September '03 at the massive Newport 'Tredegar Park' Classic Car show, I'd avidly measured all the possible contenders for the upgrade, Ford Zetec, Vauxhall XE engines etc. appeared far too tall, owing to a strangely located lower rail on the Tank's chassis which runs under the sump, which allows only 19" of height between this chassis rail and the closed bonnet. This left me with only a few options - the 1600cc Toyota 4AGE from an MR2, a Bike engine [no thanks, powerful but no grunt], or the current all alloy Rover 'K' series as fitted by Caterham. There we have it, so if you have an 1800 Rover 'K' series engine for sale, do 'Tank2' & me a favour and get in touch ASAP.

During winter 03/04 I completely stripped down Tank 2, despite considerable resistance from the various rusted and seized suspension bolts and fittings, it's amazing how difficult this can be, the rear link arm bolts in particular deserving special mention for their resistance to change - New stainless bolts will hopefully prevent a similar problem should they ever need removing in the future!! And I have also fitted Poly bushes everywhere, new springs/shockers. Fitted the essential upgrade to the rear chassis 'X member, mentioned in the famous Dennis Ortenberger book, which, Incidentally I'd made up myself and fitted to my original tank in the mid 70's, years before this famous book appeared and mentioned this mod for the first time in print. I've also fitted a front upper removable chassis strut ­ this isn't mentioned in the D O book but like the rear mod, is essential to improve the chassis. I've also modified the gearbox mount to accept a Ford 'type 9' 5 speed gearbox.Initially the body was to be completely sprayed in the original Lotus Bright Orange, However after further research Via John Watson of UK L7 club I discovered that the car was actually Red when it left the Lotus factory, in November 1970, so as my wife Bon said ­ 'Oh well another 'Nice Red one' I guess'!!After binning the fitted heater - hey you wusses come on, a heater in an open car ??? 4.5kgs weight saving! Fit original 1970's 5.5j steel wheels and chrome hubcaps ­ Yeh rock-on remember them!!, each of these is over 1kgs lighter than the 'Light alloys' currently fitted. [what idiot, invented that very misleading phrase ?]

These savings are easy and with the lighter 'K' series fitted, will make the car some 20kgs lighter than at present, with the extra grunt and 5 speed 'type 9' box, should bring the car right up to modern standards of reliability, performance and economy.