1600 for daily driver?

I've been on this site for a while now and I have heard alot of informed indivduals taking about alot of things, but I am still concerned about buying a new VS with a 1600 engine. I just want to get in and turn it on and get to and from work. I live in the same town that I work in and will not be driving a whole lot.. But I will wanna run this cutie up to Palm Springs on a reg. basis. whata ya say guys, am I looking for headaches here or can the simple 1600 handle that for me. I am NOT a lead foot by any means.. Any advice is welcomed...

Soon to be VS owner,

Dave

I started with a 1600 with dual kadrons. First engine I'd ever built and it worked OK with my speedster. But just OK, nothing special.
Built a second engine at 1915 with dual Webers, external oil filter and external oil cooler. Love the second engine. The 1915 feels much stronger on the freeway and does not feel out of control while driving in the city. And I use it as a daily driver.
In my opinion, go for a little bigger engine.

Also, I've made runs from Long Beach, CA to Santa Barbara or Chula Vista with zero problems. Engine got a little warm going over the hills from L.A. to Oxnard doing 70 - 80 mph, but cooled down quickly after cresting the last hill.

Thanks John, how many miles did you put on the 1600 before you upgraded? Before I decide on what size i go with I may just upgrade when I order from Kirk...

David

I bought my used speedster 18 months ago and it came with a stock 1600dp, dual carbs (weber 40idf).It is a VERY reliable engine but has no power.It can run on the hwy 70-75mph all day long, but that's about it.For around the city is fine but if you want some "performance" driving you should get a bigger engine. I keep wanting to replace mine with a 1915cc but I enjoy driving too much and don't want to put it in the shop for two weeks.I might get the chance to do it this winter.Good luck.

I have a stock 1600cc engine and it is great. Personally, I don't see a need for a bigger engine. It has plenty of power, I have driven it in the desert in California & also the mountains. Plenty of pep. I don't understand why people complain about them. I don't think I ever had to downshift to make it up a hill on the highway. Plus they are more reliable & stay cooler than bigger engines. Don't mean to ruffle any feathers, just wanted to tell my honest opinion.

Thanks Lambros and Dave... 70 to 75 mph OMG.... that is perfect for me.. I am not into the blurr of street signs any longer.. I perfer the slow putt-putt of a sweet looking ride and getting all the folks to turn and nod their approval.. Again, thanks for the insight here..

Dave

David, Stay with the 1600 (with one carb)it is all the action you need. Thats all I have and I have fun with the little devil. Check out my pictures. (PS I never have had a problem with the motor. I take it up to 70-75 and it purrs like a kitten). TJ

I had the 1600 in for 5,000 miles. It worked well, but left me wanting a little more power on the freeway. I run around 70 mph on the freeway and have plenty of pedal left to pass. I always felt as if I was running the 1600 at its upper limit. Of course, since I built the engines, I have a tendency to baby them. I am not a speed freak, but love to have the extra power from the 1915. The 1600 is good, but you may kick yourself for not putting out for a more powerful engine. Find out the difference in price between the 1600 and 1915.

Just my opinion...but if you had found a super deal on a used one with a 1600cc engine already in it, I would say go for it. But if you have the chance to build a new one, get the bigger engine. I always wonder about re-sale value and I think the 1600cc would be a little harder to sell at least in the So Cal area where we have a lot of cars to chose from. I have a 1776cc and am really happy but I would probably be even happier with a 1915cc!! What is the actual cost differential between the 1600 vs the 1915?

Beth, at least Vintage offers the option for a 1915 cc for $900.00 more. They used to offer the 1776 cc (the one I have too) for the same amount but I notice they're not offering them anymore on their website. I wonder if they've had too many problems with their 1776's...

My Vintage has a 1776. Only had it one week, but have had it out every night after the air cooled down a little and find a long road with no stop lights or stop signs and cruise at 60 mpg for 30-45 minutes. That is exactly what I wanted and have had no problems. Love my VS. By the way, before I bought the one I have now, I was seriously considering a VS from another member. It is an '03 with 1800 miles, cream on tan, stock everything with 1600 cc, for only $15,000. It's a beautiful car, and I think it is still for sale.

i drove two cars with the 1915, one with a 1776, and another (the one i bought) with the 1600. the 1600 was second quickest to the 1915 that kirk had set up (i believe in his wife's car). however, the differences between all the engines was like a split hair. there was no way i could have rationalized spending an extra $900 for that. i figured that if i was gonna spend extra money on an engine, i would wait and get more serious power. that being said, i have never had any issue with power in my car. i can run 75+ on the highway with a passenger and the car stuffed with luggage. i have never had to downshift or slow up hills. i have never had any problems with the engine running too hot. the car will top out at around 95ish. the car will run around 11-12 seconds to 60mph. i don't wish for more top end power, just a bit better accelleration.

Shawn, the car you speak of is Jeff Franks.. Yeah I have talked to him and he is pretty firm around 15K. which is fine because it looks sweet. I just do not know about having to fly up to Qakland to check it out.. that kinda binds me into buying it, don't you think? He and I have exchanged emails several times. I look forward to seeing more detailed pix from Jeff.

Dave