Interested in New Speedster

New to this forum
Interested in what company i should buy from, from reading thr reviews it looks like Vintage Speedster in CA. Also what configuration does everone recommend? A far as engine etc....
I've always loved this car. Help from anyone will be greatly appreciated


Thanks

Roland L. Boyd

roland_l_boyd@yahoo.com

Roland.

You might consider JPS, slso in California, No. Hollywood to be exact. They have a nice web site that lists prices. They do a very nice job and are more inclined to do some special wants you may have.
Their paint work is outstanding. It takes longer to get the car but well worth the wait. A lot of features on their car are standard so when you compare their standard car to a VS with the same items they
have as options, the price is about the same, plus you get a level of paint and finish that is super. Try your search engine on JPSmotorsports or JPSspeedsters.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce I have viewed their site and have been very impressed. I dont know if should go with vintage or JPS. Like i said im new to these replicas. Some people have advised me to go with IM in Canada. Maybe i should buy a used replica first to see if i like the car. Im sure however, that i will love the car.

We love our replicas, but they're not for everyone. You have to be part car nut and part masochist. Some people buy them, but end up selling them in one to three years. These cars are good deals, becasue the original owner takes the depreciation hit, while the buyer gets an almost new car, since most speedster owners do not put a lot of miles on their cars.
Ron

No disrespect to Suburu or the new builder, but to me. If it's not a German based car,it loses its charm.Besides Im not into rice burners, I'll stick to my kraut burners,they I understand.

Barry,

Between Dr. Porsche and his son both engines are German designed. The Suby wasn't a Japanese design, but I can appreciate most folks wanting to stay aircooled. I am open to a better mousetrap if that is what the SAW car proves itself to being.

You just about covered it all, Jim. The only thing that I would change is a larger 2110 motor, for the extra torque, but keep the smaller valves, so you can still use the 1 1/2" exhaust system. I'd go with 90.5s over 94s. The 82 mm crank is not that much more, but there is the extra cost of clearancing the case and cam.
Ron

Wow guys thanks for all the info
now im totally confused on what to do
ive never even driven one
i am not a engine/mechanical person, so talkig about all the options i should get totally confuses me
maybe i should spend less and get a used to see if i even like the car first
so ill keep reading the boards and keep adding to my bak accolunt for now
thanks again to everyone who responded

In order of the best to worst, and please note best is very expencive. But worth it.

Intermeccanica
JPS Motorsports
Vintage Speedster-- Mine is and its pretty good and I converted it to a D.I know George preffers the speester lines, and not the high top D
Classic Motor Carrage
Fiberfab
The new Suburu ?Iam still not sold, But I luv air cooled, go figure.

Let me pitch in here for Vintage Speedsters. First take a look at the pics of mine under the files tab, "Dubudee". I have owned this car for over 2 years now. During the build Vintage Owner: "Kirk Duncan" was always available for phone calls and e-mail with no delay. HE worked with my many requests and demands for a quality paint job. Kirk remains avaiable 2 years later. I think he exudes customer relations.

When the car rolled off the covered transport 1600 miles away from Vintage's Facilities I was more than pleased that every single detail had been taken care of and the paint was of a quality that still turns heads and provokes questions as to "who did the paint?" two years later. Two years later it took 1st in category at a large car show competing against two real Speedsters, a 69 Jag, a Sunbeam Tiger, MGAs and Bs, Triumph 2/3/4/6s, MB 190s and 250s, and etc. It also won People's Choice at that show with over 300 cars in all cats.

I have put on 18,700 ,miles, and had hoped to make a run to Arkansas this weekend but the rain ruined that. I have driven this car on 1500 mile runs, and drive it for errands often. It is a blast and I think the quality of build is exceptional.

Problems? As far as VS? I replaced a vert top bow at no cost, a clutch cable at no cost, and one for one exchanged out my Mexican case for a new SCAT AS-41 Case Loaded with SCATs best internals. Two minor glitches and an engine upgrade I wanted.

AS far as what to get? To each their own. Every one of us would do something different if we could do it again. But I consider these as essentials: Discs front, and also back if you go above 2L on the engine, Camber with swings, or rear roll bar with IRS, front roll on either. Wider wheels 5.5" and 185/65/15s with porsche 5 wide pattern set up. Use the Super Cups. Both mirrors, all new urethane bushings, 1776 to 1915cc get a CSP 1.5" exhaust with boxes. Get all tops available in black canvas... vert, full, and quarter. Get a spare mounted, get a 3:88 rear if you plan on touring, with a Flyer 3rd and 4th. External oil cooler with stat and fan, Compufire ign in a 009. If you get a 1776 dual ICTs are great, for more umph get the 40Kads or 40 IDFs. For a bigger engine (or a 1776) I would custom order it through Pat Downs at CB Performace. He works with Kirk and will fix you up. Get Leather, get Cocoa Mats, Get original style speedster seats, get all badges. Color and other options are your choice.

JPS? Great car... I do not disagree with any of the comments above. I live in OKC and so I went with the builder with bigger numbers. I do agree that John at JPS is very receptive to mods and builds a great car. Same goes with IM (for the bucks) I'd love to see a Beck.

Jim Ward

Happy VS owner

Ref; Ron's post on 2110cc engine and above, I have to agree. I do love my 1776 for the simplicity, reliability, and ease of keeping cool and in tune (carbs). However Ron's comments are right on. More torque, good reliabilty, P&Pd stock heads, right cam and carbs, a nice mid build (with all Q parts) in the 2007-2110 range makes sense to me.

As far as educating yourself, subscribe to Hot VWs and Trends, buy the basic books (write and I'll send two). Read this forum and then make a choice. Flared, Stocker, outlaw, canyon carver, Carerra, Custom, street racer.... live your dream... seek those who share the vision. If you want the ultimate, call George Brown... 90% of us are waiting in anticipation for the ultimate replica, in the semi-stock, carver cat. I love this car, I lust for it.

Write indivuduals that you see a car that nears your idea (dreams). Get their input, There are NO dumb Qs, There is a base of knowledge on this forum that will educate you on what basics you will need to make a choice.

The very best researched car on this forum IMHO belongs to John Leader, a JPS head turner that is superb. Another belongs to Dale Bates with an awesome IM Speedster. I like Greg B's VS and read his posts always looking for new info. David, a new member brings our knowledge base up to the Cal Look forums level... he is amazing & one to write. Alan Merkin has more experience than any of us in builds.... pay attention. I watch Paul, because he is willing to explore the boundries.... and of course our MR Wizard George Brown.... who truly knows some stuff... just be nice to him. John Steele is the most approachable builder on this forum which earns big marks with me... I love my VS but John (JPS) has my vote for builder for the common guy. I would highly consider John. Proof? If I had around 28G mad money right now I would approach JPS for a car that takes John Leader's one step beyond in power and a underdash brake handle. Maybe some raw wheels and a carrera look on the lid...sans hubcaps. A Canyon Carver look.

An unsung hero and expert? Theron, our webwizard, HE stays on top of all threads, knows Kirk very well, is an owner, is objective and is an expert in many areas, write him privately. I would! Very smart cooky... check him out! 3 Subjects I know he is a Yogi on? Soundproofing, Stereos, History of all the builders.... He's one guy if I went west again, I would have to hook up with... seems like a good guy, and a true individual....amongst others here, like John L, Paul, Rick, Dale and others.

There are so many folks on here that know so much more than me... I usually lurk and print posts that I might need someday, Bruce, the Johns (3), Eric (?), all our Canadian Buds, Robert Carley, Bruce, David, George and all the pros, Jake, John C, John Steele, Pat Downs. I am missing a dozen names... there is so much talent here that I am humbled. What a great forum!

Write John Leader and Dale Bates..... pick their brains. I would also highly consider Jake for a Type IV. Then follow this forum. Fly to EL Lay, look at the cars... if you have the bucks and 7 months waiting time, go to Vancouver for the best. IF you feel lucky check out Beck.... unproven but very interesting! I would! Beck may be a bust... but if they are a hit,,,well you will own the best in the market at a reasonable price. I would definitely check them out.... carefully though.

Find your local VW expert,,,,, buy him some beer, make friends, Treat him like a stockbroker......... send Christmas cards, hang out at the shop..... make friends, It will pay many times over. Heck I just sent mine a bottle of great wine last week.

JPS, VS, IM, Beck, used CMC.... it doesn't matter in the end... one car will jump out and SPEAK to you. Just do the reseatch and knowledge search to choose wisely.

That's my advice,

Jim
OKC
Survivor, Bi-Lat Lung Transplant 4/25/02/// Alpha 1 Anti-Trypsin Deficiency..... lovin' life, lovin' this hobby! Speedster Replicas Rule!

PS!

Check John H, he has probably the best seat in the house (forum). He bought a beautiful basic Ivory VS-- a used VS a year plus back and is lusting for more. John is one sharp and honest dude in Tennessee (twice removed from the Chicago area) He comes from the same place many of us did........... no knowledge of aircooled cars. I will wager he knows more than any of us from the perspective of "newbie" than any other member, Write John! I love this guy in a non biblical sense! HE IS the Walter Mitty of SpeedsterQwners.com. John and I will meet on HY 7 in Arkansas next summer and celebrate life and the beauty of a 356A Speedster replica! Right John? Anyone ekse want to join us? Make it nation wide! A Celebration!

Jim

Kick ass survivor! Lover of every friggin car pictured in the members Files! Really! Beats the crap out of Miata M's, Toyota MR-2 Spyders, Z-3/4s, 944s, even some Boxters, 350Zs, G35s Audi tts and their beautiful Coupes..... all Vettes. I can buy all of these, (one at a time, haha) but who wants to look like the Phoenix U MBA chump next door who can't even change his own oil? Give me a guy like John Leader who earned his own way....... he knows cars in the sense that most of us do...... besides, I am in competition to outdo his garage. Very cool John. Fine. Like the look of your new garage doors.

Thanks Jim
Alot of excellent info
If i get one I will definetly find my local VW guru and kiss his ass
I have no knowledge of cars engines, mechanical...etc
But like you said I have been reading the post and trying to educate myself
I think maybe to start i should start with a used one
I have found a 88 IM that I am looking at, has 40,000 miles and is in good shape
Just dont know what I should pay for it
But I am definetly going to get one one soon
I thought i wanted a new 911 for performance, but I've always loved these cars, if for nothing else, the classic look
Anyway i'll keep reading

Roland... My rely to you off-line doesn't seem near as comprehensive as what I've just read here this morning (I just came in from boundary exploring)... cull from this post.

I think the black IM is a winner and at that price you're stealin' it even if you have to buy an engine two years down the road.
MM

Wow, Jim, I don't know if I can live up to all of that! It is kind of cool to take something mechanical that you don't know much about, especially when it's not working properly, and learning how to make it tick. And tick it does. I have a survivor Mexi-crate motor which I maintain according to the book (John Muir's book....see the library on this site). I don't push it too hard, as I am aware of its shortcomings. I don't want it to perform evil deeds on HY 7 next summer. Jim, hold that thought.

Roland, for us motorheads, the little German engines are a joy. Barry isn't sold on the Sabaru-powered cars which will become available soon, but for non-motor savy guys, they may be just the ticket. If a modern powerplant which can be plugged into a computer for diagnosis pushes your buttons, that may be a good plan. It's a personal choice. I'm sitting on the fence.
John H.

My $.02 worth-

I

I agree with everything Stan has said. However, if your car is to be a hobby or just plain fun car, which they surely are, 25 - 30K is not really that much. Compare this to a boat or a light plane which will probably be used far less and possibly cost far more. Yes, these toys do something different, but how much of it? I had a Catalina 27' sailboat on Lake Michagan and I would hate to try to figure the dollar/smile value of that; The Speedster's cheap by comparison. And speaking of cars, try to explain the purchase of a 65 thousand dollar Morgan +8 (ha! talk about impractical....and Lucas electrics to boot?) to yourself and others and see what a great value a Speedster is by comparison.
Just my two kroner....again
John H.

You guys have all the insight and are most helpful
No it will not be a everyday car
I like to tinker
dont know alot on how to tinker
but i need a hobby
i am just apprehensive on spending the bucks on a new one, and find out i dont like it
so i have reserved myself to a new one
if things go well
i can fix my used one up
or decide later to spend the money and buy a custum built one for myself
Once again thanks to everyone who has responded to my intial post

Don't forget if you're in the Los Angelos area perussing JPS and/or Vintage, stop by the Peterson Automotive Museum. I think any car buff will agree, it is a MUST!

Im in the begining stages of building my first (brand new)beck speedster. I have owned over twenty used speedster replicas including two IM,s,several CMCs,three Envemos,several Vintages,and so on. This is my first new speedster and im pretty pleased. I bought a pallet car that was assembled except for the motor,tranny,and front suspension. I have known Kevin Hines for many years through telephone conversasions and im happy with everything so far.(he delivered the car to my front door himself) His son Carey has also been very helpful. My car should be completed by the end of next month.Ilove that new car smell. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.
p3561@msn.com
porscheavw

Roland, I scanned thru this and saw that you'd gotten great informative responses, which is typical for the folks here. These guys tell it like it is. I can't add a thing to what they've said except to recommend the 'search' feature for past forum subjects, you'll find answers to questions you haven't thought of yet.

Ive decided to buy a used IM, black on black, 1776 cc engine
Im working out details to have it trucked to me
Found out another person in my town has ordered 2 new IM's one for him and one for his wife

Good choice Roland! Good luck getting it just the way YOU want it.

Jim