Any thoughts on VW-based vs Subaru engined?

These are all questions that are very well covered.

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-=theron

Yes.

I have lots of thoughts, but not maybe as simple as one my think.

Some people can, and do get by just fine with the VW engine drivetrain.

There are definitely people who should not own a VW engine car.

There also people who shouldn't own a, handbuilt, one off car, regardless of the engine and drivetrain.

A lot of people have budget constraints that prevent owning any new car.

Thanks folks, I've sorted this issue out, and for my 1st replica I'd be happy w/ a VW-based one. I've heard though, that dual carbs run rougher than a stock single carb.

Robert, I had a single carb....BORING! SLOW , NO power! I switched over to dual Dellorto carbs and my engine came alive....and they are really smooth. I think if you take a poll......About 80% or better will probably say Duals on a VW based flat 4/Type 1 engine is the only way to go! Michael

Now with a Subaru based Speedster......I personally would love the WRX Subaru engine.....More power than you really probably need!......But it would be nice knowing you had it...if you wanted it! Michael

Great looking car Michael. I'm curious about a few details: Why did the Porsche horn button have to be custom-made? How big a deal is it to switch to wide 5's? (The VS I'm considering has 4's) Cool shifter--what kind is it, is it better than the vw one?

Robert, you can order your VS with wide fives at no extra charge; I did (that's if you order new). If not, just switch the drums to '66-'67 models and they'll just bolt on unless you have an IRS tranny in which case you'll need a simple pair of spacers offered by EMPI, Bugpack, etc. With respect to the fronts, you'll probably need to switch over the whole system with wide five disc brake system (around $499.00) which basically just bolts on. Also, with respect to carbs, go with duals; they're more efficient.

Ricardo, are those wide fives going to be 5x15's or 5-1/2x15's? I don't think you can get 5-1/2x15's on rear of an IRS car can you? Aren't IRS transaxles wider than swing axles?

Stubaru the only way to go.

Michel, although wider, 5-1/2" rims fit IRS cars, the rear wheels are a little closer to the wells than swingaxles but that's about it. They work fine.

Being an Intermeccanica guy and big, make that huge fan of Henry Reisner, I'd wait a while and check his upcoming Golf engined cars. He is doing development work on a car right now and it looks like a very nice fit. More rear ground clearance, rear mounted so there will still be the "back seat" area.

I honestly have not been a fan of the "non-traditional" engine but I asked Henry this week while I was up there, if he could retofit my car with the new set=up. He just smiled and we started talking about how well the VR-6 might fit. I AM NOT going to do it, but the thought will haunt my dreams for a long time.

He is also investigating the use of the Audi 6 speed.

Just a legitimate, biased opinion of course.