Sorry, Bill, I don't have access to any deck lid pics. The body shop guy sent me some, but I'm on a slow ISP, and I deleted them after viewing. I plan on driving the car to Carlisle this year (fingers crossed), so I'll hook up with others more knowledgeable than I am about taking lots of photos and publishing them on this site.
Jim I know your not trying to make it complicated... 
They make these really nice carrier for the top where a rad could be fitted in the open or have it camouflaged in an old luggage bag, and have unlimited air flow and fan supported.
Only other thought... Rad in the front of the car
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Or, how about disgusing your radiator as one of these for that period look :-)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1...LBmcwCFYsAaQodD_cNlQ
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https://www.etsy.com/listing/1...LBmcwCFYsAaQodD_cNlQ
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The thresholds in a speedster are lower. 150 hp seems like twice that in a "normal" car, and 175 hp seems more than adequate. 200 hp is enough to be scary, especially in a swing-axle car. Actually, it's the beam that makes these cars feel so flighty at speed, and once eradicated in a better car, the thresholds are much higher.
I've had a 200 hp N/A Type 1. To get more is possible (Pat Downs got 230 or so from a 2332, proven on a dyno in the presence of other people.) Turbo guys get more-- like 250- 300 hp, but there are many, many drivability compromises to be made with such an engine.
Actually, there were more compromises than I wanted to make with a 200 hp engine. I make about 175 hp now, and it's a better GT car. Any more and the car becomes pretty much of a boulevard bruiser, rather than a car that can offer an alternative to flying places.
I was never a big Type 4 or Porsche 6 fan until I drove speedsters powered by each of them. Rich Drewek's "Oscar" motor (an early RAT 2.6-ish L Type 4) had absolutely crushing torque. I'm not sure what kind of numbers it made, but it was awesome. Rick Davis has a 2.7L Porsche 6 IM/D, and that car drives like a better facsimile of a 3.2L 911, only 10x better looking. I would happily have driven that car coast to coast, and then back. I'm a bit afraid to drive Marty's WRX IM, because I'd like to maintain my air-cooled retro-snobbery, and it's pretty hard once you've dipped into an almost perfect powerplant.
The point is, the sky is the limit. But if you decide to go with an alternate mill, all the money you've buried in the Type 1 rat-hole will be gone once you do. If you keep it simple coming out of the chute, you can decide how big/ how much without throwing away a bunch of money. I'd do a Type 4 in a heart-beat, but that'd render half of what I custom made for the car moot. That's a bitter pill to choke down.
I'm an engine guy, but I'd spend all the up-front bucks on suspension, brakes, and handling stuff. If you can get away from the beam and the swing-axle, I'd do it ASAP. Get brakes-- spend 5x what you think they ought to cost, because you're going to eventually anyhow. Work on the touch-points of the car-- make sure the seats are comfortable, and buy others if they are not. Get a wheel you like, and a shifter that works. Redo the gauges so they sort've resemble what is actually occurring, and add important ones that the car didn't come with (oil pressure, etc.). Once the car feels right, you'll want to spend some time in it.
I'd do a 5 speed of one sort or another next. You'd be surprised how many "engine" shortcomings are actually just gearing compromises. At a minimum, get a regeared 4-speed. At this point, I'd add a 96 plate oil cooler, because a speedster doesn't cool very well-- and no matter what's back there, you'll want more capability.
... then look at the engine. If everything else is right, a 2110 is generally a perfectly adequate, happy little engine. I've run one twice, and there's a lot to love in a nicely built 2110 with a 120 cam and some 40 Dellortos. All the "normal" systems will support the power, and it's a nice engine that won't kill you and won't embarrass you to have "speedster" on the side of the car. If you get much bigger, generally more stuff needs replaced to make it all work. If you drive a few 2110 cars (with and without 5-speeds), you'll know if it's going to be enough. For 95% of the guys out there, it would be. For the other 5%, the checkbook will need to open pretty wide.
Stan that was such a nice description of my car, couldn't have said it better myself
Stan Galat, '05 IM, 2276, Tremont, IL posted:I'd do a 5 speed of one sort or another next. You'd be surprised how many "engine" shortcomings are actually just gearing compromises. A
I can tell you, adding a Berg 5 was one of the best things I did to my Beetle. You have the close gears for street driving and an overdrive so I can cruise the interstate at 80mph all day long. Just be prepared to spend almost as much as you did for your engine. But in the end, i had a custom built gearbox that is pretty bullet proof.
Berg 5 built by Gary Berg.
Stan Galat, '05 IM, 2276, Tremont, IL posted:The thresholds in a speedster are lower. 150 hp seems like twice that in a "normal" car, and 175 hp seems more than adequate. 200 hp is enough to be scary, especially in a swing-axle car. Actually, it's the beam that makes these cars feel so flighty at speed, and once eradicated in a better car, the thresholds are much higher.
I've had a 200 hp N/A Type 1. To get more is possible (Pat Downs got 230 or so from a 2332, proven on a dyno in the presence of other people.) Turbo guys get more-- like 250- 300 hp, but there are many, many drivability compromises to be made with such an engine.
Actually, there were more compromises than I wanted to make with a 200 hp engine. I make about 175 hp now, and it's a better GT car. Any more and the car becomes pretty much of a boulevard bruiser, rather than a car that can offer an alternative to flying places.
I was never a big Type 4 or Porsche 6 fan until I drove speedsters powered by each of them. Rich Drewek's "Oscar" motor (an early RAT 2.6-ish L Type 4) had absolutely crushing torque. I'm not sure what kind of numbers it made, but it was awesome. Rick Davis has a 2.7L Porsche 6 IM/D, and that car drives like a better facsimile of a 3.2L 911, only 10x better looking. I would happily have driven that car coast to coast, and then back. I'm a bit afraid to drive Marty's WRX IM, because I'd like to maintain my air-cooled retro-snobbery, and it's pretty hard once you've dipped into an almost perfect powerplant.
The point is, the sky is the limit. But if you decide to go with an alternate mill, all the money you've buried in the Type 1 rat-hole will be gone once you do. If you keep it simple coming out of the chute, you can decide how big/ how much without throwing away a bunch of money. I'd do a Type 4 in a heart-beat, but that'd render half of what I custom made for the car moot. That's a bitter pill to choke down.
I'm an engine guy, but I'd spend all the up-front bucks on suspension, brakes, and handling stuff. If you can get away from the beam and the swing-axle, I'd do it ASAP. Get brakes-- spend 5x what you think they ought to cost, because you're going to eventually anyhow. Work on the touch-points of the car-- make sure the seats are comfortable, and buy others if they are not. Get a wheel you like, and a shifter that works. Redo the gauges so they sort've resemble what is actually occurring, and add important ones that the car didn't come with (oil pressure, etc.). Once the car feels right, you'll want to spend some time in it.
I'd do a 5 speed of one sort or another next. You'd be surprised how many "engine" shortcomings are actually just gearing compromises. At a minimum, get a regeared 4-speed. At this point, I'd add a 96 plate oil cooler, because a speedster doesn't cool very well-- and no matter what's back there, you'll want more capability.
... then look at the engine. If everything else is right, a 2110 is generally a perfectly adequate, happy little engine. I've run one twice, and there's a lot to love in a nicely built 2110 with a 120 cam and some 40 Dellortos. All the "normal" systems will support the power, and it's a nice engine that won't kill you and won't embarrass you to have "speedster" on the side of the car. If you get much bigger, generally more stuff needs replaced to make it all work. If you drive a few 2110 cars (with and without 5-speeds), you'll know if it's going to be enough. For 95% of the guys out there, it would be. For the other 5%, the checkbook will need to open pretty wide.
Thank you Stan, for taking the time to reply like that. I, and I'm sure many others in the same boat planning a car will say thank you! Paul
Paul:
Yes that's a nice 5 speed and I do like the very colorful graph Glenn Nice presentation.
BUT!! you can achieve that with a 4 speed, as Stan Mentioned, I am living proof.. and I can share that with you if you like.. I will admit I am lucky.. I have two people that live close to me and are quite talented in what they do.
Pat Downs ( engine builder) and Scott Sebastian (Metal-craft Motorsports, transmissions). I bring them up because they may play a role in your power plant needs. I encourage you to look at their achievements.. Both are sought after and can pretty much tailor make an engine and trans to fit your right foot!!
Seems you have a lot of driving time under your belt.. So like me you have needs and wants out of your cars performance. No one can understand that better than a person who is in-tune with his car like myself..
SO...
Do you have a speedster? Or are your about to buy one?
Have you driven one?
Do you like shrimp tacos and Sunny California weather?
My point being if you have answered "NO" to all of my questions, then the obvious thing to do is find one in great condition at a relatively low price, and go from there..
Then When you do, get your happy a$$ to California we'll head down to the surf shack (Wahoo's) and I'll buy you an awesome shrimp taco and we can talk shop
HEY STAN....... You can join us!
Stan has pretty much given a monumental dissertation ( to be expected when your trapped in your house because its 35 degrees out)... I am also happy to share with you my experience as I am a picky SOB and wanted my car to perform to my specs... and it does!! Coming from CART I'm sure you are too..
Tebs..
PS We are all here to help.. The ultimate decisions will be up to you.. I wish I had this much help when I first bought my car..
Teby- I don't think Glenn will be buying a Speedster any time soon, but he has a ton of experience and is very knowledgeable with VW's (and that's what these cars are, afterall), so just because he doesn't own a Speedster don't dismiss him just yet. I understand the people around you are very talented (Pat and Scott are very respected in the hobby), but there are people just as knowledgeable out there, and claiming you can make a 4 speed do what the rest of the world (including all the automotive manufacturers) needs an extra gear to accomplish is just a bit presumptuous. I believe we've had this conversation once before and I asked you to reveal your super top secret gear stack, and (iIrc) you declined. I have no doubt your car is fun to drive, but I have news for you- you simply can't cover the same territory (performance off the line, better acceleration through the gears and a higher top speed at a reasonable rpm) with a 4 speed with the same results you'd get from a 5 speed. Your condascending/arrogant attitude just shows your ignorance. Al
Yes, you CAN have a 4 speed that has the same low and high gearing, but the 'in between" is different.
I did the "Freeway Flyer" back in the mid 80s. There was a huge hole between 3rd and 4th gear. Doing 60mph was too fast for 3rd and doing it in 4th meant then engine was turning too slow to properly cool the engine. The solution was/is adding a 5th gear and stretching out the ratios.
Yes, i've driven a speedster with a 1776 and a 4 speed. it's a sweet car and an very enjoyable experience. Then i took the owner for a ride in my Beetle and afterwards needed to change his shorts.
A 5 speed is a huge investment, but once you have one, the cost becomes secondary after the first drive.
That 5 speed is addictive... how about a 6th gear, for that really low engine cruising speed?
Al,
I don't think Teby's post was directed towards Glenn, but to the original poster - Paul.
Knowing my buddy, Teby, he would never disrespect another enthusiast intentionally.
That being said - Teby, drive Penny at SLO and you'll see that there is no comparison between a super duper 4-speed and and a Berg-5. No comparison.
Al, I don't think Teby meant any harm.
He suffers from Speedsterphoria, which is common in people who stuff more than two liters into a Speedster.
And it also looks like he got careless and succumbed to Twisty Narcosis - also known as Rapture of the Deep Canyon. This results from driving California foothill roads for more than three hours and then coming home to write about it too soon, without taking enough time to decompress.
He's been under Dr. Anand's care, with regular exposure to High-end Exotica, and maybe he got the dosage wrong.
Combine all of these conditions with normal five-speed envy, and the results can be unpredictable, with alternating bouts of irony deficiency and overuse of metaphor.
I know, I've been there.
I think Teby needs our understanding and support.
IaM-Ray posted:That 5 speed is addictive... how about a 6th gear, for that really low engine cruising speed?
The problem with a 6 speed would be not to add anther gear at the end but in the middle. Aircooled engines are cooled by the fan that runs off of engine speed. Less rpm of the engine equals less rpm of the fan and less cooling.
My current 5 speed runs 3500rpm @ 80mph. Not sure hoe much faster you want to cruise.
Sacto Mitch posted:
I think Teby needs our understanding and support.
... & shrimp tacos. Definitely shrimp tacos. At the Fresno stock yards (*cough* surf shack) after work, at about 3:30-ish).
The beauty of internet discussions (arguments, debates, etc.)...EVERYBODY'S AN EXPERT! 
Without face-to-face communication (in-person or phone-call) the nuances/context of each person's message is lost. In light of this, an innocuous comment can be construed as condescending, a challenge or an insult that only fuels the subsequent pissing match (what are the odds ).
Sides are chosen, wordy defense logic and other polarizing aftermath.
Its the nature of the beast of 'internet forums. I'm just saying...
Call it a hunch, but I'm guessing this will be followed by another 10 pages of meandering pontification. In my book, its the best entertainment for the buck. 
Hey, this is the interweb.
I never take anything personal and never ASSume it was meant the way i read it.
There's been many times that i've read my own posts and thought it didn't come across as I meant.
I LIKE CAKE!
MusbJim posted:The beauty of internet discussions (arguments, debates, etc.)...EVERYBODY'S AN EXPERT!
In my book, its the best entertainment for the buck.
Fine, send me a buck.
I should have mentioned that I wasn't referring solely to 5speeds in an AC engine but with a Subie and other engines that do not have the limitations of having to cruise at 3K rpm to keep cool.
PAUL / AL:
My post was not directed towards Glenn.. Also I was not being sarcastic regarding his graph.. I really thought it was awesome and can be very helpful to Paul when deciding his trans set up.. In fact I want to also let him know he can venture to the weddle gear site www.weddleindustries.com and use the gear ratio calculator..
Since I didn't want to spend the money for a 5 speed (YET) I spent a good 2-3 hours coming up with different combinations to achieve my wants and needs out of the cars 4 speed transmission, freeway cruising and winding road racer. So I used the gear ratio calculator to simulate as close as I could a 5 speed ratio in a 4 speed trans. And I did this way before I committed to my new 2110.. I had to learn that the ratios needed to be close as not to have a too big of a drop in rpm between gears..
So here it is:
3.88rp 24.5 tire height, 5000 upshift rpm
1st.....3.81 2... 2.06 3....1.22 4.... .82... ( 3300rpm 80mph..)
Glenn's 5 speed:
1. 3.78 2. 2.06 3. 1.58 4. 1.21 5. .82
Pretty close ratios.... but I can see the benefit of the 3rd gear in the 5 speed.
Prior to building my 2110 I advised Pat what I would like out of the car. lol lol half the time he'd roll his eyes, but he actually hit the mark. I'm not saying its the perfect set up by all means because we all have different wants and needs and we all have different driving habits, but for my needs it is.. and that's what really counts!!
Both my power plant and trans work together in concert to move Miss Jill down the long stretch and in the winding foothills without any hesitation. Pat has the rev limiter set at 6500rpm which allows a longer stretch between gears.. My performance off the line through 1st and 2nd has a fairly good stretch, and my acceleration through the gears and a higher top speed at a reasonable rpm are all there (4th 3300 rpm 80mph) (3800 rpm 90 mph) ..
So:
Al
I'm sorry if I came off condescending & arrogant, it truly wasn't my intention AT ALL!!
I can be sarcastic every so often but I would never intentionally disrespect any one on this forum.. I'd buy them a Guinness before I did that, and even then I wouldn't disrespect them.
Second: I only want to help if someone asks, after all isn't that what this is for? Paul is lucky to have so many knowledgeable people to help out. Even not so knowledgeable people like myself like to help by talking about my experiences with these cars.
best regards,
Tebs
Damn I think I was channeling Stan when I wrote this..
MusbJim posted:The beauty of internet discussions (arguments, debates, etc.)...EVERYBODY'S AN EXPERT!
Without face-to-face communication (in-person or phone-call) the nuances/context of each person's message is lost. In light of this, an innocuous comment can be construed as condescending, a challenge or an insult that only fuels the subsequent pissing match (what are the odds
Sides are chosen, wordy defense logic and other polarizing aftermath.
Its the nature of the beast of 'internet forums. I'm just saying...
Call it a hunch, but I'm guessing this will be followed by another 10 pages of meandering pontification. In my book, its the best entertainment for the buck.
Well stated JIm, ....IMHO this is what I call..... "Verbal Intercourse" 
Teby S posted:PAUL / AL:
My post was not directed towards Glenn.. Also I was not being sarcastic regarding his graph.. I really thought it was awesome and can be very helpful to Paul when deciding his trans set up.. In fact I want to also let him know he can venture to the weddle gear site www.weddleindustries.com and use the gear ratio calculator..
I'm sorry if I came off condescending & arrogant, it truly wasn't my intention AT ALL!!
best regards,
Tebs
Damn I think I was channeling Stan when I wrote this..
I didn't take it as directed toward me.
Also I wrote my own gear ratio calculator using MS-Excel... it's just math. you can download it here and play with it. http://www.glenn-ring.com/tech/tranny_calc.xls
The gap between 2nd and 3th will cause a big drop in rpm. This is why manufacturers have added more gears. And electronic shifting reduces the lag between shifts.
Having ridden in it on test day I can attest to it's quickness and since Teby now likes to pass me on the straights after letting me get some distance in front of him I can attest to Miss Jill's speed 3rd gear acceleration. In fact Miss Jill gets away as fast as any girl in a bar when Teby walks up!
Recent pickup lines used by Teby:
Just kidding Teby. I'll buy you a beer after the next drive.
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It is fortunate that the forums have many knowledgeable members here to give advice and experience. Its not always technichal knowledge but sometimes just what works is good to go by. I can tell you in the hot rod and italian car world, people are not nearly as "open" with advice and opinion without first laying out why youre the biggest f$(KING idiot in the world for asking the question without spending 4K on some exotic mechanic first. And if you dont have the 30K for your next "routine" maintenence then the next 4 pages of replies are about how youre poor scum and shouldnt have purchased a car etc...In part why I got out of those cars and am looking for my next build. (a belt change and water pump was 13K!!) Ive not done any german heritage cars yet, and this looks like a blast! I want to build a one of for ME and pretty much not care what the guy next to me says...I do appreciate the different opinions and I really do not think anyone has come across a condescending or rightious at all. And if it did, well maybe I need to suck it up and get thicker skin. I think these cars take a different type of thinking because you need to put a whole package together, its not just 12 cylinders and a giant club of HP, it takes handling, brakes, engine, cooling, weight balance to get it right. To make a 1600 lb, 200HP car perform like a 3500lb-600hp car takes some creativity and not everyone will think alike. They are cars at the end of the day, they drive, we fix them, tinker, build, fail and build again. Ultimately we cant take them with us, so as far as Im concerned we are all car guys(and ladies) so drive it, and if you have an opinion give it. ITs never personal.
Herein we are one big family and for the most part, plays very well with others.that isa rarity on a forum :~)
ND (can I call you ND?), there is no better place to come for ideas and advice on your car than our gathering in Carlisle. Check out the threads in the "Events" forum for info.
The people are pretty darned fun as well. 
Since I started this sh*t storm, I guess it's time to clean it up....
This started some months (maybe a year?) ago in another thread where we were discussing gearing and the benefits of closer spaced gearing (yet still being able to run at highway speeds) a 5 speed allows. Teby, you stated categorically that all you needed was your "secret combo" of gears that you and your trans guy had put together, a 4 speed was as good as a 5 speed and was all that was needed. I asked what gears you were using, but you didn't seem to want to share your "magic ratios" (or whatever you called them).
One of the things I really like about this forum is most people's willingness to share knowledge and help each other (and I don't think anyone can accuse me of holding anything back), so when you again claimed your secret recipe was all you needed- " ...that's a nice 5 speed and I do like the very colorful graph Glenn Nice presentation.... BUT!! you can achieve that with a 4 speed..." but again didn't back it up with any information, I just had to call you out. And yes, with that last statement I went a little too far (and I apologize for that), but I really did want to get your attention.
With the wider 2-3 split your 4 speed narrows the 3-4 gap back to stock nicely so you can use the .82 4th without the huge gap that you normally end up with, but it is still a compromise. Take Terry up on his offer to drive his car- you'll see what close gears can do, and you'll get what all the to do with a 5 speed is about. Al
PS- If we should ever meet I'll buy the first 2...
AL:
No Worries thank, you for the apology!!
I will drive Terry's car In Slo..(like a crazed loon) lol
No doubt there is an advantage to having a 5 speed hell my 911 has 6...lol lol
But my whole statement was for those whom chose to stick with a 4 speed..
Pat downs and I were at lunch the other day and I asked him how to better explain my thoughts regarding my engine and trans set up.. So I will post the whole story in a day or two primarily to help others whom may want the same out of there cars as I did..
The post will be named " Super Secret Engine Build Reveled" (play on words)
No doubt there are a lot of factors involved so I will be covering them as best as I can.
So.. TWO beers it is!! get your happy A$$ to California in June and Join us for the SLO Cruise gathering.. Beautiful weather and a beautiful location!!
Best Regards
Tebs
Ha - I just bought a new 2016 MX-5 (you'll remember as Miata but they've dropped that designation as too girlie). Ironically know as the 4th generation ND series. It has a nice crisp 6 speed - I was rather disappointed in 6th as I though engine would loaf along in a 6 overdrive gear. To my surprize 6th is not over drive but a 1:1 gear - still engine buzz and able to speed up without down shifting.
Good choice, Wolfgang.
My kids had some MX5s-- two NAs and an NB.
One of the NAs got kitted, and had a HardDog Racing racing legal cage, a Momo wheel, and Sparco seats I couldn't fit my fat butt into. It was a riot, and WAY more tossable than the speedster. It was nowhere near as cool, but it was a better car by every single metric that matters.
The NB was stone-stock, and was actually a salvage rebuild. It was ridiculously fun, and fit a full-sized human way better than the NA everybody pines for.
The NC never really did anything for me, but the ND cars are something I'm trying super-hard to figure out a way to justify. We won't have cars like this for sale very much longer, and I'd like to get while the getting is good.
All of them, A-D, offer (bar none) the best fun/dollar equation in motordom. I'll never sell the speedster, but the MX5 is as close as anybody is ever going to come to the original ethos of cheap, stripped-down fun.
The only Miata I've ever driven was a race-prepped "Spec Miata" and I got six laps around Summit Point Racway in West Virginia.
It-was-friggin-awesome.
Well balanced, adequate power (as long as the revs were up), can't comment on Mazda seats as this had a Recarro, also Continental tires, but overall, I loved it.
So, Greg wrote: "Ha - I just bought a new 2016 MX-5"
Well, that clinches it. This guy is Nevah gonna finish his Speedster. We might as well start calling him "Miataguy"
The stock seats are nice. NA seats will fit in a pan-based Speedster, if I'm not mistaken.
My track 1997 Miata was a blast to drive on the track...sort of. Not much could beat it through the corners, but after 3 or 4 years I got tired of being passed by almost everyone on the straight-a-ways.
After working with my tire pressure, roll bar settings and shock/spring settings I was able to dial in just a tiny bit of oversteer....just enough to give me time to make corrections if I came into a corner too hot.
Spinning on the tracking is very embarrassing. (guess how I know). 
Dialing in a bit of oversteer can be fun, but sooner or later......
My V8 Miata was an absolute hoot to drive on the track-for about 10 minutes-then it overheated, but for those 10 minutes STi drivers had to keep a close eye on their rear view mirrors.