New to list - IM Questions

Hi, I'm new to the list and am here because I'm interested in the Intermeccanica Roadster. I know little or nothing about Porsches in general, and even less about 356's. I had a Karman Ghia back in the 70's and wished it was a 356 the whole time I drove it ;-)
1) Does anyone have any experience registering their IM in California? Smog-related mods required? Catalytic converter required?
2) Is car insurance more/less expensive than a "normal" production car?
3) I was considering the 140Hp engine (versus the 165Hp). Any good/bad
comments?

Thanks,
Dave

try the search fuction on the site, all the questions you have asked, have more than a months worth of answers.

Welcome! I'll let the IM owners sign in on the vehicle specs. As for insurance, I've always had best luck keeping all my vehicles under one policy, AAA currently, State Farm is past years. Cost not outrageous, depends on your record. I use "declared value" here in CA, with 7500 annual mileage limit (cost goes up a bit above that).

Lots of info here. Enjoy the ride.

Thanks! I'll have a look around for my answers.

Dave, if the 140 Hp is a 2110cc I've had excellent experience with my IM with a CB2110. 18,000 miles, strong running engine, plenty of torque and power. But as most will agree, get the most HP you can afford in a reasonable street build. With the Type 1s IM uses that would probably be the 2332.

Feel free to write owners about their IMs. I've never regretted buying mine and Henry is a great builder and good guy. Each car is truly custom built to meet the customer's expectations.

IM has entereed the water cooled competition and offers a 2.0l 8v engine with no turbocharger. The great thing is that you can add a lower compression head and a turbo to get well over 200HP. You can then chip the engine to tune the HP and torque curves to suit your driving preferences.

Tuning and performance mods are less expensive than for a Porsche 4 or 6 cyl engine and performance is right on up there once done with the tuning.

Tomm

Dave, Hi, Im building a car with IM as we speak. I agree with Jim. He gave me advice when I was where you are today. Cant go wrong with Intermeccanica. Ive driven a few cars, and hands down, he produces the gold standard for 356 cars. Yes, they car more costly, but you can SEE and FEEL where the extra $'s are going. When I see one for sale, they hold their value far beyond the "competition", (I use that term loosely).

...and to pay proper homage to Howard, it will never sound like a 911 unless you put a real 911 engine and exhaust in the ass end.

My IM will sound like an angry Rabbit!

Grrrrr!

Tomm

BTW, a good source of information on water cooled VW engines, tuning and what GTI drivers think attracts women are the VWFIXX.COM forums. Lots of tuning data well categorized.

Tomm -- no longer guilty of freeloading here

Tomm, You mean "Roger Rabbitt" dont you? But you are right! A 3.2liter Carrera/915 transaxel should have a proper exhaust note. Mine will be custom tuned for power 1st, and for sound. There is a Porsche racing outfit/service outfit in my area, called Power-tech motors, Porsche all day long. Im having a custom chip programmed after I get it home from Vancouver. No smog crap, Euro headers, specs, exhaust. Should be able to BBQ some Rabitts, not to mention,muscle car pretenders, Ferrari, Aston and the like. Isn't this FUN! Kidding aside, Henry will build you something special Im sure. Cant wait to see how yours develops. Howie

Howard, I really hope Henry times my delivery to align to the summer BBQ! The waiting right now is excruciating for me. Henry is spending far too much time on YOUR ride! Perhaps you should let me know when you are going to be in Vancouver to pick up your car and I will drive up for a meeting with Henry and just happen to meet you.

I meant a VW Rabbit, not Jessica's Rabbit. Now that I think of it, I just may name the car Jessica and get a pinup decal made.

Tomm

My pinup is in my photos section. Who makes decals?

Tomm, Jessica Rabbit has always had that "come hither" look. If you could get a decal made from the picture.......? Im glad Im not the only one chomping at the bit. I plan to go to Vancouver in late May/Early June to get "fitted" ergonomically for seat height, steering,clutch/brake pedals, and gearshift and mirror placement. I feel condident that I'll be driving by July(I hope), but there are several cars, in different stages of build, soooooo we wait.

Tomm,
I have had custom vinyl decals with a very light, reuseable adhesive from a company called I-ZOOM Graphics. http://www.izoomgraphics.com/ Give them a call and tell them what you want. Good guys and great service.