[kman0066]

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]

Sweet!

How does it handle?

 

[...m...]

...very cool!..

 

[Aedo]

Great work!!!

More photos please

 

[300hpMR2]

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]

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]

looks like a sharpened elise convertible.

 

[QuadCamSix]

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]

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.

 

[RENDERMAN]

Love it but the frame looks very fragile, try not to hit any objects while in motion or your molecules might travel through the object.....

 

[kman0066]

Yes, I do not think a crash would turn out so well. I ride a motorcycle as well though...so at least I'm strapped into this one. :clap:

Really though, the car would be an almost total loss in a crash, but the cabin is actually pretty well protected...assuming I don't get nailed in the side by an SUV. The 1.5" DOM tubing is pretty thick and surrounds the cabin. The metal would bend and be ruined, but I think the cabin would remain intact with the remaining portion hopefully crumpling to absorb the initial impact.

Well, the goal is to never find out. :wave:

 

[ROLANDO]

Just discovered this thread. Are there more pics of the build off?? Superb result!

 

[360jeepboy]

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.

That is great! Only about an hr away from me! We should get together and take a trip to the dragon!:coolnana: