It's like a Miata! But older... That looks looks like a wonderful car to tool around in. BTW, could you disguise the coil and maybe the battery to look like sonething older?
Update by Tim Suddard to the
Austin-Healey Sprite project car
Mar 18, 2025
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Austin-Healey,
Austin-Healey Sprite
Photography by Tim Suddard
As is perhaps a bit too common here at Classic Motorsports, we finish a project car and, rather than celebrate our achievements, go right into the next project car. In this case, we jumped from our Bugeye Sprite right back into our long-term Elva MK VI restoration as well as a newly acquired 1965 Corvette.
Another issue that kept us from doing more with our Sprite: a second-gear synchro that was not willing to play nicely.
We made the decision to remove the transmission–along with the engine, as is required on a Sprite–and send out the transmission to Rivergate Restoration Products. This shop specializes in Datsun five-speed conversions for the Austin-Healey Sprite/MG Midget as well as the MGB.
Over the Christmas holiday, Will Forte of Rivergate Restoration Products installed a new second gear and synchro. While the engine was out, we cleaned up a few minor issues under the hood. We also drained the engine’s original break-in oil and refilled the crankcase with a synthetic blend from Mr. Race Oil, a company specializing in custom and specialty oils. This one, a 20W-50 labeled as Street Rod/Classic Muscle Synthetic Blend, promises increased ZDDP to protect cam lobes in older engines as well as an additive package designed to fend off contaminants.
Other claims include the addition of dual antioxidants that fight the formation of sludge, anti-foaming agents to protect bearings, and an organic molybdenum friction modifier to improve gas mileage. Without an oil laboratory, a lot of these benefits are difficult to prove, but the engine certainly runs quietly after the change.
Upon reinstallation of our repaired drivetrain, we could take our little Sprite for a spin. Being able to shift smoothly through second gear made the car a lot more fun.
For a shakedown, we ran the car on our recent Orange Blossom Tour for a couple of days, adding some 500 miles to the odometer. The car is breaking in nicely and is surprisingly comfortable considering the performance nature of the build.
It's like a Miata! But older... That looks looks like a wonderful car to tool around in. BTW, could you disguise the coil and maybe the battery to look like sonething older?
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