Wheelbase
Over the past 25 years, E-M has built Replica automobiles on three wheelbases, the original 90" along with a 96" and a 98". The 90" cars are generally cramped for drivers over 6 feet in height. The main problem with the original design is really the sidepipes. The way they exit the body just forward of the footboxes causes the loss of about 4" of potential legroom.
The Generation IV solution to this problem is to reposition the pedals forward about an inch, combined with lengthening the wheelbase 3" to a 93" wheelbase. The lengthening has been done in the door, which is also an advantage because people over 200 lbs frequently find the 90" wheelbase door is too short to easily get in and out. But the shape of the door has been very carefully maintained so that the overall look and proportions of the car are not noticeably changed.
Chassis
The 4" round tube frame has always been one of the most admired features of the E-M car. The Generation IV has an all-new simplified 4" design. It has 29% fewer parts than our previous design. The new chassis has the removable transmission cross member, and driveshaft safety loop as standard features. Also we have added seat and seat belt mounts to the frame where they were previously on the body.
But the best thing about the new Generation IV frame is that it is made of stainless steel. It does not require either paint or powder coating and it is by far our finest chassis ever.
Body
The E-M fiberglass body has always been known for it's strength, quality, good fits, and symmetry, but with Generation IV, it is now even better! Below is a brief list of improvements to the body:
1) Switched to the "hand laid" method of construction,
which allows more accurate control over the panel thickness and
weights.
2) Added a double veil to the outer shell, which imparts a smoother
finish to the gel coat.
3) Cored the cockpit, trunk compartment, and wheel wells to increase
stiffness and reduce weight.
4) The new
Generation IV bodies are made from vinyl ester resin, again for a
superior finish.
5) Foot boxes have been widened about 2", which is particularly
important on the drivers side as this allows the pedal spacing to be
increased.
6) Improved
the side door beams and provided new original style FMVS door latches
with anti-rattle Teflon strikers.
7) Every body is now oven post-cured for six hours at 210 degrees F. This
provides a final assurance against air bubbles, and helps to drive any
excess solvents from the body.
The Generation IV is without
question, our finest body ever!
Suspension
Over the years, E-M has employed five different suspension systems. The new Generation IV suspension is a streamlined variation of our previous Ford based fully independent design, now featuring stainless steel control arms.
Brakes
Cars that go fast should stop fast. The new Generation IV has 13" front brakes and 11.65" rear brakes, power assisted.
Cooling
Replica V8 Roadsters are notorious for running hot. It is a limitation caused by the large displacement engine combined with the relatively narrow body and air intake. The Generation IV has increased the radiator core width to 26" and the tube width from 1" to 1 1/4". These changes give 40% more cooling area. In addition, the width of the cooling fan shroud has been increased from 17" to 23" for greater effectiveness at idle.
Fuel Tank/Cell
The new Generation IV Fuel Tank comes standard with safety foam baffling and one gallon increased capacity to 21 gallons. The filler, sender, pickup, and vent tubes are now accessible with the right rear wheel removed, and with the addition of the optional fuel bladder, the tank may be upgraded to a true racing fuel cell.
These are the major improvements for the Generation IV. Additional features are detailed in the Generation IV Brochure.