tom231 posted:Jethro-Did you mean you were the third owner of the car I am referencing?
No. Jethro is the third owner of the car he currently has. His current car was built for John Eastman who eventually sold it to John Kuhlow who sold it to Jethro.
There a few members in the Phoenix area. Paul Ellis made an unbelievable offer to rebuild Cory's engine in Phoenix! I would never suggest taking advantage of someone so generous, but maybe you could offer to make an inspection worth his time. I realize he is an aircooled guy, but obviously he is a skilled and competent mechanic. Just a thought.
Btw, I am about 80 miles east of Houston. It's always nice to find Speedster interest close to home! Welcome to the madness!
James-Where east are you?
Do you know how I could get a hold of Paul? I would be more than happy to re-imburse Paul or any of the Phoenix members if they could get some eyes on the car. Several months ago I bought another vintage car from an Internet CEO, one of those friend of a friend deals, in Palo Alto, CA. It was a silver metallic car so pictures had some shadowing but seller stated paint/everything was great. Soon as they were pulling the car off the truck I could see the hood was lighter than the rest of the car. Of course no response from seller and it cost some good $$$ to fix. Always good to get a pair of eyes on the car.
Subarus with 43000 miles are "low mileage." It's a 300k engine, easy.
They overheat if there is air in the system. They get air in the system in one of two ways: 1. they are emptied and re-filled by a mechanic who does not properly bleed or "burp" the air out; or 2. They develop a head gasket leak, allowing spent exhaust into the coolant.
Obviously, both of these issues are fixable, one more easily than the other.
The third way they overheat is if the cooling system is designed wrong. It could be too small or lack enough air flow over the radiator. That's not usually it with a non-turbo motor though, so if it's running hot it's probably 1 or 2.
2.5L, 4-cam Subies had head gasket issues. Not all of them. Not even most. But enough of them so it was a thing.
I'd still buy a done SAS for $25k even if I'd have to drop the engine and have the heads decked. It's like another $1,000 and a weekend's heavy wrenching; not the end of civilization.
tom231 posted:James-Where east are you?
Do you know how I could get a hold of Paul? I would be more than happy to re-imburse Paul or any of the Phoenix members if they could get some eyes on the car.
I live in Lumberton, about 20 miles north of Beaumont.
Paul Ellis is a member of this site.
Thanks edsnova! Hopefully, it is number 1!!
James, my daughter-in-law is from Beaumont!
So it sounds like build quality, fit and finish of the SAS was not the problem.
Bring it by the shop. I will be working all weekend.
Seduction Motorsports
3235 N. Arizona Ave. Suite D7
Chandler, AZ 85225
480-404-1117
I have a lift open currently. My Subaru tuner is a few blocks away and can come over to the shop. Not going to lie, didn't read the entire thread. Have the seller or buyer or whomever bring it to the shop. If it needs picked up for an inspection, I have an enclosed trailer. Maybe someone can briefly fill me in on the issue. I read SAS, Subaru, overheating... what else? I can make some free time this weekend if someone needs helped out.
Seduction Motorsports posted:Bring it by the shop. I will be working all weekend.
Seduction Motorsports
3235 N. Arizona Ave. Suite D7
Chandler, AZ 85225
480-404-1117
I have a lift open currently. My Subaru tuner is a few blocks away and can come over to the shop. Not going to lie, didn't read the entire thread. Have the seller or buyer or whomever bring it to the shop. If it needs picked up for an inspection, I have an enclosed trailer. Maybe someone can briefly fill me in on the issue. I read SAS, Subaru, overheating... what else? I can make some free time this weekend if someone needs helped out.
Thumbnail: Tom231 bought a car on ebay (sight unseen), and he's freaking out a bit. It'd probably make him feel better if a good guy or a shop were to do a PPI.
This is exactly why I hate selling stuff on ebay.
Keep in mind that Subaru engines need a special conditioner added to the coolant, to help prevent head gasket problems. I have a 2007 Impreza (non turbo) with well over 100,000 miles, and the engine is still strong and runs well.
As Ed says, you don't want any air in the cooling system.
Used Subie engines are not that costly, and SAS does/did build a good car, when they/he actually do build a car.
tom231 posted:James-Where east are you?
Do you know how I could get a hold of Paul? I would be more than happy to re-imburse Paul or any of the Phoenix members if they could get some eyes on the car. Several months ago I bought another vintage car from an Internet CEO, one of those friend of a friend deals, in Palo Alto, CA. It was a silver metallic car so pictures had some shadowing but seller stated paint/everything was great. Soon as they were pulling the car off the truck I could see the hood was lighter than the rest of the car. Of course no response from seller and it cost some good $$$ to fix. Always good to get a pair of eyes on the car.
And you're doing it again?
Seduction Motorsports posted:Bring it by the shop. I will be working all weekend.
Seduction Motorsports
3235 N. Arizona Ave. Suite D7
Chandler, AZ 85225
480-404-1117
I have a lift open currently. My Subaru tuner is a few blocks away and can come over to the shop. Not going to lie, didn't read the entire thread. Have the seller or buyer or whomever bring it to the shop. If it needs picked up for an inspection, I have an enclosed trailer. Maybe someone can briefly fill me in on the issue. I read SAS, Subaru, overheating... what else? I can make some free time this weekend if someone needs helped out.
This is the best offer you could take advantage of at this point! call Daniel ASAP and put your mind at ease...
ditto what Chremi says!
That's a great offer, Daniel... Thanks for jumping in.
Tom: Daniel runs Seduction Motorsports in Phoenix (I should have thought of him before this, Sorry!) and he builds 356/550 replicas with Subaru engines and does a magnificent job on them. HE is the guy to have to do a PPI for you.
And on an earlier post, the reason that SAS always uses the Subaru dash and tucks it away out of sight is that they also used all of the other Subaru on-board computers (like I said - they re-used as much as they could). The several different Subaru computers in the car all talk to each other, all share the same registration code AND they have to acknowledge the Subaru dash gauges as one of the group. If one of them doesn't respond correctly at start-up, like if the dash gauges aren't used, the system locks the ignition off until the problem is reconciled (usually by a Subaru tech resetting things via the OBD II port). This was all part of the Subaru Anti-theft system - it works great as designed and was VERY effective as such.
If a Subaru dealership tech plugs into the OBD II port under the dash, they'll think they're working on a whatever-year Impreza and it will dump any info he asks for, including total mileage since it left the Subaru factory.
Other builders (I'm thinking Beck, here) have gone to different engine computers OR use the Subaru system with special programming to overcome the security "features" of the original Suby stuff.
Daniel-Thanks for your offer!!
tried to call and left a voicemail.
i will go to your site and email you!
would def. live to talk with you!
Tom
PS-What do they say??? Do it once shame on you, do it twice shame on me!!
Daniel-Sent 2 emails and they were both returned/non-delivery, Call me when you get time.
713-320-9760. Tom
tom231 posted:Daniel-Sent 2 emails and they were both returned/non-delivery, Call me when you get time.
713-320-9760. Tom
This will help:
Tom tried to call you Daniel and left a voicemail. He would like you to call him at (713) 320-9760.
Thanks Robert!!
Just spoke with Tom, my apologies, I was away from the shop. I take care of my disabled mother and she called with an "emergency"... come to find out she needed me to go get her milk... lol wow.
Tom, looking forward to helping you out. If the owner is cooperative and lets me either come inspect it or pick it up with our enclosed trailer so I can get it on the lift and inspect it duly that would be excellent. Also I forgot to mention, we have insurance on all the cars we transport through our Business Builders Policy through Hagerty and Travelers so his/your vehicle will be covered.
My email is: daniel@seductionmotorsports.com
Great talking with you Tom.
Just spoke with Daniel, as mentioned above. What a gentleman and GREAT guy!!! He has offered to go over and above to help me out!!! Daniel-I just emailed the seller. Let's see what he has to say. Your offer has made it very easy to get the SAS checked out. IF he balks, it will be the first time, buying a car, that I have backed out after saying J would purchase it. I feel very bad about that BUT if someone will not afford you a PPI on a "perfect-condition" car then sorry!!
A business going out of their what helping someone out (especially from a group like this) will have a 10 fold return :~)
I totally agree!!!
If the seller gets a hold of me for Tom, I will get the car up on one of our lifts and also take 30+ pics for you guys. The some SAS as well as JPS built Subaru cars, their cooling systems are not the best quality. Beck uses an electric water pump as well but if the coolant system is correctly plumbed and absolutely NO AIR BUBBLES inside the lines, coolant restrictor plate, correct temp sensor.. etc, the car will run absolutely beautiful.
As mentioned above, SAS used OEM ECU, Carey does as well, they have their reasons. Mainly due to price and their effective. Nothing wrong with them, just not as tune-able as we would like. Any OBDII reader can scan codes on the OEM ECU, Stinger has their own data cable which we also have on hand. We were using Stinger ECUS however recently changed over to Haltech 1500 Elite engine management, our reasons why:
http://seductionmotorsports.bo...-tuning-announcement
We have access to an AWD dyno and can also diagnose Tom's potential SAS car. So regardless of the ECU in this car we can access it and see what is going wrong.
Glad to help out any car enthusiast. At the end of the day, cars are my passion and I hate seeing people get (pardon my language) f**ked over which I see a lot happening in the replica car community. I probably hear 2-3 stories a week about small fly-by-night replica manufactures screwing people over. Most the stories and names never make this forum.
Any SOC member that is looking to purchase a Speedster/Coupe/Spyder in the greater Phoenix area and cannot make it out to inspect the car in person or even if you can make it out and want an expert to look over the vehicle and drive it, you are more than welcome to have the seller make an appointment and it will be free of charge for all SOC members.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
-Daniel
Pretty amazing deal, Daniel. And thanks for the link to the Haltech. I'd love very much to be able to play with one of those but at $1800 I don't see it happening in the near future.
Everyone, Daniel has made contact with the SAS seller and is going to pick the car up on Tuesday, take it to his shop and do his magic. It will be interesting to get his honest opinion on this SAS 356 Cabriolet, ie...build quality/fit/finish and mechanics. Daniel has again, gone over and above. I have been on several Porsche forums for many years and never had anyone extend themselves like he has! Kuddos to him and Seduction Motorsports!!
That is fantastic!
tom231 posted:Everyone, Daniel has made contact with the SAS seller and is going to pick the car up on Tuesday, take it to his shop and do his magic. It will be interesting to get his honest opinion on this SAS 356 Cabriolet, ie...build quality/fit/finish and mechanics. Daniel has again, gone over and above. I have been on several Porsche forums for many years and never had anyone extend themselves like he has! Kuddos to him and Seduction Motorsports!!
Congratulations Tom and Bravo to you Daniel. There's something in the water over there in Arizona.
Plane tickets are cheap, and inspect the car with a competent mechanic.
I agree! and by the looks of what Daniel is putting out over at his shop, I could not of wished for anything better!
If it's alright with Tom, I can post all the pictures on here as well.
IF it comes that I end up purchasing the car I think it would be great to share the photos with the community here. If for some reason I do not purchase the car, I would need to leave that up to the current owner/seller. Cannot wait to get your thoughts and opinions!!!
You are correct to have it checked out first. I had a negative experience with specialty auto. If it is a good car. Great. If not, well ... you will be on your own. Message me direct for my experience. Love the look. Taller windshield with lower folded profile. Cab dash, glove box, ... but ...well just message me.
It seems to me that this site is the perfect forum for discussions of various manufacturers. I hope you can reconsider your position on confidentiality regarding SAS. A truthful, frank, and fair exchange of info is how we all learn.
I agree, but It is a slippery slope, ie...I am from a family of Lawyers (I know!!!), ie...I am a Dentist, so placing pictures of an automobile, that is not yours, and if you happen to be denigrating that car at the same time the seller is trying to sell the car, there could be some repercussions. I will talk with Daniel once he has collected his thoughts on the vehicle. I can tell you this, if I do not buy this car I am already going to be confronted with a very unhappy seller. This community has been VERY helpful to me and I will do the best I can to represent the SAS vehicle that Daniel is going to check out for me. On the "PM" I had asked what you thought the build quality/fit and finish of your SAS was?
$25k is a great deal even if it requires say $5k worth of work. Being 11 years old with low mileage in Phoenix (or anywhere) - all the rubber is shot (dry rotted, cracked, and dried out) including the tires, gas lines, CV boots and perhaps brake lines. I'm sure Daniel will provide cost to fix and offer to do the work. You're doing proper deligence for an ebay car with no warranty that you haven't laid eyes on.
Thanks Wolfgang! I was just reading so much bad about Steve, I really never heard if he eventually built a good solid car!!?? If the car is a solid build mechanically/structurally and has the cosmetics fit/finish. I would not mind replacing worn/used/dried parts. I just want to make sure the car has "good bones"! Not interested in buying something that is sub-standard/money pit!!
My experience in my dealings with SAS and its owner was unsatisfactory, to say the least. I have a number of posts on this site that detail my frustration. I would give the car a "D" rating, unsatisfactory, for fit/finish. When the totality of the dealings are considered, i.e., dealing with Steve Lawing, SAS owner, that rating drops to an "F", a failing grade.
Design flaws, poor execution, lack of attention to detail, cosmetic flaws that become apparent within months, the list goes on and on. My car, as delivered, was unfit for its purpose.
If you are concerned about defamation, remember that the definition of defamation starts with the words: "any UNTRUE statement . . .". True statements, even if they cause the plaintiff monetary harm, are not actionable. Truth is colloquially called the perfect defense to the tort of defamation.
Jim thanks for clarifying that everyone can tell their Truthful stories here
Tom wrote: "I can tell you this, if I do not buy this car I am already going to be confronted with a very unhappy seller. "
What.....A potential buyer isn't allowed to walk away from a deal in Arizona that he's leery of?
Well, once you know exactly what you're buying (from Daniel's assessment) you'll be prepared with an argument going either way. All the PM needs to do is Google SAS or Steve Lawing (or point him here for past posts) and any arguments he might have quickly lose their luster. ESPECIALLY since you'll be buying a unique, one-off car with a questionable past (hence the low mileage). YOU'll be the one taking the chance, here....Not him.
OTOH, if Daniel decides that it's worth the investment and you STILL choose to back out, members of this forum will (hopefully) know much more about the car and someone else might step up and take it, even if they have to work privately with Daniel for his insight.
But none of us, not even you, can do much without more info on the car.
There are several smaller builders that we all know of on here. Some of them can produce a high-quality car when they want to, and not-so-great when they don't. Lawing is not alone in this. Just wait for the assessment and go from there.
Makes good sense Gordon! Just need to get that assessment. This seller, who seems to be a very successful businessman in Phoenix, has had the car for 9 years. You would think that if the car was a "lemon/POS" that he probably would of gotten rid of it several years ago??? I know I would of BUT everyone is different. We should all know something by end of day Tuesday or Wednesday.
Well if your in love with a coupe after checking it out you can decide how much work your ready to put into it and if the numbers work out then you can decide if it is a go.
Obviously, your serious about getting a car and all used cars will need some sorting so you have to ask yourself only one thing is the price, feature, condition up to your budget or rather to the effort or pain in the neck to sort out the car. 
Your always in the driving seat with cash in hand
