mccusername

None taken at all. At the time it seemed like Lucas would be the best and fastest choice. Didn't work out that way. If I had a pump in USA, I wouldn't ship it to Europe unless it was really something pretty exotic. I did think it was interesting how all these guys had different, and sometimes contradicting, information about what Alpina did with these pumps. I won't say who but one of them said that a street KF pump won't work with a bigger than stock cam-- which is obviously not true bc Alpina used them with the 300 degree cam.

I was fortunate to have a wonderful long conversation with Wendel at Steve's house after Brisbane a couple of years ago. A car guy but clearly way more than a car guy. Really sad news and I'll know he'll be missed.

Yes, this particular pump is a 'regular' Alpina pump PL04-129.10 727 from a 1977 E21 Alpina A4/3. My research leads me to believe that this pump is the only Alpina street pump that actually has a different cam inside-- and that this cam is richer in the mid-range and leaner at high RPMs for emissions. Alpina pumps for A4 engines and even A4S engines did not have a special cam, they were only modified to have 2.5 bar pressure. I sent the pump and throttle bodies to Mike because I bought them out of Germany and thought it would be efficient to send them to the UK 'on the way'. (Didn't work out that way). I also wanted him to tweak the pump so it wouldn't be too lean for my A4S engine. I agree that the places you mentioned in the US can do a good job on a regular KF pump but they can't/won't modify internals the way Mike can, so depends on what you need. As for throttle bodies, they shouldn't be too complicated but I found it a little tricky to find someone in the US. You mentioned Eurometrix, who have a great reputation in the Porsche world and a price to match. I reached out to all these places about a year ago and here's what I found: Gus Pfister 8-12 weeks, doesn't do throttle bodies, $1400 (as of 2017) Wes Ingram 8-9 months, does do throttle bodies, $1425+ Saxon/Kugelfischer.nl (same people), does throttle bodies, 1800-3000 Euro just for the pump rebuild Koller+Schwemmer, so big they're hard to deal with, never could get the right guy to get back in touch with me Lucas Development - ????? In general, I found the guys in Europe to be more knowledgable about what has been done/can be done with KF pumps in specialized applications.

Update-- I have not spoken to Mike myself but I've been in touch with a couple of people who have. He says he was traveling in June and became ill, and is just now re-emerging and trying to finish work that he owes people. He still has not responded to me but obviously we hope he's feeling better and is able to get back to work.

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Sending you a PM.

Thanks for the update, Nick. This is pretty much what I feared. I hope Mike is OK but you would think there would be a friend or family members checking his emails etc.

That’s a good idea, thanks.

I’ve cross-posted there. I wish I knew someone who lives near there and could check if his shop seems open etc.

Has anyone had contact with Mike Lucas or done business with Lucas Development recently? Mike is one the premiere experts on Kugelfischer pumps in the world. I sent him an Alpina KF pump and throttle bodies almost a year ago. Progress was slow but eventually he said he had finished the pump and was working on the throttle bodies. Then he stopped responding and I haven't heard from him in 5 months. I know of at least one other person in a similar predicament. Normally I would not bring up problems with a vendor in a public forum but I have emailed, left voice mails, WhatsApp, snail mail, etc. Obviously I'd like to get my stuff back but we are also worried about Mike. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, Michael

Does anyone know the diameter of the speedo glass? I have a spare of the tach glass I can measure but I don't want to take the speedo glass out until I have the replacement cut. Thanks, Michael

The fact remains that you are a gentleman and a scholar.

I have one like John's installed in my 1600, along with the steering wheel and carb kit/intake that Alpina sold with it. I also have another old Alpina tach made by Bieber (Beiber?) that John foolishly sold me.😁

Hi Mike, I didn't get to know Paul well but I bought a wonderful Tii motor that he restored and put his heart into and that was enough to realize what a great enthusiast he was. I can imagine how great a friend he was as well. His death made me think of the burden all the stupid/awesome cars and parts I've accumulated would be on my family one day. What helped me was to make an 'estate plan' for my cars. I organized paperwork, made lists of parts, left instructions on how to sell the cars, and wrote down contact info for trusted car friends who could advise my family. It still wouldn't be hassle-free if something happened to me unexpectedly but it helps a lot. I also sold some cars that weren't bringing me joy any more, which is also totally reasonably. My only advice would be just to wait a couple of months and see how you feel then. And even if you sell the car, don't leave this community. Give some advice, swap some parts, shoot the shit-- that's most of the fun. Take care and good luck, Michael

I've got cheap Cosmics for you but they are in Connecticut.

@RussTii rebuilds them with Z3 LSD internals for a very reasonable price.

Did you pull the engine etc yourself and tow the car down there? Or did they pull the engine and re-install?

Great progress, Jason! And great pictures. You should be a teacher in your second life.

Can’t help with the high prices but I have used Intercity several times and they are very good. They are not a broker like most places. The drivers actually work with the company.