Collier’s Travels

[jbcollier]

Even my diminutive partner towers over our Lilliputian Europa:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-LcnbFmP

Off on a trip...

[jbcollier]

Six and a bit hours later, and some 700 kilometres travelled, the Europa now has the Slightly Run-Down Lakeside Motel Blues:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-BfmFzmn/A

Earlier, desperately trying to fit in:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-Wn8p8kG/A

Issues?  Vibration loosened the bracket holding the fire extinguisher.  Vibration is much better though still not gone.  Will, as suggested, balance the driveshafts on my return.

[BDA]

Two beauties in the first picture!

I'm glad your trip went well. Hopefully you can get more of the vibration out! You certainly don't want to lose your fire extinguisher!

[Rosco5000]

John are you still on your BC bound trip?

[jbcollier]

Yup, just landed in Squamish.  Another 480 klicks under our belts.  Off to the island tomorrow.

[jbcollier]

Came down 99 through Whistler.  The final descent was long and steep!  Had some brake fade which has me thinking a brake upgrade might be in the cards.

[BobW]

My brake fade issues were with long-ago track days. I changed to ventilated rotors on the front but don't drive hard enough these days to fade them. I'd be happy to share a beer somewhere on the southern Island.

[jbcollier]

Just fit vented rotors?  Spaced the caliper half’s I assume?

[BDA]

I have vented front discs from a kit I got from Richard. IIRC, it uses GT6 hubs. It's all bolt on.

[Rosco5000]

Sounds like a fun adventure. I can’t wait to do some road trips!

[jbcollier]

I love long distance driving and the Europa, somewhat modified, is my favourite vehicle for it by far. It’s the closest to riding a motorcycle you can get on four wheels.

[BDA]

That's quite an endorsement of your car and your handiwork! Your A/C probably makes the difference. I've driven my car for long distances both when it was new and after I restored it. I was young enough to be able to survive no A/C pretty well when it was new. The light colored cloth seats help a LOT but long trips can still be pretty tiring. I'm hoping that I can tune the suspension so that it doesn't require such constant attention. That would help too.

Congratulations on a great build and design! 

[Certified Lotus]

Great to hear your enjoying your road trip JB.  I love BC and it a wonderful place to be in the summer.  The last several years I try to limit my driving time in a sports car to 4 to 5 hours per day. Anything more and it gets too tiring.

Safe travels!

[jbcollier]

Used to do huge hours as a younger man.  Rush, rush, time is money.  Now, 6 to 8 hours tops for me, regardless of the vehicle.  I’m old, retired and not in a rush to get anywhere.  The destination is just an excuse for the journey.

[GavinT]

Long distance travel in a Europa is great and thanks for the pics. You obviously have some very pretty places to see.

It’s funny the things you notice on a long trip that otherwise you might not.
I recall going down a long mountain highway and having to dab the brakes regularly because I was catching up to the other cars. Don’t know for sure but I assumed it was the low drag causing it.

On coming up behind a semi-trailer (what some call a 22 wheeler?) on the highway, you notice the need to back off the throttle a bit as you become sucked along by the truck. Also notice the engine temp starts to rise slightly as airflow through the radiator drops off.

At this point, one of the best features of the Europa becomes clear; the mid-range acceleration that allows you to pass that truck in such a short distance.

Also, after initially smiling at the wonderful intake roar of the Webers, you decide after a hundred miles or so, that you’ll build an air box to shut them up.
I remember getting out of the car at a fuel stop and could still hear the drone of the carbs.

Enjoy the trip JB.