MX5 Lotus XI Crossbreed
Last Updated (Tuesday, 19 February 2008 15:54) Written by Bill Jurgenson Saturday, 16 February 2008 01:45
Its been a little while, since I last brought everyone up to speed on the progress of the Miata to Lotus 11 transformation. The mechanicals have been completed with the installation of a Jackson Racing supercharger and a 99 Torsen differential and halfshafts. The car now feels quick and surefooted out of the corners.
Work has begun on the body molds. By comparing the two photos, the yellow version being last summer, you can see the front clip has been modified by extending the grill opening 6 inches forward which has the effect of closing down the opening. The opening no longer dominates the front of the car. A slight power bulge on the driver's side was created to clear the front blower pulley. A power bulge has been added to the center of the hood to increase engine clearance and to provide a heat escape on its rear edge. The accompanying picture is of the hood prior to creating the mold. Mods on the hood were done with styrofoam and duct tape, covered with drywall compound, body filler, glazing putty, latex paint, epoxy paint and urethane primer. At the point this photo was taken, 5 coats of mold parting wax have been applied.