Alan--No, I have sold my tranny to Jerry McAllister in TX alomg with my 1915 engine. It's almost new with just 10,000 miles and works great with the engine. For the Type IV smething else is needed.
Jake is building a special transmission with the same gears in 1st and 2nd but taller gearing for 3rd and 4th. With such torque I'll probably not use 1st any more and will start off in 2nd gear. Most around town driving will be in 3rd and on the highway 4th will be like a tall overdrive.
I enjoy long driving trips and this should prove to be a great road car with outrageous "pull" in 4th even though it will be overdrive.
Maybe Jake will chime in here with some details but the transmission will be tailored especially for this engine. By now he probably knows the ratios of each gear in the stack. It should be a blast to drive and no more roaring 3,300 rpms at 70!
Whoa, Jack! With all that beef under the bonnet, I guess you will have no trouble hooking up with us in Christainsburg Thursday morning on the way to Carlisle 2010. I think that departure will be at about 9:30 AM. Ya still gotta get up with the chickens to do it, but you and Alice are just the folks to do it.
Hoss
BTW, I went to a fiddlers convention in Loudon last weekend and couldn't help but think of you. It was all pro on Friday night, but I hear that the Saturday "amature" night brings out some great up and commers.
Hoss
BTW, I went to a fiddlers convention in Loudon last weekend and couldn't help but think of you. It was all pro on Friday night, but I hear that the Saturday "amature" night brings out some great up and commers.
We've caught live bluegrass here a couple of times lately, and I always think of Jack and his banjo.
Jack, we'll let you set the pace to Carlisle next year - if we can keep up.
Jack, we'll let you set the pace to Carlisle next year - if we can keep up.
John--I dunno--from Hot Springs to C'burg is a haul and I'm rethinking that and will most likely hook up with you in Knoxville---anyway I owe you and Sarah dinner this time so let's plan it that way.
I do wish there was a better place for dinner in C'burg. Crackerbarrel and no drinks isn't my idea of good grub. The company does compensate tho.
Lane--I never was into speed that much and the real reason I'm doing the engine swap is reliability and longevity. Not that I can ever envision selling this baby, I expect that resale would be enhanced however I believe Russ will end up with the Speedster. Later----much later!
If we have any "pickers" in the group maybe we can get some music going at Carlisle next year.
Someone just told me the definition of "perfect pitch" which was throwing a banjo into a dumpster without it hitting the sides!" How insulting is that? Same person said that if I would hang my fingerpicks from my rear view mirror I could park in handicapped spaces. Just rude and ugly--right?
I do wish there was a better place for dinner in C'burg. Crackerbarrel and no drinks isn't my idea of good grub. The company does compensate tho.
Lane--I never was into speed that much and the real reason I'm doing the engine swap is reliability and longevity. Not that I can ever envision selling this baby, I expect that resale would be enhanced however I believe Russ will end up with the Speedster. Later----much later!
If we have any "pickers" in the group maybe we can get some music going at Carlisle next year.
Someone just told me the definition of "perfect pitch" which was throwing a banjo into a dumpster without it hitting the sides!" How insulting is that? Same person said that if I would hang my fingerpicks from my rear view mirror I could park in handicapped spaces. Just rude and ugly--right?
Well just to add to your post, I just read that Jake had to close his doors.
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Hi Jack. I must have misunderstood a previous post. I thought that you were contemplating cutting out the C'burg overnight and driving directly from Lenoir City to Carlisle. That's when I suggested the early wakeup on Thursday morning so you could hook up with those of us who do the overnight in Virginia. You would have to be rolling at about 4:30 AM to do this on Thursday since we try to time our trip so that we can hook up with the bunch in Hagerstown, MD for lunch.
If you are considering doing the trip in three days, as you did last year, we will be up for dinner on Wednesday night once again. As far as C'burg goes, I love Cracker Barrel and, among the group of us, there is plenty of beer to be had so that's not a problem either.
Hoss
If you are considering doing the trip in three days, as you did last year, we will be up for dinner on Wednesday night once again. As far as C'burg goes, I love Cracker Barrel and, among the group of us, there is plenty of beer to be had so that's not a problem either.
Hoss
The transaxle I am putting together for Jack isn't stock.. It has altered gear ratios that are designed to optimize his desires for the engine- long range cruising primarily. The clutch will use one of my conversion flywheels with a 1700 pound KEP pressure plate, just like most of you use with your TI engines.
I've heard some chatter about why I put so much into Jack's engine for it to be so "mild" and here is the reason:
This engine isn't being treated any differently design wise than any others that we build. The difference is just more of it is being talked about than normal, primarily because Jack is a little more vocal than most of my clients.
Fact is making power is easy; anyone can do it.. The big difference is designing an engine that will be able to exceed Jacks desires for RPM range and drive-ability while making respectable HP and a ton of torque with every ounce of it usable every time Jack drives it.
I don't build the same engine twice, because no two cars or drivers are the same and if I do the same thing twice my product ends up just as generic as most everyone else's.
Things that Jack will appreciate most, like immediate passing power when he needs to roll past another car on the back roads or interstate, less intake noise in the cabin and a smooth power band that his Wife will appreciate if she drives the car.
In short I am working to capitalize on my best long distance cruiser engine I have ever designed, built and experienced... Thats the 2056cc engine that has seen 8 years and 155K miles of service in my own car..
We are getting to the point with Jack's engine where it starts to take shape, so pics will start to be posted in a couple of weeks.
I've heard some chatter about why I put so much into Jack's engine for it to be so "mild" and here is the reason:
This engine isn't being treated any differently design wise than any others that we build. The difference is just more of it is being talked about than normal, primarily because Jack is a little more vocal than most of my clients.
Fact is making power is easy; anyone can do it.. The big difference is designing an engine that will be able to exceed Jacks desires for RPM range and drive-ability while making respectable HP and a ton of torque with every ounce of it usable every time Jack drives it.
I don't build the same engine twice, because no two cars or drivers are the same and if I do the same thing twice my product ends up just as generic as most everyone else's.
Things that Jack will appreciate most, like immediate passing power when he needs to roll past another car on the back roads or interstate, less intake noise in the cabin and a smooth power band that his Wife will appreciate if she drives the car.
In short I am working to capitalize on my best long distance cruiser engine I have ever designed, built and experienced... Thats the 2056cc engine that has seen 8 years and 155K miles of service in my own car..
We are getting to the point with Jack's engine where it starts to take shape, so pics will start to be posted in a couple of weeks.
jack, i have 2 speedies, both have kep stage 1 clutches. the one car is stock and the clutch is very manly to push in.my newer one kirk put one of those gizmos(posted recently, anyone help) and the clutch is EASY to push. if you are going to have the boss drive it u might have it done.
As standard procedure I use a slightly longer clutch operation arm from an 091 Bus transaxle.. This longer arm provides a reduction in operating pressure at the pedal.
Its light enough that my Wife can drive her Beetle with a Stage II KEP clutch and 170 HP as a daily driver without complaint. But then again, she also got within 1/2 of 1 MPH from a Land Speed Record this weekend in our 911 at 149.25 MPH in the standing mile :-)
(Not bad for an accountant!)
Its light enough that my Wife can drive her Beetle with a Stage II KEP clutch and 170 HP as a daily driver without complaint. But then again, she also got within 1/2 of 1 MPH from a Land Speed Record this weekend in our 911 at 149.25 MPH in the standing mile :-)
(Not bad for an accountant!)
Having been down the 'more is better path' Jack is a lucky boy to have Jake be 'designing' the features mentioned into this engine. It truly sounds as if the 'either or' era may be coming to a close...that used to be super power or super longevity, super performance or daily driver and on and on and on and on...
I loved the power my car produced (24 or 2687cc I don't remember, Rabified Type 4) but it was all ego and not enough planning on my end to harness all that power. I ended up with a really cool daily driver but had to go light on the peddle in spirited driving.
Gotta say, there was nothing like being able to casually press down on the go peddle and pass a car in an instant without all the huffing & puffing and down-shifting! Long live TORQUE.
Jane's car elsewhere on the forum sounds like the alter ego to this set up IMHO
I loved the power my car produced (24 or 2687cc I don't remember, Rabified Type 4) but it was all ego and not enough planning on my end to harness all that power. I ended up with a really cool daily driver but had to go light on the peddle in spirited driving.
Gotta say, there was nothing like being able to casually press down on the go peddle and pass a car in an instant without all the huffing & puffing and down-shifting! Long live TORQUE.
Jane's car elsewhere on the forum sounds like the alter ego to this set up IMHO
Jack, I just ran into Jake at German Auto Dismantlers in Cleveland Georgia. He was removing a Type 4 engine from a bus, painting it up and getting it ready to install in your car. Don't worry, it only has 183,000 miles but with the paint and a used set of Carb's, it looks damn near brand new.
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OK, OK, I was just joking, it wasn't a bus but a 1968 VW 411.
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OK, OK, I was just joking, it wasn't a bus but a 1968 VW 411.
Larry--I have re-thought my position on you not being a donating member and now believe that you really should sign up as a donating member rather than get a free ride for a posts like your last two!
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--Just kidding,but don't push your luck.
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--Just kidding,but don't push your luck.
Jack, I've worked on several of Jake's engines and although they were installed in Spyders, it was clear that they really have big balls. You're going to enjoy the thrill and the ride.....
Best of luck with the project.
Best of luck with the project.
Thanks Larry...
Paul brings up a good point having experienced a truly insane engine designed for unlimited output and not much else... Those engines just aren't any fun after about the first week of ownership because they are peaky and tempermental. I learned a lot, about a lot of things when I provided that engine for Paul and I haven't made those same mistakes since.
Jack's engine will be the polar opposite of what I designed for Paul... The key is that it'll be simple. Very simple.
Paul brings up a good point having experienced a truly insane engine designed for unlimited output and not much else... Those engines just aren't any fun after about the first week of ownership because they are peaky and tempermental. I learned a lot, about a lot of things when I provided that engine for Paul and I haven't made those same mistakes since.
Jack's engine will be the polar opposite of what I designed for Paul... The key is that it'll be simple. Very simple.
All I have to say is my engine, even though it is a type1, fits me and my car perfectly. It was designed by Jake for me and my needs/desires. It will cruise around all day and if I baby it on a long trip, returns 30+ mpg at 70-75 mph. It was designed around my trans, car weight, etc. and would not meet everyone elses needs.
Now when I open it up and let it rev, watch out! It is very powerful and reliable, ask anyone who has ridden in or driven it. They'll tell you.
Was it expensive? Yes. Did I get what I paid for? Absolutely!
Did I have any problems? Yes, but they were minor. And Jake came through like a champ, even though the engine was 5 years removed from delivery and 2 years in the car. I had trouble with mushrooming pushrods, which Jake replaced with new ones FOR FREE! I didn't even have to pay shipping, now tell me who else does that?
I did some mods to it, as all or most of you know I am not a big distributor fan. I am now sporting crank-fire ignition, which has improved idle and low end response and drivability. Jake was helpful during the sorting out of the ignition, and offered some tips on how to set it up.
My opinion: every customer is NOT the right customer for Jake. But as far as I am concerned, he is a professional to be respected, just like the Hines and all the other good people in this business. They know who they are, and will continue to get business from us.
Jack, you're gonna LOVE it!
P.S. Make sure your brakes are up to snuff!
Now when I open it up and let it rev, watch out! It is very powerful and reliable, ask anyone who has ridden in or driven it. They'll tell you.
Was it expensive? Yes. Did I get what I paid for? Absolutely!
Did I have any problems? Yes, but they were minor. And Jake came through like a champ, even though the engine was 5 years removed from delivery and 2 years in the car. I had trouble with mushrooming pushrods, which Jake replaced with new ones FOR FREE! I didn't even have to pay shipping, now tell me who else does that?
I did some mods to it, as all or most of you know I am not a big distributor fan. I am now sporting crank-fire ignition, which has improved idle and low end response and drivability. Jake was helpful during the sorting out of the ignition, and offered some tips on how to set it up.
My opinion: every customer is NOT the right customer for Jake. But as far as I am concerned, he is a professional to be respected, just like the Hines and all the other good people in this business. They know who they are, and will continue to get business from us.
Jack, you're gonna LOVE it!
P.S. Make sure your brakes are up to snuff!
Danny took me for a ride at Carlisle and I can attest to what he is saying. I was amazed that a performance engine could lug along in traffic at 2,000 RPM as sweet as a stock beetle, but when he turned the bear loose, HOLD ON BROTHER! Wow, what a beast. It is a 2165, right Danny? Does Jake even make one like that anymore?
Yes, a 2165cc, putting out 140+ ft.lbs. from just under 3000 to 6500. The flattest torque curve I've ever seen. Hp peaked at 172 on Jake's dyno. It feels more to me now that I changed the ignition, so I'm calling it 180. No, it hasn't been on the dyno again, nor will it. The hp curve is very straight too, rises in an almost perfectly straight line. I love this combo, especially with the 1400 lb. weight of the Spyder and the gearing I've got(3.44:1 final).
Danny's engine is one that I am very proud of.. Danny was a great customer and for that I have offered him the support that he has needed- thats only fair.
That combination was designed for torque... I still have the design in my files (and the cam, CR, valve size and port volume memorized) and could easily replicate that combination again... Or of course apply some new technology to it and enhance it even more. (Oh my, how bad ass that would be with more CR and twin plugs per cylinder!!!)
I tend to build engines with a broad power band and more drive-ability than anything... Due to my constant focus on drivability I don't make too much of a "Race" engine builder, unless that kind of racing is for AX or a road course, then I am the best guy you can call-period!
Drag racing and narrow power bands are for narrow minds, thats why I suck at building drag race engines...
That combination was designed for torque... I still have the design in my files (and the cam, CR, valve size and port volume memorized) and could easily replicate that combination again... Or of course apply some new technology to it and enhance it even more. (Oh my, how bad ass that would be with more CR and twin plugs per cylinder!!!)
I tend to build engines with a broad power band and more drive-ability than anything... Due to my constant focus on drivability I don't make too much of a "Race" engine builder, unless that kind of racing is for AX or a road course, then I am the best guy you can call-period!
Drag racing and narrow power bands are for narrow minds, thats why I suck at building drag race engines...
So there we are at the Ramada Ltd, Carlisle '08.
In the parking lot, Danny say's to me, "Ever drive a Spyder ?"
Off we go with me at the wheel, we head out for a couple of milesata some what brisk pace. I slow to turn to come back when Danny Say's:
Go ahead and rive it hard."
I drum up my Skip Barber School of Racing knowledge and off we go again lightly drifting through the turns and up over the hills at a good hard pace. What a drive that was! The motor is awesume! ~Alan
In the parking lot, Danny say's to me, "Ever drive a Spyder ?"
Off we go with me at the wheel, we head out for a couple of milesata some what brisk pace. I slow to turn to come back when Danny Say's:
Go ahead and rive it hard."
I drum up my Skip Barber School of Racing knowledge and off we go again lightly drifting through the turns and up over the hills at a good hard pace. What a drive that was! The motor is awesume! ~Alan
alan: {I'm jealous}
I agree with Alan. I drove Danny's car in '08 as well, and it is still my favorite example of what these little engines can do. What a hoot!
"Oh my, how bad ass that would be with more CR and twin plugs per cylinder!!!"
Yes, Jake and I talked about that, but to tell the truth, I think MORE power would be a detriment to the whole package. The small rear tires(195/60/15) and old-fashioned suspension are maxxed out as it is with the power that is there. That extra power in a heavier Speedster would be a great fit, though. Although more is always nice, I think I'll leave it alone. But there is always the future, and I may change my mind when it is time for a little "refreshing"!
Yes, Jake and I talked about that, but to tell the truth, I think MORE power would be a detriment to the whole package. The small rear tires(195/60/15) and old-fashioned suspension are maxxed out as it is with the power that is there. That extra power in a heavier Speedster would be a great fit, though. Although more is always nice, I think I'll leave it alone. But there is always the future, and I may change my mind when it is time for a little "refreshing"!
Thats what I am avoiding with Jack's build.. It is very easy to upset the combination of the vehicle by adding too much power...
There is a sweet spot, but "The Bigger is better crowd" never gets that..
Its easy to bolt together performance, its not easy to make that performance be concentrated where its needed most for the longest service life and biggest grin factor.
There is a sweet spot, but "The Bigger is better crowd" never gets that..
Its easy to bolt together performance, its not easy to make that performance be concentrated where its needed most for the longest service life and biggest grin factor.
My ride in Danny's 550 at Carlisle 2008...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kKYVVyMie4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kKYVVyMie4
Jim, it looks like you went wee-wee in your pantalones
Yeah that's the same SEG I had when I drove it ~
Ditto! Classic SEG's there, Jim!!
~WB
~WB
Did you notice the smirk on Danny's face as he was cranking through 2nd gear? Pantalones and my chones needed changing!
I can't help it, even after all these years. I still smile every time I push the loud pedal and hear that sweet sound! Today I did 100 miles, what fun it was. Got home at 1:00 p.m. after a nice, crisp, fall morning run. 65 degrees, sunny, a little wind, and ZERO humidity. She was running awesome.
Nice weather, it's 101 here today
That vid was awesome! You guys were having some fun!
Danny---what fun! Too bad there are so many that buy a Speedster and then dump it before getting it sorted out to get that kind of enjoyment you wrote about. I wonder if that happens to Spyders too---I really haven't seen low mileage Spyders for sale like I have Speedsters.
Sounds like your engine is really purring---how many miles do you have on it now?----Jack
15K and change. Yeah, it really does purr, and then it growls!
Some buy Spyders and expect them to be like a Honda or something, duhhh! Not too many though.
Some buy Spyders and expect them to be like a Honda or something, duhhh! Not too many though.
Lots of people go through 3 Spyder engines before 15K miles are reached!!
Thats great to hear, Danny!
Hopefully Jack will see 15K miles on less than ONE year!! I do 15K in 6 months :-)
Thats great to hear, Danny!
Hopefully Jack will see 15K miles on less than ONE year!! I do 15K in 6 months :-)
Jack's time on the assembly bench is drawing near... At this point all I lack is his camshaft and cylinder heads! Then time for assembly.
Pics later, it'll all come together quick once its time on the bench has come.
Pics later, it'll all come together quick once its time on the bench has come.
I met Jack and Alice today and their Speedster is sitting safely atop the Mountain here at Aircooled Heaven awaiting it's resurrection!
It was great to meet them and show them around our little piece of heaven here far away from the troubles of the modern world :-)
Its only a matter of time now!
I plan on dynoing the car as it is by weeks end so I can get some before baselines to illustrate the changes we are making to it very clearly.
It was great to meet them and show them around our little piece of heaven here far away from the troubles of the modern world :-)
Its only a matter of time now!
I plan on dynoing the car as it is by weeks end so I can get some before baselines to illustrate the changes we are making to it very clearly.
Jake - I'm sure that, besides myself, a lot of the SOC guys are very interested in those pics and stats. Jack is going to be 1 happy camper!!
Jake, you have a captive audience here. We're standing by.
Holey crap it takes along time to build this type 4 !
Time??
We don't have a clock here. Not a single one in this 16,000 square foot facility. Time doesn't matter.
You can't rush success, but you can damn sure rush failure.
Lots of the time has been spent awaiting other jobs to be completed, we have chosen not to participate in this "recession" and have 26 engines currently backlogged. The average time an engine takes to move through it's processes in assembly and evaluation is 80 man hours,(two work weeks) so you can do the math on my back log.
The arrival of Jack's Speedsster was scheduled months ago to coincide with the Tail of The Dragon event. This event would close out his show season and provide me with plenty of time to do what is necessary to make the vehicle and engine function as one well oiled machine.
Stay tuned.
We don't have a clock here. Not a single one in this 16,000 square foot facility. Time doesn't matter.
You can't rush success, but you can damn sure rush failure.
Lots of the time has been spent awaiting other jobs to be completed, we have chosen not to participate in this "recession" and have 26 engines currently backlogged. The average time an engine takes to move through it's processes in assembly and evaluation is 80 man hours,(two work weeks) so you can do the math on my back log.
The arrival of Jack's Speedsster was scheduled months ago to coincide with the Tail of The Dragon event. This event would close out his show season and provide me with plenty of time to do what is necessary to make the vehicle and engine function as one well oiled machine.
Stay tuned.