interesting "Porsche" 550 spyder replica

Based on the stick shift and the handbrake location I'd say it's a replica but no idea on the manufacturer.

@aircooled, @VSpyder, look at the rear suspension in this car. I really hope this is the direction forward.

@Robert M posted:

Based on the stick shift and the handbrake location I'd say it's a replica but no idea on the manufacturer.

I edited my post. I was wondering about the engine being real Porsche or having replica valve covers.

@LI-Rick posted:

@aircooled, @Vintage Motorcars Inc, look at the rear suspension in this car. I really hope this is the direction forward.

I'm ignorant. Is the suspension an advanced design? Can you elaborate?

Almost all of the Vintage Spyders have a swingaxle rear suspension. Unlike the Beck, they do not use a torsion housing/ torsion bar setup, but instead use a coilover shock arrangement.

Here are a few picks of an IRS that Vintage produced in 2004.  I don’t believe they have built any like that in years. I’m hoping Greg’s new design is more like the one posted above, with a twin H arm arrangement.

@americanworkmule posted:

I edited my post. I was wondering about the engine being real Porsche or having replica valve covers.

It look (to me) like it's a VW Type 1 engine with replica valve covers and a Porsche style shroud.  If you click on the pic to make it larger you can see the bottoms of the intake manifolds better.

Rick.  Yes, This is what Greg is trying to get built. He’s even optimistic about doing the front in a similar fashion. ……Bruce

Type 1 engine with a bizarre exhaust system dictated by the "improved" suspension. Maybe it is better. Someone should run some skidpad and slalom tests to prove it.

Ed, that “bizzare”  exhaust system has been used for more than 20 years on mid engine sand buggies.  Looks like the primary tubes are close to equal length.

As for skidpad and slalom tests, you are probably right, there wouldn’t be much advantage. Where an IRS shines is real world roads. There is a reason all the manufacturers are now using IRS in not only hi performance cars, but in SUV’s and pickup trucks.

It's a type1 engine with a Bergmann(or other, can't tell) 911-style shroud and the same fake 4-cam valve covers I have.

I'd like to know if that's a 901 or 915 trans. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know them apart, especially with all that chrome hiding the gearbox.

The body looks very Beck/TR but the chassis is highly modified especially in the back. I do really like the "high rail" design, similar to the original 550 toward the end of the production run. The "high rail" and those diagonals make a pretty stiff truss connecting the front and the rear.

Those rear brakes look pretty awesome to me, as does the suspension.

IMHO it is pointless to remove the swing axle unless you lose the front beam too. The 4-bar rear suspension would work just fine, but like I said, lose the front beam.

The primaries on that exhaust system are pretty long- I'd like to see a dyno chart with pipes like that!  And yeah, I can't tell either if it's a 901 or 915, but I really can't see taking the weight penalty for a 915 with even a huge hp Type 1 engine in such a light car- it's just not needed.  Doesn't mean it isn't, though...

It’s the Spyder version of the GT40 “Bundle of Snakes”.

I am curious as to why there is a resonator looking can before the muffler?  The v-band clamps look like it would be relatively easy to remove for maintenance.

@LI-Rick posted:

I am curious as to why there is a resonator looking can before the muffler? 

I'm wondering if it's a catalytic converter. I ran one on my 930 engine (right after the electric cutout).

@Michael Pickett posted:

I'm wondering if it's a catalytic converter. I ran one on my 930 engine (right after the electric cutout).

I guess that's possible, but why?  Maybe some state has a crazy rule like that.

I don't think so. I just did it because She Who Grips The Grab Bar didn't like the smell of unburnt gasoline in daily driving.