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Nlc - Lister Bell Stratos Build Thread

This is the build thread for my Lister Bell Stratos. It will be a long and arduous thread I'm sure!

I want to build something like this:



Lister Bell is a small company near Newark that build a Stratos replica kit called the STR. The owner is ex-Ultima and ex Gardner Douglas. http://www.listerbell.com/

Steel spaceframe chassis:



GRP body.

It's a very comprehensive kit:





Aluminium uprights, double wishbone front suspension, custom exhaust with built in cats, replica 'coffin spoke' alloys, air con and lots of other nicely made bits.

Although they do a version that will use a Ferrari V8 and a version that takes the Yota V6 (a la Evora / Exige) the most popular choice is the Alfa V6 in either 2.5, 3.0 or 3.2 guise.

So the main donor in most cases is an Alfa 156, or 166. You need the engine, gearbox, wiring loom, ECU, and some other bits and bobs.

The secondary donor car is a Fiat X1/9! This is used for door handles, body catches, door catches, steering column and stalks and a few other bits.

I've placed an order on a chassis which currently has a 12 month waiting list. So in the meantime I purchased this beauty for £450:



Mainly for this:



It's got 156k on it and the gear shift is really bad. But no matter as the plan is to have the whole thing rebuilt. The plan is:

Strip and check all tolerances on engine
Skim head to raise compression
New head gaskets etc.
Bores and pistons checked. New rings or more if needed.
New big ends and small ends (if needed but apparently they never wear out).
Cams reprofiled to higher lift
New cambelts and re-time cams (standard pulleys are adjustable).
Gas flow the head and clean and lap valves if needed.
Fit remote oil cooler (prob laminova)
New water pump, thermostat, air con pump, alternator, etc. etc.
Ultimately ITBs but might just get the car going first and then do the ITBs as an upgrade.

Strip and check gearbox, replace any worn pats and install a Quaiffe LSD

Remove dual mass flywheel and clutch. Fir GTA clutch and solid flywheel. All balanced to the engine.

And whatever else I see fit to do. With a standard Alfa ECU, gas flowed head, hotter cams and an induction kit it should raise the power form 230 is to 280 or more.

I'm going to try and get all this done in time for the arrival of the chassis next sept.

I've also started to buy X1/9 bits and so far have:

2 pairs of targa roof catches (used as clam catches on the Stratos) - £135 second hand!

Steering column and control stalks - £35

Steering column upper and lower cowls - £14

Now need a lot of other bits

Once all the bits I need are out of the Alfa I'll be trying to make some bag by selling bits of it. Interior is full leather with heat and electric. Front callipers a 4 pots and worth a bit apparently. Tow bas and electrics must be worth a few quid too.

The aim is to end up with something like this:



So watch this space over the next.............................2 years :lol

I'm sad to say the 340R will be going at some point to help fund this and give some space in the garage. I've had it 9 years and think it's time to move one. It will be a sad day when I decide to let it go though :cry . But I might paint the Startos green in tribute (y)

Dr H | September 23, 2015
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