terrapin help!!!

alfa_terrapin · 9 Jan 2005, 03:14 (Ref:1196250)

hi in a newbie so be nice

me and my dad are looking to build a terrapin or monopin type single seater as raced in england, but cant find any info about any of the two at all on the internet and b***** all in books . could any body help with info or might have a car in nz which we can have a look at?

thanks

richard hainsworth

wellington
new zealand

p.s. i posted the same thing in racing history forum too

Steve Wilkinson · 9 Jan 2005, 10:52 (Ref:1196390)

The Monopin was a one-off built to fit the original constructor (Keith Gowers) and was somewhat on the tiny side of things!

If you check in your local library against Allan Staniforth as the author they may be able to come up with the books in which the venerable Allan details the construction of the Terrapin.

Finally there is also the Megapin that Ian Scott builds. I know Ian will sell plans so that could be another possiblity for you.

Best of luck.

StephenRae · 9 Jan 2005, 13:31 (Ref:1196494)

I've got Allan Staniforths book somewhere....I had a Terrapin about 30 years ago...the book is really worth reading but I would avoid Mini running gear and use something Japanese.

alfa_terrapin · 9 Jan 2005, 22:56 (Ref:1196857)

hey thanks guys

i have heard of the books and i know there are quite a few we have one but it isnt that technical it is more theory. Is there one kind of like the locost books by ron champion? also we have a couple of alfas and a spare engine sitting in the shed, they are the boxer flat 4 type so would be quite good for c.o.g. but they are relitively heavy, this one is 1712cc's quad cam 16valve and puts out 140bhp standard

but we will modify it. i have no idea how much it weighs but alfa experts say it is heavy (cast iron block, aluminium heads) i would run a alfasud or hewland transaxle alfasud is cheap and i have one but not strong for over 220+bhp. do you think it will be a winner

thanks in advance

richard

Triple J Motorsport · 9 Jan 2005, 23:31 (Ref:1196880)

I raced a production class 1.7 8V Alfa 33 and we got 150+BHP by gas flowing and blue printing (Much the same rules as FF1600). It might be possible to get 220BHP from a modified 16V but it's going to be extreme and expensive. Remember although it is not the lightest engine the weight is down low which means it handles like a dream we were much quicker than the newer 156 and 146 around Brands Hatch for example (High 58 secs). The gearboxes are poor stick to 200BHP and spend the extra engine tuning money on a good gearbox.

bugs · 10 Jan 2005, 06:59 (Ref:1197001)

Just seen this add http://www.racecarsdirect.com/cars/d...id=16346&cat=0
cheers Bugs.

StephenRae · 10 Jan 2005, 09:16 (Ref:1197047)

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfa_terrapin

hey thanks guys

...........do you think it will be a winner

richard

Have a look at your potential opposition...if this is your first build use what you've got and keep the costs down....I guarantee that in the years to come you will look back at your first efforts with some embarrassment. If the competition bug really bites you need the same kit as everyone else or you will never know how good you are

John Wilkinson · 15 Jan 2005, 20:42 (Ref:1201724)

Speaking to the great Allan Staniforth only yesterday, 80 years old and still working on improving car for next year! Allan got me into motor racing by letting me have a go in original Terrapin about 35 years ago. Competed against Allan and Keith Gowers in the Longton Championship many years ago in a Raffo (Terrapin type car with mini engine across the back). Steve Wilkinson (no relation) is right, Monopin was very small, just big enough for Keith. Also the Rev Barry Whitehead in his RBS designs (black and, what can I say, very unique designs!!) Great days in the Isle of Man sprinting on part of the TT motorcycle circuit and driving car on public roads on the way to the 'offical course' and being passed by a formula 1 engine car of the wrong side of the road with the public waving as we went past!!! I have signed copy of High Speed Low Cost which is the book which expains how to build a Terrapin. Richard, if interested I could send you contact details for Allan

Big Mark · 18 Jan 2005, 13:10 (Ref:1203736)

I'm just starting the planning stage of my Terrapin now.
Going to be a long but fun build

StephenRae · 18 Jan 2005, 14:16 (Ref:1203788)

I was much inspired by Allan Staniforths book it is presented in such a way that it makes race car design seem accessible...I'm glad to hear he is still going strong!

THR · 18 Jan 2005, 22:57 (Ref:1204219)

the car bugs gives the link for is a VERY VERY good fast car.
seen it a lot and it goes like stink.
thought i recognised it in the pic, then looked at who was selling it.
fair price too.
you wont build one for that. and it was well looked after, must be to get 40ftds!

but then, a good driver can drive anything fast!!!

Terrapin_racing · 21 Jan 2005, 13:24 (Ref:1206378)

Happy to help where I can ...
book?
plans?
technical etc?

cheers
Rob

http://groups.msn.com/Locost/terrapinracecar.msnw?Page=

Terrapin_racing · 21 Jan 2005, 13:31 (Ref:1206387)

Terrapins in NZ at present - see u2u I have sent you with good contact
Rob

Going from South to North.(real world geography!!)
Don Conway Edendale
Ross Cameron Dunedin
Stu Borland Dunedin
Grant Smith Christchurch ( haven't seen car but have been
told of it)
Mark Elder Christchurch (still under construction)
Gray Richards Blenheim
Darryl Seymour Wanganui

Terrapin_racing · 21 Jan 2005, 14:16 (Ref:1206432)

Just a point - I have a handfull of books left (40th Anniversary reprint)
As yet undecide as to whether it is financially viable to print any more.
some stats that will be interesting in the future

1969 Hardbound HSLC book (1000 printed) - now selling at £xxx's for good copies - two recent mint ones wen to Portugal fetching silly money
1973 Softbound with additional chapter (1000 printed) - still expensive if in good condition
2003 (40th anniversary of the car reprint) - 200 copies + 25 to Allan for distribution to friends and colleagues.

I am very pleased that there are something like 14 new Terrapin builds in progress around the globe to date as a consequence of the Anniversary book

Mark, hope you start another! best of luck

PS: I think Ed's car is a bargain at that price!

Steve Wilkinson · 21 Jan 2005, 15:30 (Ref:1206486)

What is the History of Ed's car?

Who ran it before?

I can remember Alan Aucote dropping a ZZR into a Terrapin. That plus new rubber catapulted him into the leading spot in the 1100s.

The Terrapin can still cut it so long as the engine choice is right and you have the newest rubber!

Terrapin_racing · 21 Jan 2005, 15:42 (Ref:1206497)

I don't know the history of Ed's car (Allan may) - only his exploits with it himself. Ed spells it out in his advert.

Big Mark · 21 Jan 2005, 16:04 (Ref:1206505)

Plans are being ordered at the end of the month so add me to the list

I'll take my time but enjoy every minute of it.
Mark

THR · 22 Jan 2005, 21:56 (Ref:1207406)

like his ad says, the car has won virtually everything ed entered in his car!!

its a VERY good car.

simple and effective.

stu terrapin · 24 Jan 2005, 08:35 (Ref:1208378)

I have just found this forum and i see rob has already jumped into it. Whats a signed softback copy HSLC worth. It was signed by Blackmore when he was out here in NZ and he verified my late model car as a genuine Terrapin with a chassis number now issued by Stanni.
If Alfa terrapin wants to contact me i am more than willing to offer some help.
cheers
stu

Terrapin_racing · 24 Jan 2005, 10:06 (Ref:1208432)

There are 100 signed copies og the 40th anniverary HSLC book
Must admit most are signed by Allan
One signed by Richard must be very rare.
I'd hang onto it for the kids Stu.
Can only go up in value.

noel martin-smi · 24 Jan 2005, 20:07 (Ref:1208874)

Richard
When building or buying a car the first step is to decide what you want to do with it.All cars are a compromise.You would be foolish to try and autocross a F1 car and an autocross car would not be competitive in F1.Also be wary of using the Alfa motor because it is "free".If you want to be competitive with modern cars you might be better off selling the Alfa motor and using the money to buy a Japanese import motor which would be much cheaper than modifying the Alfa and probably more powerful,lighter,and more reliable.If however you want to go classic racing the Alfa may be the better option as Jap motors still aren't well received in those circles.Its really a case of "horses for courses".

Russ-Turner · 1 Feb 2005, 15:38 (Ref:1214693)

Hiya,
can anyone tell me what events a Terrapin can be entered into in the U.K. please?

Big Mark · 1 Feb 2005, 15:41 (Ref:1214698)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ-Turner

Hiya,
can anyone tell me what events a Terrapin can be entered into in the U.K. please?

Hi,
Any sprint or hillclimb and maybe monoposto but I'm not sure on the last one.

Steve Wilkinson · 1 Feb 2005, 17:36 (Ref:1214781)

If you are looking for suitable events then contact the ASWMC (Association of South West Motor Clubs).

If you have the MSA Blue Book it gives you the contact telephone numbers. From your base in Weymouth they would be the logical group to talk to. They have a healthy Speed series covering Hillclimbs and Sprints with probably the largest competitor base in the country.

There is at least one competitor in the region who runs a Terrapin (Dean Robertson) and the lads in the 1100cc racing Car class are very welcoming.

Best of luck.

Russ-Turner · 2 Feb 2005, 10:10 (Ref:1215331)

That's great, thanks for your help. I think the Lo-Cost might be born first though as i've recently been offered £1,500 worth of Sierra Cossie for £200!

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