Just wondering if there are any exhaust clearance issues. Thanks for any feedback.

Mark IV · #2 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 06:56 AM

I know several owners with that combo and no issues. Actually the lowered footboxes go back quite a ways.

I can put you in touch with some owners of that setup if you wish.

mreid · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 07:07 AM

I'll tag along here. I would love to see some pictures. I have a similar challenge with my Kirkham.

crASH · #4 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 07:38 AM

Mark IV- Thanks for that feedback. I 'll take your word for it. The SPF Cobra I rode in Friday with the under car set up was 15 years old, so I thought I better check this out in the event I pursue a later model SPF when I'm ready.

This leads me to another question, a little "outside the box". If I purchased a used SPF with side pipes, and then installed an under car exhaust, would it just be crazy talk to think of fabbing up a painted glass square panel, say an 1/8" to 1/16" smaller in its dimensions than the glass side-pipe cut-outs and insert in the side pipe holes, not as a permanent patch, but as a removable panel for re-installation of sidepipes at a later date? It would be easy enough to brace it. I imagine this would work better aesthetically with darker colors. I am also sure there will be as many different opinions on this as there are owners, but I recognize the popularity of sidepipes should I ever decide to sell the one roadster, and buy another in the future. Plus it opens up lots of buying opportunities for used versus being constrained to ordering new just to get under car exhaust. Probably over analyzing this.

Slow Monday morning.

VintageUpgrades · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 08:35 AM

The only clearance issue with the roadster exhaust is the point where the pipes go over the rear sway bar. Even with the supplied spacers, it is a tight fit. The bottom of the floorboards on a roadster are lined with insulated and polished stainless panels.
Several years ago, we did a roadster conversion. We made a set of aluminum panels with flush rivets and used trim tape to hold them over the holes. I do not have any photos, but the looked pretty good.

JBCOBRA · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 09:48 AM

I have the undercar exhaust and dropped floor. No problems. Sorry no pics underneath but it is very nicely done with stainless panels for insulation

crASH · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 10:01 AM

The BRG looks awesome on your street roadster!

Thanks for posting that pix. I guess with the roll hoop and hood scoop it's really not a "street version", but I dig it. Hope I am far enough away from you geographically that you won't mind if I copy that look one day. I was just thinking about BRG about 5AM this morning while the sugarplums still danced in my head.

And thanks for feedback too, Mitch.

OLNGRY · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 10:29 AM

Crash, I do believe there has been a change in the floor and pedal area starting this month. Dennis is suppose to have pictures coming. The purpose was for more foot room at the pedals. I'm not sure how this will effect under car exhaust.

doug cords · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 10:51 AM

We have SPF #2858, which is a factory British Racing Green roadster, with tan leather. No roll bar, full bumpers.
The undercar exhaust is wonderful - no observed clearance issues and the "sound" is mild enough with exhausts exiting at rear to make conversation OK, even at speed.
As well, no "burned legs" issues.
Would be happy to mail you some photos for your files -

Doug and Wendy Cords
Fresno CA

crASH · #10 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 10:58 AM

Doug- That'd be great. I'll PM you with my contact info.

SP01715 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 02:26 PM

Here is a pic of my under car exhaust. It exits before the rear wheels, but is still routed underneath. I like the set-up alot.

terry251 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011, 08:52 PM

crASH,
My SPO 1980 has the deeper foot well and undercar; a few pictures in my gallery. The only clearance problem I've encountered (one time) involved the chin around the oil cooler.

I love the undercar exhaust.

Terry

JBCOBRA · #13 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 05:13 AM

Quick note:
Mine is Ivy Green, a metallic green. I believe this was a color option back in the day?
It is an excellent color for hiding dust and dirt

SPF will paint your car custom colors

JBCOBRA · #14 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crASH

The BRG looks awesome on your street roadster!

Thanks for posting that pix. I guess with the roll hoop and hood scoop it's really not a "street version", but I dig it. Hope I am far enough away from you geographically that you won't mind if I copy that look one day. I was just thinking about BRG about 5AM this morning while the sugarplums still danced in my head.

And thanks for feedback too, Mitch.

You need the scoop to get extra room for the engine as well as let heat out when the car is turned off.

crASH · #15 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBCOBRA

Quick note:
Mine is Ivy Green, a metallic green. I believe this was a color option back in the day?
It is an excellent color for hiding dust and dirt

SPF will paint your car custom colors

It just came to me why I like your car's color and configuration so much.

Check out my "build" from ten years ago. Ivy Green, under car exhaust, roll hoop, hood scoop w/ racing slicks.

It's not very fast, but it looks GOOD, no?

andygay · #16 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 09:26 AM

Not sure what chassis number they changed in but...I hav 1323 with under car exhaust and was concerned about clearance too. I have 12 speed bumps between my house and the main road. I also have a large curb/sidewalk transition to deal with at my driveway and can tell you that my pipes have never touched. Feel free to contact me and I can share pics and experiences.

JBCOBRA · #17 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crASH

It just came to me why I like your car's color and configuration so much.

Check out my "build" from ten years ago. Ivy Green, under car exhaust, roll hoop, hood scoop w/ racing slicks.

It's not very fast, but it looks GOOD, no?

Cool!

crASH · #18 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 12:36 PM

OLNGRY, SPO1715, Terry251, andygay Thanks for the feedback and experience on this.

Ash

PANAVIA · #19 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 12:37 AM

ON SPF 2734 -- there is no issue with the stock pipes ( Roadster ) until after the muffler - as it goes through the swaybar as mentioned, -- Bob and I made new spacers and intermediate pipes to keep the 2.25" consistent throughout. --

we also replaced the stock mufflers with longer magnaflows.

works great!!!

Steve

xb-60 · #20 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crASH

The BRG looks awesome on your street roadster!

Thanks for posting that pix. I guess with the roll hoop and hood scoop it's really not a "street version", but I dig it.

Concurrence here too! The BRG on a street version - and it's a street version in my opinion if it doesn't have side pipes - looks great. The black roll hoop and the scoop are reasonably subtle, but 'mean' looking additions that should be there.
Cheers,
Glen