Good day everyone. I am in the process of finalizing the purchase of a vintage speedster 356 speedster replica.
I have never owned anything like this. I have heard about valve adjustments needed periodically. Can anyone tell me how often?
Also what else will I be needing in terms of maintenance. The car won't be driven much roughly 2k miles for year. I am getting 120hp 1915.
Any input is welcomed
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Valve adjustment is typically every 3000 miles. I usually drive less than that each year and I adjust the valves and change the oil at the start of each driving season in Michigan.
When you adjust the valves you will need to know if you have steel or aluminum push rods.
@Michael McKelvey posted:Valve adjustment is typically every 3000 miles. I usually drive less than that each year and I adjust the valves and change the oil at the start of each driving season in Michigan.
When you adjust the valves you will need to know if you have steel or aluminum push rods.
And you can tell which ones you have with a magnet. I suggest watching numerous YouTube videos regarding the process. It is very easy to do, just remember to adjust the valves with the engine cold. Don't start it to move it into position or anything. Set that up the night before if you need to. After you adjust the valves run the motor for a few minutes to warm the oil then change the oil. Annual maintenance is now complete.
I always check air pressure before each drive. It's best to run it lower than the recommended psi listed on the sidewall of the tire. The car is very light, especially the front end, and correct tire pressure is vital to a comfortable ride. PSI for most runs between 18-22 in the front and 20-26 in the rear. I usually ran 18 in the front and 22 in the rear and my car rode quite comfortably and it handled very well also.
Every other year or so add some grease to the front beam using the Zerk fittings.
There really isn't a lot to maintaining the car but don't ignore it either.
Are you purchasing new from Vintage Motor Cars California? I believe their standard engine now is 2332cc/145hp. I have that in my 2019 VMC and highly recommend it.
Jim Ruiz
Westchester, CA 90045
@jprpdr posted:Are you purchasing new from Vintage Motor Cars California? I believe their standard engine now is 2332cc/145hp. I have that in my 2019 VMC and highly recommend it.
Jim Ruiz
Westchester, CA 90045
No, I am purchasing from Matt at Vintage Speedsters in Arizona.
New or used?
Jim Ruiz
Westchester, CA 90045
@jprpdr posted:New or used?
Jim Ruiz
Westchester, CA 90045
New
If you are interested,this site has a lot of information about the history of Vintage Speedsters/Arizona.
Jim Ruiz
Westchester, CA 90045
@jprpdr Are you hinting that it maybe a bad move to go with Vintage Speedsters/Arizona? I welcome any feedback I can get but realistically, I am interested in feedback from the last few years.
All I can say I that I reached out to both Vintage Motorcars and Vintage Speedsters and Matt from Vintage Speedsters was the most responsive, forthcoming, and provided the best guidance for a newbie. Gave me a good feeling as a buyer.
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@mig1980 , I see you're just up the hill from me a few miles.
If you'd like to chat about choosing a builder and support in this area, send me a Private Message.
- Mitch
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@Sacto Mitch much appreciated. Will do.
