New car update

My new IM Speedster should be finished in the next two weeks then shipped to me here in Maryland. According to Henry the seats have a layer of "comfort foam" on top of the usual firm stuff to eliminate numb butt, sound insulation allows you to hear the radio, the non-assisted VW Golf rack and pinion steering works very well, and the Koni shocks work great - he says ride quality is very smooth yet handling is taut (front spindles are stock, non-dropped units). The CB brakes do a great job and oddly enough don't have the usual "chirring" sound associated with cross-drilled rotors. The ESPAR gas heater is icing on the cake for cold weather motoring.

Henry also says the power/torque is awesome - punch it at 3,000 RPM and hold on. My 911 5-speed close ratio gear ratio choices appear to have matched the engine build/car weight combo pretty well. He commented that unlike 911 engined IM's, you don't have to rev up into the RPM band before the power and torque come in.

During Dale B's visit to IM Henry took him for a ride in my car; maybe he can share his impressions of the car's performance?

Looking forward to Carlisle in May and seeing everyones cars...

Well, George, it sounds as if all your meticulous planning has paid off. This is quite an eventful year for you - retirement and a new dream car.

What could be nicer??? (How about some warm weather for the East Coasters)

Hope to see you and the car at Carlisle.

Bob -22 C this morning.

Awesome George. If I were you, I would be sitting on pins and needles waiting for the delivery. You are to be congratulated on the peerless job you did in you planning phase. Enjoy. I hope to see you and your car in Carlisle.

BTW, and this question is for anyone, is it true that it usually rains during the event and that it would be better if was held a month later?
John H.

On George's car: WOW! Looks wise it is very nice. Henry has done his typical job in fit and finish and for an IM it is nothing special. As for some of George's upgrades, the gas heater is very nice. It is quite, warm and a great plus to the car. The drive train is very special, the shifter was a little stiff (not related to the 911 car, see my other post) but was starting to relax on our long drive. The power or the engine was a great fit for the gearing and the acceleration was incredible. (alot like a 1600cc t-4 i guess. wink)
This VW engine actually makes music with the exhaust, one of the nicest I have heard.

The "triple combo gauge" 904 style is slick as is the 8000 rpm tach. I really like the VDO clock in the dash, gives a nice funtional appearance as does George's vintage radio. The seats were comfortable enough, but I really like the roadster seats as in my car. Henry did say that if I changed to Speedster seats my car would handle better just because I was much more securly fastend in place. Speaking of that, Henry installed a very nice dead pedal made of diamond plate Aluminum (I believe) that I would duplicate if I did not have the high beam switch on the floor.

George also had Koni shocks installed with larger rear torsion bars and 19mm sway bars. He is at the same ride height as my car and the KONIS felt great. I am considering them for my next purchase.

The front trunk area is also very nice. Good room for a spare and luggage.

I know that George has a reason for the engine fan he used but I personally did not care for the large/wide "thing?" fan shroud. The only other thing I did not care for was the bump on my head after hitting the roll bar! I knew Henry was going to take off and was ready for the acceleration but I could not keep from being thrown back in the seat! Truely (and I hate this word) AWSOME! The blood and hair will be removed during final detailing.

George, the car is fantastic. Great choices (except one)

George,

Please get a digital camera and post a ton of photos stem to stern. Congradulations on setting the gold standard.

I have a few pictures that I took, I will post them if George allows.

Sure Dale, post away...

George, my hat's off to you.

Looks like your research, experience and patience has paid off in getting you a car that seems to have overcome most, if not all of the things we all grumble about with our Speedsters/Roadsters.

At the same time, you will end up with a classic head turner that has all of the "important" modern amenities and refinements: good heat, lots of performance with braking to match, good heat, better storage/luggage space via a well-thought-out gas tank, good heat, and a nice ride. Oh, did I mention better heat? I wonder if you managed to incorporate tasteful cup holders, hmmmmmm?

All the best with your new car - What a way to swing into retirement!
Looking forward to more pictures!

Gordon
The Speedster guy from Rhode Island (where it's only 5 degrees F)

Geeoge,

Good luck with shipment, I can imagine you are anxious. Many of us are waiting to meet you at Carlisle and see the new wheels - looking forward to it. I heard from Karl and he will be there with your last car too.

I have posted several shots of George's new car. The pictures are in my file and dated 1/24/03. I did not get one of the dash or from the side or front. I think he has a couple of those in another file. I was to busy drooling on the 911 roadster. George's car is sweet, and can PROBABLY outrun my 2165.

George,
Do you have details on your rack and pinion installation.
What steering column was used? What kind of steering linkage to get the shaft in the right place?
Was this setup a one off or does he build this combo often.
Thanks,
Greg B.