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Mine has plenty of pep, and it's quite stable at higher speeds. The fastest I've had it up to was around 130 (6000 rpm in OD), and it was very planted and stable - actually felt far better than either of my old 1800E's did at lower 100+ speeds. Although the PV needs more HP to get going that fast, it didn't feel light in the steering wheel like both the 1800's did.
I've been thrashing my PV for 10 years of so with a well warmed up B20 (150 - 170 ish crank HP) with a largely stock suspension and 40 - 50 year old bushings holding the rear axle in place. IPD sways and Bilsteins front and rear, however, did make a huge improvement in the way it handles. Prior to that it would lean, a LOT, in corners. And would bounce side to side approaching the rear of semi trucks on the highway. Now it handles as firmly and flatly as a modern sports sedan, and is stable and planted. Wider tires helped a lot too (205/50/15 on 15X6 wheels).
And not to detract from the driving experience that I'm sure an Elan is, but time has crept on. And econo hatchbacks and minivans will outrun one now. My PV is a blast to drive with it's 150-170-ish HP, I'm sure 50 - 100 more will be a blast as well. You still have the option of only pushing the pedal halfway down if you only want 100 hp.
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'63 PV544 rat rod, '93 Classic #1141 245 (now w/16V turbo)
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