Absolute Newbie Q's

To All/Anyone,

My father and I have decided to build a kit car together, following the footsteps of two guys on our block who have both recently built cobras. However, my family (especially myself) have a love for Porsche's and so we'd strongly prefer a classic Porsche replica. However, we are restricted to a budget and would like to build something comparable to the one's we've seen (~350 hp, ~2100 lbs, independent rear wheel suspension). Also, we're extremely naive when it comes to cars in general (a central goal of the undertaking is to learn together), but we've been assured that with our neighbors' help and internet discussions that we'll be fine. My question is anyone's thoughts on how similar/more or less difficult it would be for car-ignorant folks to build a replica Porsche, is it reasonable to expect results similar to those of the cobra kit cars with a similar budget, and most importantly where to begin looking for kits to buy and where to begin the seemingly gargantuan task of understanding all of the decisions and choices to be made. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated, thank you in advance. PS - I've read through several of the threads on this website, but frankly they all seem to be beyond our absolutely basic level :)!

Ryan,

I too am in the early stages of this lovely insanity, but I have done a bit more research since I've been thinking about it for a while. Hopefully I can offer you some benefit from what I've found. BTW, I started looking at Cobras before switching to Speedsters, so I can do a decent comparison.

First, I assume your loose specifications (350hp, 2100lbs, IRS) are based on Cobras. These are not entirely applicable to Porsche Speedsters or Spyders. First, all Porsche replicas have IRS, although some are of the swing-axle variety. Second, you'd have to add considerable ballast to get a Porsche replica (Speedster or Spyder) to weigh anywhere near 2100 lbs. Most will be in the 1600-1900 range. And finally, 350 horsepower in one of these would be difficult to achieve and absolute insanity to drive. Most of these cars seem to run in the 100-170hp range, with a few falling on either side of that. With so little weight to move, 100+ hp will be plenty entertaining. It will also be a lot less expensive to maintain and insure.

The main reasons I switched to Speedsters from Cobras were:
1. A nicely done new Speedster can be had for around $26k. Despite what some of the Cobra vendors say it would be difficult to have one of equal quality for less than $35-$40k. Nice used Speedsters can be found in the teens.
2. Insurance and gas will both be more expensive for the Cobra. Some insurors won't touch them any more. Speedsters, on the other hand, seem to be no problem.
3. The Speedster guys are a blast! I had a great time with them at the Carlisle show last month. There seems to be no snobbishness or testosterone overload like I detected on the Cobra site.

Now for some hopefully more useful info. You say that you and your father are not particularly knowledgeable when it comes to building cars. For prices in the mid $20k range you can get a new Speedster delivered from several manufacturers. If you really want to built it yourself there are also some options. You can go with a kit from Street Beasts, Thunder Ranch, Beck (Special Edition), or JPS. The latter two (I don't know about Street Beasts) will be glad to work with you on partial builds. I know that Carey Hinds at Special Edition has two option packages: a "roller" (all but engine installed), and a built up kit that includes paint but requires you to do the drive train and some other components. I believe this last package includes the installed interior, but I'm not sure.

There are a number of folks on this site that I've learned a great deal from. It is definitely the place to start. You and your dad have a lot of fun ahead of you.

Lane Anderson

Oh yeah, about horsepower - Remember that the original Porsche 356's had horsepower running somewhere between 70 and 110, I believe. Others on this site are more knowledgeable, but that's pretty close. Even with that, they were terrors on the race track. These cars are about balance, finesse, and efficiency rather than brute horsepower. Most of the guys in the club that I spoke to have somewhere between 110 and 180, which will pin you back in your seat decisively.

Ok, I've babbled enough. Now some of the better informed folks can speak up :-).

Lane,

You have said it well and well done !

Lane,

Thank you sincerely for your thoughts. This was exactly the sort of info we are looking for. I think we will check out Thunder Ranch... We're extremely busy during the week, so this will likely be a weekend venture (starting with the ceremonial cleaning of the garage :). Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for your thoughts and time!

Ryan