Suby engine/transmission in Spyder

Anything is possible. How much do you want to spend?

http://www.beckspeedster.com/b...der550inventory.html

YES and you would not even have to do the expensive SubaruGear reversed R&P gear since engine configuration would be just like in the Subbie!  You could go even 6 speed manual or automatic.  If an AWD transaxle you just have to stub off the rear drive portion. Even the exhaust would be simpler than in a Speedster.

http://www.subarugears.com/Casing/Casing.html

Carey Hines did point out that near all Spyders use swing axel trans so not sure what suspension/frame issue you might have.  Heck, I'd reuse the Subbie axel stubs and disk brakes, if possible.

From Vintage Spyder -

The spyder pictured above is actually an older Beck with the inline VW Golf motor and Fox transmission with DeDion rear suspension.  That picture is from my garage at home and those are Kevin's hands in the photo...

I have had a few client convert this chassis style to Subaru with Subaru gearbox, but the report was that the DeDion tube needed heavy modification, the Watts link needed complete changed, and the bearing carriers/hubs needed completely changed.

I believe that Vintage has also modified a few of these Beck cars with their own rear suspension, but I do not know what gearbox they used.

My personal opinion on this package is that is was very nice and smooth in a straight line, and while it still cornered well, it could be out cornered by a properly set up swingaxle rear...  In addition, because of the changes in polar moment and static balance, once it let go int snapped violently.  Just my 2c.

Yes Special Edition and Vintage Motor Cars listed as vendors on this site both make awesome Aircooled and Suby spyders.  Rock West also makes spyders but are less well known on this site.  I don't know of anyone placing Subaru trannys in Spyders at this point. As a prior owner of 2 spyders I would suggest keeping it simple is the way to go.  That being said I would still go for at least 160 hp and a VW Rancho 4-speed with a LSD.  The builders Carey and Greg will give you the appropriate gear ratios.  Even with swing axle, just dialing in the correct negative camber will provide adequate grip and performance.  But hey a little tail waggle in these cars is fun and because they are mid engine with neutral handing the tail can be easily reeled back in.  A new spyder will cost about $50k depending on your options.  Most fun I've ever had on 4 wheels.

Sounds like you like Spyders, Phil. 

Carey have you ever made an IRS rear end on a spyder? 

Phil, when you drive this did you need a helmet and goggles?

Thanks Guys.....Yup ....I like  Spyders ! But not for the looks as much as the versatility of what can be done with them. My Speedster is just is so beautiful ! I really like the lines of it and obviously, a lot of people like it as well by virtue of all the thumbs-up I get when ever I go somewhere in it.  What I really want is a surprise ass kicker!  The other day I was driving over to the Pomona Swap Meet. I was on Arrow Hwy just cruising along to get to the show when all of a sudden, I realized that there was two Camaro's on both sides of me at the stop light, Rapping their engines up for a challenge when the light turned Green !  Oh Oh...I thought....we got a drag coming up....So I thought ...."what the hell ? " and snuffed both of them for about 100 yards ! My heart was up in my throat ....and I was very proud of my accomplishment !........They cooled it all the way into the Swap Meet and so did I.....later one of those guys came over to the Porsche Coral and asked me what I had for an engine....The dialogue continued for quite some time.....I t was a good feeling to say the least and i want MORE !!!!!! This Is why I'm asking all these questions................Bruce

@IaM-Ray  Yes, and it requires something less desirable, as pictured above, or something completely custom that requires a change of the chassis from the firewall back.  I'll stick with the traditional swing axle in my Spyders for now...

Thanks @chines1  I never drove a spyder if I did I might get addicted to the rush and I would have to figure out how to get it to Canada, not to mention it would need to have mods for a guy with a tall torso ... I would think that about 175 hp mid engine in 1300lbs would be pretty much equivalent to an R8... 

Have you sold any over here Carey?    

Ray 

@IaM-Ray Yes, we can ship the older cars to Canada (25 years), so we have Canadian clients that buy (or have me source)  our older cars and refurbish them to "as new".  I also have a friend in Canada that said he would do assembly of some if there was enough interest, but he is busy building Roadsters and e-vehicles these days ;-) 

Thanks @chines1 Carey I live in the East about 6-7 hours from Carlisle and I think I know who your talking about and yes he is quite distracted drinking the e-Koolaid on the west coast.