Here is the frame getting painted Carmine red. I found out one of my coil springs is cracked. Since the new engine and tranny are 200lb lighter, should I have custom springs made?  I have access to a pair of used springs for $75 and can lower the bottom coil perch to achieve the correct height. Anyone know what the bn4 factory coil rating was?

I have a mustang 2 set up for a healey any brake setup you want rack and pinion also if interested e mail me at metalstretcher@gmail.com

Also planning to have a project car of my own but I need to learn from you guys first. How much is the price tag for this type of restoration, including the duration?

Having owned a 61 4 seater with a built 289 in it, I can testify to the need to get air out from under the hood , especially at speeds under 35 mph.  I would definitely either ceramic coat the headers or use heat wrap on them to keep that heat out of the engine bay..  ..  If you want to keep the car looking authentic, there are a couple of choices you can make that would be a great help - you could install a BN2 100m replica hood, which had no scoop, but did have two rows of louvers, one on each side of the hood in a semi-V pattern with the edges of the louvers being parallel to the edges of the hood. ....Or, you could install side vents as on the factory rally cars from 1956 - a triangular opening with the upper edge following the body line where the two tone paint line is, and the front edge curved to parallel the wheel arch.

here's the 100M-

http://www.sportscardigest.com/cars-for-sale/1956-austin-healey-100m/

and a rally car-

http://www.supercars.net/Pics?viewCarPic=y&source=carGal&carID=5330&pgID=1&pID=1040553

Doug

Here is the update on my BN4 1959 with LS1 aluminum V8 and ceramic headers. About 350 hp. All stock on outside and interior. Healey rear end with 3.54 gears and Quaife limited slip rear.  Getting lights and turn signals hooked up now. Nissinger is updating the 4 gauges and conversion of speedo and tach to electronic is more money than I had planned. Oh well. She sounds good and looking forward to warm weather.

Looks real nice!!
Could you give us some more pictures?

Cheers
Byron

Trying to figure out to compress the pics so they will load.

This is before I attached the bumpers.

WOW!  Very nice.

That looks great, Chris!  Seems more of us are doing Healey builds that maintain the stock appearance while upgrading the drivetrain and suspension.

I have a carpet kit for this BN4 in red, but the piece that goes over the tunnel is not wide enough.  My new tunnel is 2" wider.   I am trying to figure out a way to make it work, or I may have to order a yard of red carpet from Heritage upholstery.

Rubber foot rub strips sewn to the lower edge?

Chris my hat is off to you. that car is beautiful, and I'm sure when your driving her you can't stop smiling. and I bet so is everyone else that sees you. good luck with her and have fun.