SUSPENSION SETUP

Does anyone have any good advice as to have the suspension could be set up to handle driving at 80 + MPH or even faster if possible. What kind of shocks, struts, etc? What size volkswagen engine would be able to propell the car at say 80 + MPH? Am going to be working in Germany and the Autobahn cruises at 80+, no slower. Or you shouldn't go any slower. I lived in Germany before and had a volkswagen that could only go 100 at the max. It was very frustrating driving like that. However would it be totally unsafe to drive a kitcar speedster at 100 MPH? I have seen 356c's doing over 100 MPH on the Autobahn before. But that is a real Porsche... Thanks guys and these forums are great, good bunch of people with the same interest, our speedsters.... John Sewards

For a daily driver, I'd want a coupe or more weather worthy car in a place like Germany. I live in New England and would not want to have to drive a speedster year round. I think in a climate like Germany or for that matter New England a speedster is a second car.

I think of it like my motorcycle. It works as a daily driver when it's all you have. But, wear the right clothes.

As far as 80+, I would suggest the 3:88 pinion option for the tranny. I've driven stock engined beetles at sustained speeds in excess of 80 for one or two hour stints many times. Anything bigger helps though.

Yes I understand that the car is better suited as a secondary car. However car insurance in Germany is VERY high. With a kit car it is not that expensive. Car use is not like we have here in the U.S. Plus this is a desire of mine. I lived in Germany 6 years ago and drove a volkswagon that was pretty beat up. I at the time had a Porsche 912E that I left in the states. I never had the chance to ship it over and since then I have sold the car. Even though the car is not really suited for the weather in Germany, it is ideal because of the gas mileage one would get. I do not plan on driving every day there. Also hardly any cars in Germany have air condition. I learned this the hard way. A convertible is the most sought after ride in Germany. I hopefully can purchase a hardtop to use during the winter. I was just concerned if the car could hold up on the highway. Thankyou for your response though. Do you know of a engine size that would be best suitable for fast highway driving? Thanks John...

I would go with at least 2,110cc and a Porsche 901 5-speed that has a very tall 5th gear. My car has a 165 to 170 BHP 2,110 with the 5-speed and 80 mph would be about 3,800 RPM with my 5th gear, but taller 5th gear is available. Germany is very tough on inspecting kit cars, just as they are on upgrading performance of any car. Check it out carefully before you try to take a replica to Germany to make sure you can have it road licensed and insured without any problems.

I agree with George on the 2110. The 901 5 speed would be nice, but if not, you'll need the freeway flyer, which is what I run. I drive the car at 80 mph a lot of time at night. It is quite safe. I do jump down every so often and have driven it at 100 for 5 mile stretches just to act up. It's a giggle, but it is wound out at that for long stretches.

I've taken my IM up to an indicated 120 MPH or so and that was not even close to red line. But, that was only once (and probably pretty stupid. It seems to me that the VW suspension that we all are using was engineered for a lot less and driving at much more than original beetles were capable of might be over doing it. Any thoughts on this?

I'd sure like to wind my car up but only if it is safe. What about that front beam with the trailing arms only held on with those snub bolts? The set up that Ricola Racing in England has looks much safer at high speeds.

Brian