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About Me
In my lifetime I have designed, built, and engineered lots of things - airplane parachute recovery systems, a 27' amphibious motor home, a prototype pickup truck for SAAB, a working prototype of a new design for a diesel engine, and others - and earned several patents.
At this time in my life I decided to build, of all things, a sports car!
For over 45 years I've been building things. I'm no stranger to making wooden master molds, fiber-glassing (owned a camper shell company), welding , painting, engineering and designing products and running the respective businesses. So when my car-building project came to light, I didn't have to go outside my little shop to have things built or made.
I did however call on friends that are truly masters in their respective professions - engine builders, race car drivers, structural engineers, etc. - to get their input on the latest whiz-bang techniques and systems that could be incorporated into my car's design. And while I knew that I could not compete with major car manufacturers in the area of fit-and-finish, state-of-the-art power plants, drive lines, etc. , I knew I could compete with my final product.
My plan was to utilize existing engines and parts and build a car that would turn heads, have awesome acceleration, handle like a slot-car, be affordable, and be an absolute blast to drive. And that is exactly what I have done.
Blast - Test Driving and Public Reaction
After 4 years of full-time work , I finally drove BLAST for the first time. I was by myself, and did not get 2 miles down the road before I was hollering and laughing out loud! It simply drove like a thoroughbred. Awesome acceleration, handling, power (hills, what hills??)... as you can tell , I was pretty happy with what I made.
Even though it was a prototype, I didn't find anything that needed to be changed outright. Several things did need tweaking, however. Better pedal feel, shocks/springs dialed in, suspension tuned, seats without high-backs, better latching parts for the doors, and nicer finish around the windshield.
And the public response... Once while going to gas up, the manager of the busy station came out and said (with a smile on his face) "I'm about ready to ask you to leave. Drivers are looking at your car and not where they are going - I'm afraid someone is going to run into a pump and start a fire!"
For 3 months I have been driving Blast around Northern California and can tell you first-hand of this experience. Everybody looks...everybody!I can't stop without somebody coming over with a big smile and lots of questions. So let me say loud and clear - if you don't like attention, and like to keep a low profile, DON"T DRIVE THIS CAR! But when you have the smooth, empty, crooked mountain roads to yourself, you will soon forget any unwanted attention.
Design Criteria
Having owned several sports cars, I knew right from the outset what I wanted and didn't want in my car. Obviously a sports car needs to be quick, nimble, and attractive. Two other considerations were important to me- I didn't want my head buffeted around at speed, and a windshield that didn't distort.
Starting my mock-up (power plant/frame/suspension/donor car) I decided I didn't want a 50-year-old design V-8 - not when there are light 2+litre engines putting out 300+ hp. I didn't need to look far before Subaru became my choice. Honda and Toyota are also great little power plants, but they are upright, not flat. The flat Subaru design lowers the center of gravity. It has 5 mains and opposing pistons which make for a super-strong design that can take high turbo boost/ horsepower. They are also easy to find, cheap, and reliable. From mild to wild, these power plants are truly extraordinary.