Suggestions - if you were buying tomorrow, what would be ESSENTIAL?

Looking for input from owners....

I am signing on a VS speedster with Kirk tomorrow. I am opting for the front disc brakes, 1776 cc, dual carbs... it's relatively basic but I'm planning on it feeling pretty sporty.

I have not had a Speedster before (although I've been looking into kits since I got the CMC brochure in 1994) and I am wondering: "what am I missing?"

As a Speedster owners, is there anything you'd recommend I do at this stage - before the car is built - so I can get the most out of the car? I'm not a stickler for authenticity, and driveability/sportiness is my most important objective.

Thanks in advance for the wisdom!

Suspension mods which are appropriate to the pan the car is built on and something other than the standard VS 1776cc engine come to mind. If you are near the west coast and did not attend the Knotts show, you missed a big opportunity to ask questions. If you are anywhere else, especially near Pennsylvania, you should do yourself a favor and attend the show in Carlisle. You will get to see many cars, owners and builders and get to ask questions. Perhaps you have already done your homework, but if you haven't do this first and you will less likely be disappointed.
my 2 kroner
John H.

I would get the GB special with a rad Rabyfied T-IV

Gerry ,
I would upgade to a 1835cc engine...
Yes, the 1776cc is a step up from a stock 1600cc but I am sure that you will be pleased with a 1835cc motor. Ask Kirk his thoughts I am sure that he will agree.

Alan M

Gerry,
IRS over swing axle. Stayfast canvas top over vinyl. The bigger the motor the better.
Terry

I'm with Terry- get the canvas and an IRS pan. I got the square weave carpet, but I'm a traditionalist. You've already decided on the engine and brakes, so there isn't a lot left to comment on. Whatever you do, you'll wish something was different in a couple of years, but thats OK- working on the car is half the fun.

Gerry: Where do you live? If it's cold there for most of the year, you might opt for a gas heater (but they're $$). If you live in a warmer place, then forget it.

Get Kirk's better seats - there have been some other posts on this, but some seats are better than others, or have more support or whatever.

Kirk does a terrific job on his cars, and doesn't leave many "essentials" out in the first place. I'm sure you'll get a cool ride!

Alan, did you really mean a 1835? I can't believe you'd recommend 92s. Wouldn't he be MUCH better off to go with the 94s?
Ron

Wow - active community. This is great, thanks!

I appreciate the feedback - never having any air-cooled VW or Porsche, I don't know what to make out of the 1600 vs 1776 vs bigger/better/more. The message is clear, though. Bigger/better/more. Safe logic in pretty much any situation. I'll see what Kirk can do to get the HP up without losing dependability.

As for suspension, I'll have to find out what year pan the car will be on. My thought is that the suspension might wait - that can be a fun upgrade and something to look forward to.

Are certain pans harder to upgrade than others?

Weather-wise, I live in Virgina - we get some snow... I'm planning on this being a weekend driver. Just sunny days. That said, it is a bit unpredictable. I am going to look into whatever options will make it a little better experience when (not *if*) I get caught in bad weather (heater [?], roll-up side windows[?], Cloth top... may as well look good in the rain!)

Unfortunately I can't make the pennsylvania event, I'll be there in the future... now I know to plan around it.

Thanks!

G

Gerry

Skip the wedding or whatever you have planned for that weekend and make tracks to Carlisle ...You will be able to look over 40 plus speedsters and meet the owners who can walk you through the varied options available

Alan

Gerry, listen to Alan. You are too close, distance wise, to miss the best possible event of the year, and before you lay down your hard-earned simolians on a toy car, do Carlisle. I know, if you can't, you can't, but this is a golden opportunity; I wish I had done this first. Every Speedster manufacturer on the continent will be represented, right guys?
John H.

John Steele of JPS Motorsports, Henry Reisner of Intermeccanica Int. and Carey HInes from Special Edition, Inc (Beck Speedster) are confirmed.

I put rear disc brakes on this last summer (already had front discs). Made a big difference. I'm very happy with the braking power. Well worth the money.
Ron

Ask Kirk to beef up your wiring configuration. Divide out the headlamps & tail lamps to run to their own fuses as opposed to the all-for-one-for-all approach he typically does. In fact pay for heavier gauge wire while you're at it and a separatate fuse or auxillary fuse box, maybe on the wall inside the trunk where you can see it...Oh does it sound like I've redone my wiring a bit?

A pet peeve of mine is using the short speedo cable which makes it neccessary to swap the speedo and auxillary gauge location...speedo should be on the right of the threesome IMHO

Nothing smaller than a 2110 engine w/ dual 40 webbers.

Ask if extra sanding or blocking is available as an option prior to shooting the color. No nosehairs if possible!
Good luck!
P.

I would definitely check locally for a "good" Vw garage. If you don't have a decent shop in your area I would reconsider as chances are today's mechanic will do you more harm than good. Or you could do your own service work. There are areas of the country that have a ton of great Vw shops, ask around locally.

Don't skimp on the brakes......all 4 disks are a lot nicer......I have the disk up front and the drums on back and it is the only thing on the car I plan to uprade this winter. Breaking is ok without this option, but it is noticeably less compared to having 4 disk.

In some areas the availability of mechanics is limited to people who do it as a hobby or part-time. While this does have its good points, it also means being very patient to have the car worked on.

I didn't upgrade to a "higher" fourth gear when I upgraded to the 1835. Should have, may still do it... but I've had a 1600, 1776 and now the 1835. Not that it's that much faster... just that it more "alive". You'll very much appreciate going with the bigger engine. I like my rollup windows too. Not to big on the window posts that were added on... but the rollups are great for driving at night. Since my rule is... if it's not raining, the top is always down, no matter how cold it is. If you like to do the "twisties"... definitely upgrade the suspension. DEFINITELY GET AS MUCH BREAKING POWER AS POSSIBLE.

diz

Don't forget THUNDER RANCH. They are now building tubular frame Speedsters. They deserve a look before you decide.

Paul wrote: "A pet peeve of mine is using the short speedo cable which makes it neccessary to swap the speedo and auxillary gauge location...speedo should be on the right of the threesome IMHO"

My original '69 Sedan speedo cable was too short as well, so I got a slightly longer speedo cable (for a bus, I believe) from Rocky Mountain (now Mid America) and it fits just fine with the speedo on the right.

Gordon

Gerry, see post under Vintage Speedsters Customer Sasisfaction. Eddie

Make sure Kirk includes the front anti-sway bar. This is necessary! A Camber Compensator is good as well.

The IRS suspension is a huge handling improvement. Understand that with the VS classic design, this means narrow tires(165s).

I am a happy owner of a 2002 VS. The most desired option that I would like to have is a tube frame. Seriously, consider the Beck, IM, Thunder Ranch, SAW, ...

All of the above.

And, oh yeah.........cup holders

And (dare I say it?)........arm rests for long trips

NO Mexican hydraulic engine a must. Skip future grief & have Kirk shoehorn a motor built by one of the reputable engine builders.~R

On the motor...go as big as you can, then keep your valve lift and CR down

thanks for the feedback everyone - I'm now in the waiting period between order and delivery... it's killing me! At this point I'm very satisfied with the decisions I've made regarding performance, driveability and cost. We'll see once I get it!

I've focused my requirements on things that will be hard (or not so bright) to change later like the engine setup, top, etc... I'm leaving the fun upgrade projects like suspension and tires for the coming years.

I'm not looking for a fire-breather, so ultimate power isn't the main point for engine choice. As long as the car can get out of its own way, reliability is the key concern...

Here's where it came out:
- Silver metallic paint, black top, red interior
- Front disc brakes
- Stafast top & tonneau (standard?)
- The "good" seats (standard?)
- 1915cc motor
- Dual carbs
- Kirk's special exhaust
- 3:88 gearbox
- Passenger-side mirror

I'll let everyone know how it goes!

Thanks,
G

And...no Mexican crate motor, because they're CRAP!
Ron

The crap in those Mexican Crate motors comes from the Burros in there for additional power.

Hey!! You running the 40 burro motor, the "little Burrito?" or the Hopped-up 65 Burro one, the "El Conquistador?"

When I was in Honduras in the 60's, we had a VW Pickup Like Ron O's with the 36 Burro motor, "el Burrito Muy Pequeno". It was tough on hills, but it never left us stranded, even in "el Mudito Grande"

Tires ,get at least the 185's and the Empi shifter or better.

Got it yesterday - it's everything I expected and more. Thanks to all who have helped me directly in this thread and indirectly in all of the other forum posts. Looking forward to years of Speedster ownership! I am sure I will come to rely on so.com as I figure out how to tweek and fix it.

G