real life reliability and longevity

I'd like to buy a Speedster replicar and the engine is the only question left. This is NOT a post about the Type1 vs Type4. I would like feedback from owners of engines built by the likes of Pat Downs, Jake Raby and other prominent names mentioned in this and other forums. Engines that have 10,000 or hopefully many more miles on them. How you drive them- to the grocery store and back or daily driver that cruises at 65-75? I'd like to know if they are tempermental (ie if the timing is off a couple of degrees do they spit, sputter and backfire, do they leak oil, have to adjust carbs every 2 weeks if you want them to run, or had to rebuild top end at 30,000 miles etc). Would like to hear about stock 1600's to the rocket sleds. Thanks

Pat Downs built the 2,110 type 1 in my ex-convertible "D"; it makes good power, starts easily, will idle smoothly at 700 RPM, has no hesitation or flat spots, will cruise all day long at 70 mph (about 3,250 RPM), and pulls hard from 3,500 to 6,500 RPM. I drove it on weekends to run errands, etc., and sometimes drove it on the commute to work (summer and winter), about 70 miles each direction in 75 mph commuter traffic.

It will probably need a valve job at around 50,000 miles.

If you have good carburetor linkage the carbs will stay synchronized; if you have a good fuel filter and air filters junk shouldn't plug the jets.
(Message Edited 6/30/2003 4:44:54 PM)

Like George, I have a 2110 in my IM from Pat Downs. My IM is my daily driver, sun, rain, snow ( I live in Columbus Ohio ). The engine runs great............

Sir, I can only speak for myself....

I have several customers that watch this board that can give you an opinion, maybe they will.. Feel free to emaile me for a reference list, or see "Our customers say" on my site for testimonials.

I have a Raby T4 in my Speedster and I it's great. I use it as a weekend driver. It's a blast driving on the back roads. Had the T4 for over a year now with NO problems. You can't go wrong with Jake as a choice.

I have a Raby 2165 cc type 1. Daily driver with 10,000 miles rain and snow with no problems.so far so good.

Raby aircooled Type IV 2270....

We purchased two engine/ trans combos at the same time laying out a rather handsome amount of "quid" I am an auto shop instructor for Youth Services Agency in Maryland where we build restore Speedster replicas as a unique auto skills venue for at risk youth ...talk about capturing a groups attention !

Totally pleased is being conservative in my recommedning Jake's products he is totally well informed , takes the time to discuss concerns and delivers all the he promises in a timely and professional manner

Now for the good stuff ! These engines are a true work of mechanical art ...Jakes own expression of power and reliability packed into a highly detailed engine that arrives well packaged in a custom built wooden crate complete with a very detailed engine manual inclusive of the dyno run as well as installation instructions .

The Type IV is god awful fast and very reliable and runs cool as a cucumber even in 90' plus temps!...Top end is at this time unknown as I am into my 50's now and common sense has kicked in ! The pulling torque is what actually makes the actual horsepower and Jake has harnessed this power into a fine overall product !

Talk with Jake and invest some time before you invest the money you will not be disappointed ! Finally .....ask questions as the only dumb question is the one that goes unasked.

Feel free to privately email me @ drclock@hotmail.com

Alan Merklin

Bob, David and Alan...Glad you were able to shed some personal light on the subject.. and I'm also glad that my engines are still going strong with no issues to speak of..

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. Hope to see several more posts attesting to the reliability and durability of built engines.