"The best replica 550 Spyder in the U.K." with highly modified 914 type 4

Looks like a Martin and Walker 550, De Dion rear suspension, type4 with a flat fan conversion. The flat fan kit is made in Germany, but I forget the name of the builder.

The fan is what got me to ponder. I thought it looked cool.I

've never seen a flat fan conversion but frankly, I haven't seen that many type4 engines either .

I read a couple threads and it seems there are legitimate concerns against doing

• You have to be very careful when you change something as significant as the cooling system. I have seen it many different times on the T4 and T1 engines. There is a lot of research and developement that the manufactures put into the cooling system designs. I find it hard to beleive, even as competent as these aftermarket companies are, that they have a team of thermodynamic specialist working on the project daily to get it right.
  
  There are many complexities involved on cooling system flow. This is not something that should be taken lightly. You would be better off designing some watercooled four valve heads than designing a flat fan conversion.
  
  Look at the stock upright solution, very simple. No gears to fail, no unknown air distribution probelms, hot spots on the heads, etc.
  
  At least make sure that it has a warning system to alert the driver.
  
  Looks can kill and do on a daily basis. Just because it looks good doesn't mean it works right.

  07-27-2006 06:18 PM

@DannyP posted:

Looks like a Martin and Walker 550, De Dion rear suspension, type4 with a flat fan conversion. The flat fan kit is made in Germany, but I forget the name of the builder.

Reinhart cooling system, is this a beck or vintage kit?

That's it Marty. I'm betting the car is a Martin and Walker, which is neither Beck nor Vintage.

I don't know who "turboteener" is, and honestly I'm not interested in his opinion. The flat fan conversions work well as far as I know. I'm no expert but I wouldn't base my opinion on one guy on the internet. Porsche used them on many engines successfully on the racetrack. That kinds says it all.

Lots of neat details on that car.

That silver is beautiful, or at least beautifully photographed.

I agree that it's got a lot of really nice touches. I have no idea if it's the "best replica 550 in the U.K.", or even if that means anything if it's true. I have zero idea how many 550 replicas there are across the pond.

There are replicas in Europe, South Africa, South and Central America, and in Asia. I know almost nothing about the RoW. it'd be interesting to know more about them. This one is beautiful.