Super Spec purchase

[Jon Green]

Hi All,

I’m considering buying a superspec that’s been laid up for a few years. The current owner has never run the engine having bought it after the previous owner had started to apparently remove the engine wiring loom ready for an engine change to a turbo version.  The current owner has had a new loom made and has attempted to start the engine but hasn’t had it fire.  He’s also stripped the interior out, removed the windscreen to put in a carbon fibre dash and aero screens.

 

Having already got a 2b+ that I built myself 20 yrs ago I thought a project kit car for my 15yr old son would be a good way to get for him to gain knowledge of cars and look good on his cv.

 

Just after a reality check…. Am i mad?  

[alanrichey]

Probably    Although I hesitate to offer advice as we have comprehensively failed to get Wayne's Superspec started (See the "Car cutting out" thread).  But we do have a high level of experience with the model (I have had mine for 15 years) so we can try.   I think everone on the forum is now sick to death of that saga so I suggest we discuss it privately.

Al

Edited March 17 by alanrichey

[Jonty Wild]

16 hours ago, alanrichey said:

Probably    Although I hesitate to offer advice as we have comprehensively failed to get Wayne's Superspec started (See the "Car cutting out" thread).  But we do have a high level of experience with the model (I have had mine for 15 years) so we can try.   I think everone on the forum is now sick to death of that saga so I suggest we discuss it privately.

Al

Except the we will all want to know what the solution was . . . . . when it is found!

[Jon Green]

Bought it now so I expect to be pretty active on the forum in the coming months. 

[wazcov]

Hi Jon. 

Al is right that we haven’t managed to get mine started but in this time I’ve learned more about engines than I could have ever done if it had actually worked properly. Everything from how the ECU controls sparks to starter motor, timing belts, cylinder compression, etc so I can say it’s certainly good for learning.
 

I don’t know how useful that stuff will be as the world moves electric but it’s interesting nonetheless. 
 

I’d definitely be interested to follow along as you progress. 

[phaeton]

3 hours ago, wazcov said:

I don’t know how useful that stuff will be as the world moves electric but it’s interesting nonetheless. 

Until they realise the errors of their ways, it's a false dawn, there are bigger & better alternatives to come, electric is not the whole answer.

[wazcov]

12 hours ago, phaeton said:

Until they realise the errors of their ways, it's a false dawn, there are bigger & better alternatives to come, electric is not the whole answer.

I agree wholeheartedly. It’s the way diesel went, government telling everyone to buy it as it’s better. Oh wait we’ve changed our mind, now you’re an enemy of the environment if you drive diesel. 

[Jon Green]

On 3/18/2025 at 4:39 PM, wazcov said:

Hi Jon. 

Al is right that we haven’t managed to get mine started but in this time I’ve learned more about engines than I could have ever done if it had actually worked properly. Everything from how the ECU controls sparks to starter motor, timing belts, cylinder compression, etc so I can say it’s certainly good for learning.
 

I don’t know how useful that stuff will be as the world moves electric but it’s interesting nonetheless. 
 

I’d definitely be interested to follow along as you progress. 

Well it's now sat on my driveway having been collected last night. So many things that need attention on it but we'll start by getting the engine running (hopefully) then move on from there.

Cheers Jon

[phaeton]

As there is no image I presume you are a troll & your post is not real 

[Jon Green]

It's actually this car that I've bought from Andrew shutt:

Here's her last night about to leave Andrews care.