kit manufacturers

I have for many years wanted build a car. In my dotage I find there are quite a few people who make 550 Spyder replicas. Great look. The mid rear engine superb. My problem is that as a former engineer and bug owner (this should enrage the faithful) I cannot imagine a worse suspension set up than trailing links and swing axles. What was old man Porshe thinking? Is there any one out there that makes a kit with real adjustable suspension? Like twin wishbones at the front and an S type de Dion out back? I really want one.

look for an english manufacturer, martin and walker.they make a lovely car. also look for angela and steve lanes spyder, a 550a kit from thunder ranch. theirs is set up with 911 bits and pieces. a real work of engineering art.

For the front, you might want to think about something like this little nugget(found over on speedsterowners):
http://a-arm.com/_wsn/page3.html
For the rear, if you want full adjustability, why are you thinking dedion (keeping swing axle) instead of full IRS?

Mark

DeDion is probably more in common with a five link solid axle than with a swing axle. Having lived with the DeDion (however you spell it...) in a couple of different guises in this car as we changed it, I can honestly say I'm pretty sure I'd pass on it next time around.

Negatives:
1. Heavy unsprung weight. No where near as much as a solid axle as the final drive is not suspended. You could built it lighter, but still...
2. Thrust angle can be adjusted, but the rest, as with a solid axle, is not adjustable. Weld with care. Or re-weld as we did...

Positives
1. Good roll stiffness
2. Wonderful power delivery thru it. Absolutely zero axle tramp even with large amounts of torque.
3. Tires never change camber in relation to eachother (no tire jacking as with swing axle).

Love the front of our car. We do experience camber change when the trunk is heavily loaded but not a bothersome amount. Wonderful feedback thru the steering (911 rack, turbo tie-rods).

Build your car your way - have fun!
angela

Gee, thanks all
Ain't the internet great!

kali shu

Tim