Just ordered a Subie Powered Speester

Welcome to the Madness  !  Your questions are for the most part your personal choice i.e. color, stone guards etc.  Since you reside in SoCal you'll probably want to do frequent follow up visits....it may, work out for you, should be an interesting read. 

I'd go with a Subaru 5 speed (I think SubaruGears now has 6 Speeds too?)  I'd also go with a canvas full opening canvas roll back sunroof.  I also like the Vintage 190 wide five alloys wheels over chrome or silver steel wheels - for the look and lightweight it's $ well spent.

I've been reading with interest the SE Beck build plans with a mid-engine installation and cradle assembly to hold the engine.  Plus the chassis mods they have made.  I think a 230 hp- mid-engine car makes for better handling with that much horsepower in the rear end.  Not at all familiar with what JPS is doing with tubular chassis vs old VW pans.  Would be interested in hearing JPS plans - they don't post much here.

I like the old duller colors but they just don't pop.  You're not trying to pass it off as an old car so i'd go with super gloss shiny paint. The LED lights and stone guards can be added later if desired.  I'd guess the stone guard reduce the headlight illumination.  I can see going with a heated rear window and good defroster vents plus opening rear 1/4 windows.

Sound like a fun build - great that you are nearby and can check on build progress.

Slate gray with a red interior is a perfect, classic color combination.  That’s going to be a very nice car. 👍

Solid color with nice clearcoat would be beautiful. Modern headlights would be nice. I'm not sure what they use as OEM?

KIWI...stand by for an earful from folks that know...and i'll leave it at that

Kiwi---Alan Merklin's advice about frequent follow up visits was perfect and since you are in Socal I'definitely become Patrick's most frequent drop in even take him to lunch and even become a friend.  

One thought---at first JPS did not add the chrome surround for the rear windows so be sure to get than on your car like the originals had.  

Sounds like you have a well-thought out coupe on order and congratulations! If you are up to it, It would be great to see maybe bi-weekly pictures and progress reports.  Patrick might like to offer some input on such a project too.

Best of success with the new build!

Guys thanks for all the quick responses. 

@WOLFGANG unfortunately a 5 speed is not offered in the semi-custom at JPS and he says its not necessary.  Its going to be a rear engine build,

• Tubular steel chassis

• Hand-laid, steel reinforced fiber glass body with Sikkens paint

• Disc brakes, front and rear

• Front suspension: fully adjustable twin torsion I-beam 

• Rear suspension:  torsion bar with swing axle and adjustable spring plates

• All new r 2332cc or Subaru power.

• New original-style painted 4-lug wheels with 185 x 15 tires, with available 5-lug upgrades I added 5 lug

• Leather trimmed three spoke steering wheel

• Full leather interior

• Original style folding convertible top and side curtains

• Warranty 12 months 12,000 miles

@Jack Crosby I will definitely ask about the chrome.  

Anything I am missing on this thing?  Thanks again.

Some people are giving him coupe advise.  He said he ordered a Speedster.

Sorry I read JPS and guess assumed it was a Coupe!  Speedsters do get wet inside - leather is not good choice if it does get wet.  

Nah, leather's not a problem.  Mine got wet several times with no issues.  The carpet is what you have to worry about.

What Lane said---I guess I have coupes on the mind.  But same advice on frequently check ins.

Alan's & Jack's posts had excellent points.  Allan's "follow your money" and Jack's "don't be above bribery" are so appropriate.

It sounds as though you've measured the financial risk you're taking.  You probably already know this, but it may be worth repeating.  Aside from a solid paper trail, stay loose, pick your exceptions carefully, the end game is to have a safe, finished, and street legal car, not to win arguments.  You'll know you're doing it right when you feel FINE.

I'm with Wolfgang on the 190 wheels.  I have a set, they're neat and a good value. 

Dear All,

Thanks for the great advice.  I think the problem is with Custom Built projects John is doing vs. the quick delivery semi-custom jobs Patrick does at JPS classics.  This is why I can't get a 5 speed because the project then becomes custom and will take 12-14 months.  I live in Southern California so rain should not be an issue as I won't be driving in it anyways and it will be garage kept.  

Anyone know a great mechanic in the area?  Local to West Los Angeles?  Just in case need some quick fixes  I unfortunately am not mechanically inclined at all

Respectfully, I have to ask:  12-14months to assemble one custom speedster ? 

Correct @Alan Merklin

To be fair when I contacted Beck it was about the same as well

I don't think it takes 14 months to build, Al-- I would imagine that it's a scheduling thing. I doubt it takes 3 months to actually build the car, but if a bunch of people are in line ahead of you, then there will be a backlog.

Currently on month 16 with Projekt Spyder. Admittedly I only spent about 6 of those cracking on it full time...

Does Greg build a subie speedster with IRS and 5 sp subie tranny?  Is he not in South CA?  I was just wondering if you checked him out? 

Guys I have a question.   

Which engine would you choose 

type iv Porsche engine from fat performance 180 hp 200 pounds of torque or

suburu engine 

One is a near drop in / plug and play. The other has a whole lot more to solve and consider.

Not really apples to apples. 

For me? Ride or die air cooled in my speedster. 

If a mid engine Subaru engine can be done in a Speedster/Coupe then why not a mid engine Porsche 914 with 5 speed trans?  Probably noisier. 

You can't get away from the Aircooled fan noise that is for sure.

KIWI:  I'm partial to the 914 motor.  When my car was built, given the option, I would have chosen the 914 motor.  I can't give solid technical shmecnical reasons why the 914 should be chosen over the Subie, I just think the noises the 914 motor makes matches the car. 

I have 2 914 engines in my storage barn. A '74 1.8L with dual Solex carbs and a 2.0L with dual Holley-webers.  I drove  a  new '72 914 for 10 years  and enjoyed it.  So the T4 is a 45 year old engine (~1976 was last year) now.  Even when new the heat was a little smelly and forget about AC.  I probably put 100k miles on the engine. So the 914 has a strong bottom end and better oiling/cooling - they still leak oil though.  A Subaru engine is more modern - most have VVT and modern efficient fuel injection.  Think SE Beck said they like to use a 1996-2007 engines to avoid some of the newer sensors/immobilizers.  The down side is the need to run lines/radiator for water cooling.

What is the difference in cost?

T4 - core $400, rebuild with larger P&C, new cam, carbs $2500 (parts), new cast flywheel from bus/machined $200, Exhaust $1500 (gulp). Hope core doesn't have cracks in heads!  Stock gauges and sensors can be used. 150 hp reasonable.

Subbie - core $600 w/all wiring and ECU/sensors, rebuild $1200, Kennedy engine trans adapter $600, ECU wiring alterations $600, radiator and cooling system $1000, exhaust $600. 200 hp reasonable.

My SWAG. Those that have done can flesh this out better.  Seems about the same?

I think it boils down to ... AC, vs Watercooled. 

AC & WChave their issues 

So if you want air,  cruise and heat subie is the way to go...

If you want AC fine but it is older tech after all.

I have to second WOLFGANG's post relative to the 914/TypeIV's durability.  I bought a '73 van with about 80K miles, it had been used and abused.  I replaced the oe fuel system with a center mounted carb, replaced the pistons & cylinders with used ones, and it ran like a top until I sold 4 years later.  I clocked another 50K miles. 

WOLFGANG: I chuckled at you mentioning "SWAG".  I hadn't heard it since I did guestimating years ago.

The price of the 914 is more.  It’ sound better and at the end of the day the car is a Porsche.   I am not building or installing these so keep that in mind.   It’s a 2650cc. I originally really wanted a subi but I think he air cooled might be more fun.   

Actually for me the wine of desire is the Wine of a 6cyl 911 aircooled engine. : )