I pulled the trigger

Just wanted to say thanks to all who responded to my questions. I have been working with Henry from IM ever since the Knott's show and finally hammered out my speedster configuration. Henry has been a pleasure to work with also. I am due to get my new speedster before Christmas. Man, it is going to be a long summer! Just wanted to say thanks to everyone, this is one of the most helpful forums ever.

For those who care, here is my configuration:

58 Speedster, midnight blue, tan leather and top, roadster seats, four speed 4.12:1 trans, 1776 cc Super 90, rack and pinion steering, four wheel disc brakes, wool weave black carpet, electric windows, Nardi wheel, sound deadening insulation in engine compartment, halogen headlights, ivory interior trim, chrome bumper guards, flat style chrome hub caps with crests, and having all insignias chromed instead of gold. There are a few additional minor items, but this is pretty much my new baby!

I am pretty excited, as Henry sends me in-progress photos, I will try to post them.

Congrats! I'm happy for you; I'm also waiting for my new VS due here in a couple of weeks. Enjoy!!!

Oz,
Congrats on the speedster, one thing you may want to discuss with others is your choice of tranny, I had the 4:12 couldn't wait to
change to a 3:88....freeway driving is essential and I believe the
3:88 is best for higher speeds......
But thats me.........

I agree with Vince ... go with the 3:88's unless Henry has a slightly taller than stock fouth gear .

Alan M

Hey Oz, that's the exact colour/interior combo that I would chose if I ordered a new IM. Congratulations on your purchase.
A 4.12 is fine if you go with a 0.82 final drive over the stock 0.89. If you're going to stay with the stock 0.89 final drive then I agree with Vince's advice, if you do a lot of highway driving. I have the 4.12/0.82 combo in my 2110 motor and I'm very happy with it.
Ron

Thanks for the advice on the trans, I will talk to Henry about the fourth gear and see what he says.

Has anyone researched the California registration process for an IM? I downloaded a lot of forms and procedures from the CA DMV website and it is a little confusing on how I am going to get my speedster registered in CA. They mention that to get one of the first 500 exemptions your car can not be a turnkey kit car. I know Henry gets the engine installed in Washington, but when I take delivery, is it not a turnkey car? Also, the actually steps, DMV, CHP, Brake and Light Station, SMOG Exemption Certificate are not clearly described on the website. If anyone could shed some light on the actual process or steps they went through to get an IM registered in CA that would be appreciated. What worries me is that IM does not start with a VW pan, so the year of the tube frame is 2004. The forms from the DMV want to know who built the car too. They want to know if I built it or if someone else did, and if someone is did who are they. I am concerned if I say a manufacturer from Canada did, then the Smog Exemption for SPCN does not qualify. Because they specifically say that it can not be built by a manufacturer or remanufacturer.

Please, Please, anyone who has registered an IM in CA, please shed some light. I am nervous that I am going to get my new speedster in December and go for one of the 500 smog exemptions right after the new year and will not be able to get my speedster reg. in CA. Thanks in advance for your help.

So what's the 3.44:1 transaxle for?

Bob

Good question.

I have 3.44 with a 0.93 4th gear, having initially gone shopping for a 3.88 0.89/0.82 combination.
The setup avoids having such a large gap between 3rd and 4th gear albeit at the expense of being able to get of the line... Its mechanically strong too.

My 1641 struggles a little with this gearing (and I wouldn't recommend it for such a small engine) but my forthcoming 2270 T4 should love it!

Simon

Oz

I hate to rain on your parade. But Do your home work. I know one of the problems getting the sb 100 slots (500 a year) is the car has to have two invoices one for the car and one for the engine and trans installation. From what I've heard from the Cobra people if it has one Invoice it's a no go. Make sure you pay your Cal taxes and do not lie about the amount paid its a felony! Make your appointment with DMV NOW for Jan 1st to get one of those numbers don't wait the sooner the better, there will alot of New Cobra people Hot rodders to mention a few going after those numbers. Keep in mind a lot of these cars are going oversea,s and to other states with friendlier registration. Because this site is being watched by big brother people may not be willing to share how they did it. Do it right and sleep well at night. I hope I didn't come down to hard, just make sure you know what you are getting in to. Good luck and lets us know how things develop.

Dick

Thanks Dick, I will talk to Henry about the invoicing. I know it can be done, because I met a few folks at the Knott's show who just got thier IM speedsters in 2003 and registred them in CA.

I happen to be a CPA, so in no means do I intend on not paying the appropriate amount of license tax and fees. I would be happy to pay whatever the state wants as long as I can get the smog exemption. I will take your recommendation and call the DMV for an appointment now.

Anyone know the steps in the process, Do I go to the DMV first, second or last. I know I have to get a CHP inspection and Brake and Light inspections, just wondering if anyone can help. If anyone can help or let me know directly, my email address is oz@aspenadvisory.com

Thanks to everyone.

Oz:

My advice would be to talk to Henry before you do anything. I am sure he knows the process needed to register the car legally.

Bob

You are going to love the rack and pinion steering, and will be the envy of anyone who drives your car and doesn't have it.
Ron