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I'm on the east coast, but stumbled upon this for those who may be interested.Timing is not right for me now. I contacted the dealer for the cost and was quoted $28,995. This is a consignment car. This is only my second post also I cannot figure out how to insert the hyperlink. Google Smith Volvo in San Luis Obispo. Curious to see other's opinions on this car. Jeff
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That looks like an incredible good deal!
Listing states fuel injected, but I see carbs, other than that it's got a long list of added attractions.
Look closer Rich. Those are throttle bodies.
That's what you're there for, Stan 
The carpeting belies the 891 miles.
NiCE car!
Carpet is showing too much wear as Rich points out, maybe the motor was changed out for the Raby 891 miles ago?
X2 on the carpet wear unless he constantly wore dirty shoes and used the fender well as a dead pedal. Other than that, it certainly looks like a deal.
Do you think the engine lid closes? It is cracked open in all the photos, is that for more ventilation?
I would tend to think they just didn't latch it for some reason.
Just what is an H4 2.6 liter Type IV Porsche engine? It seems that this is a vast departure from the original 1.7-2.0 liter engines that were installed in the 914 (I used to own a 2.0). Does anybody have any information as to the reliability and usability of this mill?
And....the sales staff reports that Jake Raby also built the tranny. If he did, why didn't he consider a 5-speed.....or.....maybe he did. Any comments?
The car is being offered on consignment and I would assume that the owner has documentation that proves the type of engine that resides in the car. I wouldn't know a Type IV if it bit me in the rear end.
Oh yes, I have an appt to see the car in two days.
It must mean a Type 4 engine. This would be using a 2 liter case from a Porsche 914 or a bus to make a 2.6 liter engine. I believe that this is about what Rich has.
As far as a 5 speed tranny---Jake does make and sell them but for me he created a 4 speed that works a lot like a 5 speed. at 3,500 RPM in 4th I doing 77 MPH. What speed would a 5 speed do at 3,500 RPM, everything else being equal?
Just what is an H4 2.6 liter Type IV Porsche engine? It seems that this is a vast departure from the original 1.7-2.0 liter engines that were installed in the 914 (I used to own a 2.0). Does anybody have any information as to the reliability and usability of this mill?
And....the sales staff reports that Jake Raby also built the tranny. If he did, why didn't he consider a 5-speed.....or.....maybe he did. Any comments?
The car is being offered on consignment and I would assume that the owner has documentation that proves the type of engine that resides in the car. I wouldn't know a Type IV if it bit me in the rear end.
Oh yes, I have an appt to see the car in two days.
H4 is the lay-out of the engine- it's a flat 4. 2.6L means that this is a monster Raby build-- I've driven Rich Drewek's Raby-built 2.6L, and it's not to be trifled with. That's a $20K engine, easily-- probably closer to $30K now.
You wouldn't need a 5 speed with this engine. I guarantee there's enough torque that geared properly, and extra gear would just be extraneous.
The car is a screamin' deal. It seems that the market has topped out. First the $25K Intermeccanica D, and now this. I know $30K buys a lot of love in the mass-produced world, but in the alternate universe we inhabit: you'll never do better for less.
Looks like they jacked up the price a couple grand since the first time I looked. Must be getting some interest.
Yes, I noticed that price increase as well...it must be the marketing power of the SOC. As far as the 2666cc engine (my displacement), while it may be somewhat similar to mine, this one obviously has the Raby down the middle fan shroud, FI (mine has 48 Dellortos). My engine was built about 2000 and moth-balled for 12 years. I have put somewhere near 7,000 miles on it since installed in my Beck, it runs strong, somewhat warm on hot days and does have minor oil leaks. This one obviously has close to 10 years of R&D since mine was built, so it is probably light years better. Perhaps Mr. Raby would pipe in hear and discuss the merits of this particular power plant.
I will drive to San Luis Obispo to see the car tomorrow. The apparent deck lid misalignment (?) is a concern, but I will take a look at it closely. It looks like only dirt on the carpets, not wear, but I'll check it out.
I also note that there is no script on front or rear. I believe that there was some sort of lawsuit that was threatened by Porsche a while back....something to do with copyright infringement...because of the Porsche script that was being used by the replica builders. As a result, the cars were produced with no script, other than Speedster or Spyder on the sides of the cars.
Script is easily installed (I accomplished this on my Vintage Spyder) in a few hours. Most of the time was taken getting the right measurements and checking them umpteen times before drilling the taped holes to protect the paint from crazing.
My concern is with knowing whether or not a Type IV engine is really there. I have no idea what they look like and other than reviewing receipts from Raby or Beck, is there an "easy" way to tell from the top of the engine or is it necessary to put the car on a lift (which I will do anyway) to check for serial numbers, valve covers, etc?
I owned a 1974 914 in the early 1970s, but the engine was placed behind the cabin, and it could be viewed only from the topside.
It also looks as if wide 5s and bumper bars have been installed. These usually are rather expensive options. As for the wheels, the ad states that the owner planned to live near the ocean and wanted to do what it took to prevent rust. Seems that he would have installed aluminum wheels, but I can't tell from the pictures.
I don't particularly like yellow. I would consider purchase of the car, but would go with probably a different color that would compliment the upholstery. Maybe Red, Stone Grey, or even Leaf Green. Would be costly, but if the car could be purchased at the right price, it might be worth a repaint. My first Porsche, a 1961 Convertible D was painted a pale yellow with black upholstery. The seats had black and white houndstooth center panels. Looked great.
One more thing: would such a large-displacement engine get half-way decent gas mileage, and would it run on regular gas?
Any thoughts, Rich....Stan... on anything...especially what I should look for, keeping in mind that I pretty much know Spyders, but Speedsters are a different matter. I've never driven one, but did get a ride by Bill George (possibly a former SOC member) in his Thunder Ranch Speedster in Los Angeles' Mulholland Drive in 2004 or 2005.
Barry, here's a great primer on Type 4's: http://www.tunacan.net/t4/
I believe one of the easier ways to spot a Type 4 is the cylinder offset. #3 & #4 will be slightly forward of #1 & #2. In my Beck (and I suspect all Becks) a Type 4 necessitates the slight change to the "Kafer" bar strut. My particular (Tangerine Racing) exhaust also was an added challenge in that same area. Notice brace at left here needed to be changed for cylinder clearance and the lower brace needed some change form original design. These are photos from my original 1911cc Type 4 install, these alterations eased the installation of the change out to the 2666cc the following year. Beck's chassis having the "Kafer Bar" type design allows for larger engine installs and should be strong enough...as I was told by Carey a couple of years back when I considered the change to the much larger engine.
A Type 4 into a Beck is just an ever so different install. My particular engine swap was done by my local mechanic with some limited advice by Carey along the way.. The Raby engine in the yellow car was no doubt completed by Special Editions. Though Carey is busy guy, I'm sure he could offer you some sound, honest advice about this particular car if you private messaged him so as not to clutter up this thread.
Oh, ya, the badge thing. Obviously Barry, you know the drill about install on those. I consider the whole badge thing a non-event. "Glue or drill 'em if you got 'em"
If I had the cash ready, I'd already be on my way to SLO. I like this car.....bet it goes like stink. Love those bumper guards, I think with Porsche that was a US market only detail. Hey Barry my 2nd Porsche was also a Convertible D, mine was from 1960. I loved that car, back in the day, I chose it over a Speedster because it had roll up windows. We should have kept them, never imagined they would get this valuable, but then again I had a real 289 Cobra in my youth as well. Should have kept that one too! 
Good luck tomorrow! I'll bet if you are serious they will cut you a deal.
Here is an earlier shot of the support bracket before the Type 4 install. Also notice the original brace at the bottom. Compare that to the above photo. The lower bracket change was needed because my Tangerine exhaust snakes around forward of the engine.
The lower bracket needed to be altered since my exhaust runs under that bracket and clearance was so close. This photo is from the original 1911cc engine, but everything else is pretty much the same.
Yup, Carey aims to please.
A Type 4 into a Beck is just an ever so different install. My particular engine swap was done by my local mechanic with some limited advice by Carey along the way.. The Raby engine in the yellow car was no doubt completed by Special Editions. Though Carey is busy guy, I'm sure he could offer you some sound, honest advice about this particular car if you private messaged him so as not to clutter up this thread.
Thanks, Rich. I'll do that. The car was evidently built in 2010, so hopefully Carey will remember it. In my opinion, Carey has always been a stand-up guy.
Is Special Editions Beck's outlet on the West Coast, or is it the actual name of the Beck facility in Bremen, Indiana?
Oh, regards the hood...I think the car dealer was neglectful in lowering between photos.
Where are you located, Rich?
Here's Special Editions in Bremen, IN (15 miles south or so of South Bend) http://www.beckspeedster.com/
When dealing with Special Editions...the only place to go is headquarters. Currently I think they have a dealer in Colorado somewhere. I actually got my car through a dealer of theirs that was in the San Jose area at the time. Not to knock any possible dealers around...simply go directly to the source for the best information on Becks.
For future reference, I live on this part of the island:
...and you, Tom, are a techno-geek
