And now for the sequel...

My Suby-powered MG TD replica combines the very best of both worlds: I have a spectacular Japanese ECU spliced into home-made VSS with a wiring system that ranges from Rock-Solid-Pro (the parts Tom Shiels made) to WTF?! (the parts I made). There's even some Lucas Electric components, just for verisimilitude. 

Last fall while on the way to work one sunny morning, she died flat at a busy intersection. I pushed her across three lanes of traffic and mucked about for a half hour before calling AAA. 

The problem turned out to be a connector for the second oxygen sensor. It had fallen onto the catalytic converter, melted, and shorted two wires, allowing the all-important smoke to escape the wiring harness.

This tripped a fuse which was buried in the bird's nest under the driver's seat. Once Saturday came, it took me about 10 minutes to find the fuse, plus another hour to cut out the burnt bits and re-wire the sender. So gratifying.

This sort of thing is what we call The Joy of Replica Ownership; I recommend it heartily to anyone who wants to have a good day.

edsnova posted:

... The problem turned out to be a connector for the second oxygen sensor. It had fallen onto the catalytic converter, melted, and shorted two wires... 

Catalytic converter? What is this alchemy?

Yeah, my muffler guy was like WTF too. But I wanted the ECU to, as far as possible, think it was in still in the Suby wagon. I also figured it wouldn't do the environment any harm. So we put one (one! of two! In series!) of the stock Suby cats in the exhaust. 

You have to realize that Ed did his own Suby conversion. He’s quite knowledgeable and likes turning wrenches. Me, not so much. You have to factor in your skills, desire, and budget (initial purchase & maintenance) into what you buy.

A lot of the long termers here A) Love working on cars and B) Have, or have developed skills.

I just want to drive, so I have a great builder in close proximity and write a lot of check.

Your mileage may vary.

I should add that I’m a retired engineer and a lot of the fun for me has been learning, specing, and respecing.

I can dream up stuff all day long, but am short on execution.

It also adds to my expense because I’m never satisfied. I’ve improved Powertrain, brakes, shifter, clutch actuation, gauges, wheels, tires, heat, shift bushings, dash trim, mats, battery, headlamps, tail lamps, side curtains, top, tonneau cover, added center flashing brake light, turn signal mirrors, and I could go on and on and that’s AFTER doing a custom build with help from this forum.  I’m certifiable.

Wow, these replicas really ARE like the originals!

That "short" story is worthy of ANY 100% authentic British car.

"I’m certifiable."

I can attest to that. 

Ed flew right by me when he did his Suby conversion, I admire HIS  work !

edsnova posted:

allowing the all-important smoke to escape the wiring harness.

 

I love it!  Replacement smoke & installation kit

Jethro posted:

edsnova posted:

allowing the all-important smoke to escape the wiring harness.

 

I love it!  Replacement smoke & installation kit

@Jethro, that's as rich as the fuel mixture on some badly miscalibrated SUs. Thanks for posting.

Every harness has..... factory packed time release smoke .

@dkennemo  WRT your endeavor, you can extend this thread by at least 10 pages by asking what oil brand would extend the longevity of your chosen replica. 

MusbJim posted:

@dkennemo  WRT your endeavor, you can extend this thread by at least 10 pages by asking what oil brand would extend the longevity of your chosen replica. 

You want to add 5 more pages? Ask about gear ratios are best for a 5 speed.

MusbJim posted:

@dkennemo  WRT your endeavor, you can extend this thread by at least 10 pages by asking what oil brand would extend the longevity of your chosen replica. 

And after that discussion is finished, just for kicks we could debate the merits of short vs long gearing and the benefits of adding a 5th...

MusbJim posted:

@dkennemo  WRT your endeavor, you can extend this thread by at least 10 pages by asking what oil brand would extend the longevity of your chosen replica. 

Isn't that the truth! 

 

Or take your carburetor apart, lose your brass thingie, put it all back together, and ask the collective why you can't get your carbs tuned properly. That'll get you the record.

Dang it Robert!!!!  You stole my line!  🤬

I’m feeling a blues tune coming on; “The Brass Thingie Blues.” This might have to be a collaboration effort at Carlisle after we’re well-lubricated.
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Lane Anderson posted:

Dang it Robert!!!!  You stole my line!  🤬

A man should be careful NOT to lose his thingie.  😱