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New Speedster Build

FM Former Member
I'm looking to build a Chesil Speedster, starting the early part of next year.

I'm looking to create an authentic speedster within reasonable cost constraints. I want the speedster to be cable of taking myself, my wife and child to the beach on the very occasional sunny days (especially after the last English summer we have just had), but equally want to be able to take it for a blast down the country lanes, after a tough day at work.

I'm new to the whole VW seen, but have purchased and absorbed the 'How to Modify Beetle Suspension, Brake etc' book, the Chesil build manual, and the various excellent build diary web sites.

After taking in all this information, I'm still stumped in a couple of areas. Engine choice for example. Modified engines seem to be the norm, but what sort of performance can I expect from say 1641cc, 1800cc or 2000cc type 1. I know this is dependent on carbs, cams etc, but some rough guide lines would be most helpful. I'm just in the process of selling my Seven type replica, and the performance is staggering; but this is a factor of the reduced weight. I have been told the speedster comes in at about 750kg, and I'm therefore looking for an engine to produce around the 110bhp mark.

Also the chassis needs to have IRS type rear suspension to give me the handling I'm looking for. Chesil seem to use the IRS chassis and change the front framehead. This looks like major surgery. The book I have read described fitting the IRS rear suspension to a swing axle chassis. Is there a reason why this is not more common. I would have thought that you would be better only carrying out one major amount of chopping the chassis about (ie. shortening) as opposed to two.

The forums opinions would be appreciated.

Many thanks in advance,


Phil Holzer
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FM Former Member
I'm looking to build a Chesil Speedster, starting the early part of next year.

I'm looking to create an authentic speedster within reasonable cost constraints. I want the speedster to be cable of taking myself, my wife and child to the beach on the very occasional sunny days (especially after the last English summer we have just had), but equally want to be able to take it for a blast down the country lanes, after a tough day at work.

I'm new to the whole VW seen, but have purchased and absorbed the 'How to Modify Beetle Suspension, Brake etc' book, the Chesil build manual, and the various excellent build diary web sites.

After taking in all this information, I'm still stumped in a couple of areas. Engine choice for example. Modified engines seem to be the norm, but what sort of performance can I expect from say 1641cc, 1800cc or 2000cc type 1. I know this is dependent on carbs, cams etc, but some rough guide lines would be most helpful. I'm just in the process of selling my Seven type replica, and the performance is staggering; but this is a factor of the reduced weight. I have been told the speedster comes in at about 750kg, and I'm therefore looking for an engine to produce around the 110bhp mark.

Also the chassis needs to have IRS type rear suspension to give me the handling I'm looking for. Chesil seem to use the IRS chassis and change the front framehead. This looks like major surgery. The book I have read described fitting the IRS rear suspension to a swing axle chassis. Is there a reason why this is not more common. I would have thought that you would be better only carrying out one major amount of chopping the chassis about (ie. shortening) as opposed to two.

The forums opinions would be appreciated.

Many thanks in advance,


Phil Holzer
S shambly
Phil,

On the IRS versus swing-axle issue, you could convert from either direction as you say. I think starting with an IRS is the least hastle, because its easier to get a front beam sub-assembly than IRS rear arms and transaxle from another donor. You might find that the framehead of your swing-axle is rotten and needs replacing anyway as well....

I have a 1641cc engine at present, with stock heads, Scat C25 cam, kadron carbs, mallory vacuum advance distributor, CDI, and chesil stainless steel exhaust. Performance is suitable for boulevard cruising only, especially with the 3.44 final drive of my gearbox. I'd always planned on an upgrade after the first year of having the car on the road (hence the gearbox choice) and will be fitting a 2270cc Type 4 over this winter. That's going from one extreme to the other but I think you'd be more comfortable somewhere in the middle ground, especially having come from a seven.

Mine might be one of the build sites you've already stumbled across; if not its at www.hambly.org.uk/chesil

If I can help in any way, drop me a line.

Simon
execk2execk2
This is the loaded question and answer club. As for the motor there is a huge selection. Mine for example is a simple dual carbed 1600cc, deep sump, Monza headers and it runs well. You need to be careful with the HP needs on thses cars. One, since they are light will give you an unsafe car if you go overboard. Also, think reliablity. A 1776 is a stroked 1600, very reliable as well.

I would spend some money on 4 discs. As for the swing or IRS suspension? Some like the swing.....I have it. It makes for rear end swing... but I also have a camber compensator on it. So you get the reliablity of the cornering with almost the original 356 feel. But, IRS rocks too...

You may think about heaters, defrost since lets face it the summer you had was a freak of nature.

Whatever your choices are you will soon find yourself lusting about going for a drive all the time. I can't wait until something runs out and I need to go to the store. Especially now since we are in FULL FALL colors.

Chesnil builds great cars too. Can't wait to see it. Post pics as you go along, alot of us would love to see where you are in the build when you start.

Check out Simons build too....very informative

Cheers

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