La Bala - LotusTalk

kman0066 · 06-23-2009, 07:25 PM

This is my La Bala. It weighs 1600lbs. I'm using a 145hp Toyota 4AGZE at the moment but the Ecotec is looking real appealing. Home built, from the ground up. The body and chassis plans are by Grabercars (www.grabercars.com) I just got it registered this month and have been driving it around. It still needs a paint job (the blue is the gelcoat on the fiberglass) and a few other minor things...headlights and such >< I thought this would be a good section to post as the car has many traits of the Lotus focusing more on lightness than giant HP numbers. It's been 2 years in the making, mainly so long because I've never done anything like this before, this was the first La Bala built off of the chassis drawings, the first prototype is very different, and I've been on a strict budget. All in all, about $13,000 invested. I started the build In AZ and ended up in TN

I hope to get the car to 200hp and cleaned-up to show car quality as my next goals with it.

RichS · 06-23-2009, 07:27 PM

Sweet!

How does it handle?

...m... · 06-23-2009, 08:09 PM

...very cool!..

Aedo · 06-23-2009, 08:16 PM

Great work!!!

More photos please

300hpMR2 · 06-23-2009, 08:44 PM

Congrats! The hard work paid off! I wish I had your skills.

I remember following the build of the original one on mr2oc.com.

kman0066 · 06-23-2009, 09:14 PM

I started the project with only basic car knowledge. I could do engine work, but I'd never welded anything except with a stick welder in my life. So, lot's of internet lookup and asking questions, and I finished it. I think they know me at the tool shop now I've been there so much.

The handling is pretty good right now, maybe not quite as smooth as the Lotus, but I have some dialing in to do. For one, I need to add a sway bar to the front suspension. I also need to adjust the dampening and rebound. I used R6 motorcycle shocks which are very adjustable.

I'll post some more pics in the near future.

shay2nak · 06-23-2009, 09:17 PM

looks like a sharpened elise convertible.

QuadCamSix · 06-23-2009, 10:47 PM

I was following your project on the MR2OC. Good to see the body on the car. Where in TN are you? Ever thought of taking it to the dragon? I would love to see the car in person.

kman0066 · 06-24-2009, 04:45 AM

I'm just south of Nashville, TN. I would love to take it through the dragon. I have a lot to sort out before I go blazing down that though. You are more than welcome to come take a look if you are ever in the area. PM me for contact details if you want.

My hope right now is to make the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona this year. I've never been to that event but it looks fun.

06-23-2009, 07:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
kman0066 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 33	La Bala This is my La Bala. It weighs 1600lbs. I'm using a 145hp Toyota 4AGZE at the moment but the Ecotec is looking real appealing. Home built, from the ground up. The body and chassis plans are by Grabercars (www.grabercars.com) I just got it registered this month and have been driving it around. It still needs a paint job (the blue is the gelcoat on the fiberglass) and a few other minor things...headlights and such >< I thought this would be a good section to post as the car has many traits of the Lotus focusing more on lightness than giant HP numbers. It's been 2 years in the making, mainly so long because I've never done anything like this before, this was the first La Bala built off of the chassis drawings, the first prototype is very different, and I've been on a strict budget. All in all, about $13,000 invested. I started the build In AZ and ended up in TN I hope to get the car to 200hp and cleaned-up to show car quality as my next goals with it.

06-23-2009, 07:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
RichS No, it's only an N/A Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,285	Sweet! How does it handle? __________________ Useful links to vendors removed at Nadeem's request. "Nice avatar by the way, I doubt Colin Chapman would have followed the herd as I have seen many here do. --Nadeem"

06-23-2009, 08:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,715	...very cool!.. __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service...

06-23-2009, 08:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
300hpMR2 Not a poseur anymore! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 577	Congrats! The hard work paid off! I wish I had your skills. I remember following the build of the original one on mr2oc.com. __________________ 07 Phantom Black Exige S - Touring Pack/Track Pack/TC/SS/Titan QR rack/Costco wireless rear view cam/BWR door sill protectors/Locking gas cap mod/headlight film with bubbles/Larini SC Sport/Multivex mirrors/Saikou Michi Oil Catch Cans/Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs/Manly's Motor Mounts

06-23-2009, 09:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
shay2nak I <3 chicken, I <3 liver Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Land of da 1000 Oaks, CA Posts: 15,042	looks like a sharpened elise convertible. __________________ save ~10 lbs gain 1 hp EQ: Y=(190X) / (1984-X) where Y is (HP) and X is (lbs) '07 EXIGE S * MY CAR ** VIDEOS! '08 ACURA TSX 6-speed http://www.makeNYNYagain.com

06-23-2009, 08:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
Aedo anglophile in exile Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 2,561 Images: 88	Great work!!! More photos please

06-23-2009, 09:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
kman0066 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 33	I started the project with only basic car knowledge. I could do engine work, but I'd never welded anything except with a stick welder in my life. So, lot's of internet lookup and asking questions, and I finished it. I think they know me at the tool shop now I've been there so much. The handling is pretty good right now, maybe not quite as smooth as the Lotus, but I have some dialing in to do. For one, I need to add a sway bar to the front suspension. I also need to adjust the dampening and rebound. I used R6 motorcycle shocks which are very adjustable. I'll post some more pics in the near future.

06-23-2009, 10:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
QuadCamSix Testing your next engine! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Asheville North Carolina Posts: 193	I was following your project on the MR2OC. Good to see the body on the car. Where in TN are you? Ever thought of taking it to the dragon? I would love to see the car in person. __________________ The Lotus Elise is not a very practical car, but it could probably be considered the most practical motorcycle ever made!

06-24-2009, 04:45 AM	#9 (permalink)
kman0066 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 33	I'm just south of Nashville, TN. I would love to take it through the dragon. I have a lot to sort out before I go blazing down that though. You are more than welcome to come take a look if you are ever in the area. PM me for contact details if you want. My hope right now is to make the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona this year. I've never been to that event but it looks fun.

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