The other issue is the quality of some of the parts. Some are top drawer and others are cheap reproductions. Until very recently, all of the gauges were garbage, for example.
> On Jan 22, 2015, at 10:49 AM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
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Want reliability, simplicity and functionality?
Buy a claw hammer.
The minute you start mixing systems on a car, boat, plane complications set in. And you can't have one of those and not have the potential at least for reliability issues.
Comes down to what the psyche, the wallet and the spouse will tolerate.
Originally Posted by CaretechIMray:
Phil, I think the issue with the angle of the CV joints is one that they have solved. I personally feel that staying within the same family is important for minimal issues and ease of remembering what part came from where. As far as engine and tranny combos some were made for each other, some mixes can be more challenging. 
Yes Ray. My car does have some inherent problems that I am slowly learning about. Looks like the car is going to eat some CV boots. I may try to learn how to replace these to save some labor costs. Boots themselves are very cheap. Also the rubber in the upper motor mount is prone to fail in other application with this engine such as its use in vw vans. At least now I know the things to look out for.
My perception is based on reality. When I bought my "new" VS in 2010 I expected it to be somewhat trouble free. However having owned many Porsches over the years of various flavors as well as vintage VW buses I was not shocked into selling it. I think it takes a couple of years to fully sort out one of these beasts, get the valves redone, upgrade carbs, add high ratio rockers, decent tires, replace ball joints, add sway bars, 4 wheel discs, replace front wheel bearings, replace bad tranny (warranty), replace multiple axel seals, upgrade stereo, enlarge vinyl windows, replace ignition, add electric fuel pump, add thermo controlled oil cooler, modify heating system to bypass frame, add Porsche emblems, fire extinguisher, and on and on. Having said all of that I do not believe I would part with her ever. "i could have had a Beck." comes to mind. Most people facing this scenario will panic and sell right after buying. Oh I forgot these things ride like race cars, terrible on the freeway, loud, no A/C, and they break down. I am really having fun now.
Phil I think Tomm, has solved his boot problem he has the turbo 1.8 which now puts out way over 250hp and I think this was one of his issues that he sorted out. I believe he is using an Audi style boot if I remember reading his previous posts.
I know he is on the list so you might want to PM him to ask. ENJOY your IM experience.
Phil, is it the angle of the axle that puts extra stress on the CV boot?
I've replaced the CV boots on my IM and it's a fairly straightforward job. Mind you, I have a scissor hoist, which makes the job a lot easier.
We discussed your engine mounts a while back. I suspect you'll be an expert at changing these after a few years. 
Prices are creeping up - very common to pay US$ 45k to US$ 100k for a 356 replica - a reliable and safe car is a very fair expectation - no excuses !
note: i find myself loving those cars regardless - only me to blame
Well, regardless of whatever potential issues (such as all cars can have), that IM for sale is a beautiful car.
The angle of my CV joints is extreme. Probably not extreme enough to effect the joints themselves as long as I don't miss a bad boot and let the joints dry out. But I think the extreme angle does contribute to wear. The previous owner actually had to replace joints and axles. I'm sure this was from prolonged boot tears. I have a straight 4 which may place the tranny a bit more forward compared to the suby boxer. I think that a larger boot would help to solve this problem. I have read about using Passat boots but not Audi. Think I will email Henry to see if there are any changes to rear axle setup in these cars. I have seen recent vw/audi cars for sale so he must still make them. I know the 2014 Jetta could be purchased with the SOHC 2 valve/cylinder 2.0 like mine but I think the 2015 Jetta may all be going to turbo 1.8s in US and turbo 1.6s in Europe. Audi originally developed this engine, but it hasn't been used in an Audi since the late 80's. Don't think my engine will be available as crate engine much longer. This engine is the most ubiquitous water-cooled vw/audi engine ever produced so even if they discontinue it parts will be around for a long time. Neuspeed unfortunately has discontinued its supercharger for this engine which could boost hp and ft-lbs both to around 180. Now that might put some stress on the CV joints.
Last week I sold my 8000 mile 2nd owner car after 5 years.
Never gave me one problem. Bottom line,
" I LOVED THIS CAR, I JUST WASN'T IN LOVE ANYMORE"
So you purchased a caddy?...
That's like falling out of love with your smoking hot fun loving trophy wife and then marring your old lady neighbor.
That's like falling out of love with your smoking hot fun loving trophy wife and then marring your old lady neighbor.
Trophy wife was high maintenance. With the old lady,
she does all the work.
But you have to be seen with her...
Terry--did you sell it to a St Louis person? I was hoping to meet you and see your Speedster on one of our "Cardinals and Cunetto's fix" trips to St louis.
They are reliable if you keep up on them...Originally Posted by zdouga:
Still can't understand why replicas cannot be made to be reliable / headach free - we are talking about basic technology - same product for ever - no changing legal requirements.....sky high prices
Terry
In all actuality the caddy you chose is really nice. If I were to trade in my daily driver, I want the caddy wagon with the same drive train as your new car. As a wagon lover, a white CTSV Wagon would be at home in my garage.
Good luck with the new 'vert. Keep in contact with the SOC!
Ted
Originally Posted by crhemi (Bill):
They are reliable if you keep up on them...
Originally Posted by zdouga:
Still can't understand why replicas cannot be made to be reliable / headach free - we are talking about basic technology - same product for ever - no changing legal requirements.....sky high prices
Exactly Bill! People have to remember that cars from 40 and 50 years ago needed more regular service than the cars of today, but if maintained properly they could be very reliable. Carrying spares and tools isn't so much that you're expecting to break down, but more to have it with you if something happens, as most of the local parts houses don't stock a lot of stuff for our cars any more. Being stuck anywhere for a day or 3 while waiting for a clutch or accelerator cable to arrive will really put a damper on the trip. I'm not advocating being able to rebuild the engine or fix the transaxle from what's in the trunk and behind the seats, but carrying the basics could save a lot of grief way out in the middle of nowhere. Al
My daily driver (for work) the past five years has been a 2006 Dodge Magnum with a Hemi. I picked it up with 2,000 miles on it and now I have over 107,000 miles on it. It's lowered with 20" rims and blacked out windows. It has been very reliable and it is very comfortable. And fast too. I would definitely drive that caddy wagon.