MusbJim, I liked your powertrain setup, sometimes less is more........
Hard to argue with > 100,000 trouble free miles. Sometimes more toyz = more noise.
Gary
Originally Posted by John Heckman:
...And is there a shift mechanism which would work a bit better. I can manage fine with what is in there but it's certainly not up to the standards of todays shifters. Things to think about until spring
You have to remember that these are tribute cars made to look like a classic, which is (for the most part) done with same or close to matching technology, which is ancient (60-70 years old) by today's standards. Learn to accept if for what it is, or you'll never be a happy Speedster owner. Trying to update is huge money, and that's the difference between a new Speedster with type 1 parts (I think a VS starts at about $22,000?) and a Subaru based car ($40,000? $50,000? or???) My apologies if this sounds rude; that's not my intent. Al
Originally Posted by ALB:
Learn to accept if for what it is, or you'll never be a happy Speedster owner.
What Al said.
We tend to make apologies for these crude little cars, or maybe try to rationalize to sane people why we spent so much money on something that in many ways doesn't drive as well as a Toyota.
This guy says it another way, at about 3:08 of the video:
http://youtu.be/VCByjUYrv1g?li...JPixJl95X1ut3E9K99KA
OK, so the next time some dude driving a Mini-van asks me "Hey! Is that one-a them KIT CARS?" This is what I'm gonna say:
"No, these are tribute cars, made to look like a classic, which is (for the most part) done with same, or close to, matching technology, which is ancient (now, 60-70 years old) by today's standards. Learn to accept it for what it is, or I'm gonna slap the $#!+ outa you!"
I like the way you said it better, Gordon!
Somehow "tribute car" sounds so much better than "kit car". My "tribute car" seems more worthy now. Well put Gordon.
Gary
reproduction based on the styling of the original car
Originally Posted by ALB:
Originally Posted by John Heckman:
...And is there a shift mechanism which would work a bit better. I can manage fine with what is in there but it's certainly not up to the standards of todays shifters. Things to think about until spring
You have to remember that these are tribute cars made to look like a classic, which is (for the most part) done with same or close to matching technology, which is ancient (60-70 years old) by today's standards. Learn to accept if for what it is, or you'll never be a happy Speedster owner. Trying to update is huge money, and that's the difference between a new Speedster with type 1 parts (I think a VS starts at about $22,000?) and a Subaru based car ($40,000? $50,000? or???) My apologies if this sounds rude; that's not my intent. Al
Not rude at all. I appreciate and understand. I agree as well. You guys know how it is when your hands are idle your mind wonders.
That's the beauty (Madness) of these replicars. It's all about customizing your replicar to your personal liking. Ultimately, we all get to experience a certain gratification from driving these dang things whether its super-powered, stock, outlaw, traditional, exact-replica, or close enough……….whatever floats your boat! 
You all know that driving a replicar like this, it is inevitable to be asked the typical replicar FAQs. My answers to these routine questions;
"Is that a kit-car"? - - Me: "Yup"!
"What is that, a Karman Ghia"? - - Me: "Absolutely"!
"Is it real"? - - Me: "Nope, fake as $hit"!
"How much did it cost you"? - - Me: "Tell me how much you make, I'll tell you if you can afford it"!
…and the plaque on my car whenever I'm at a car event...
Attachments
Images (1)
Or
"Is that a kit-car"? - - Me: "was at one time"!
"What is that, a Karman Ghia"? - - Me: "could have been - brakes are Ghia discs"!
"Is it real"? - - Me: "Nope, NO rust and I can afford replacement parts"!
"How much did it cost you"? - - Me: "TO start with? As it sits now? or weekly?
Originally Posted by John Heckman:
Originally Posted by Anthony:
There are other alternatives. Brad Penn Classic gear designed for older four speed Muncie, Borg Warner design trans and swing axle.
I use it and sell this product and have had no complaints.
Well we're not exactly having sports car driving weather here in Central Pa. Thought I might ask for reference and education what COULD be used in place of this Rancho transmission? What options are there for a "better" transmission to be mated to these higher HP engines? I've decided that this trans is probably OK but it is a weak point in the overall quality of the car or it is at least in my personal evaluation as a new owner it is. What options are there if any just for the sake of discussion? And is there a shift mechanism which would work a bit better. I can manage fine with what is in there but it's certainly not up to the standards of todays shifters. Things to think about until spring
What options are there? First depends on is your car a swing axle setup or IRS? If it's a swing axle your limited to the vw design transaxle. Options are 4 speed or berg five sPeed. If you have a IRS setup then you can fit a porsche 5 speed with several modifications. When deciding which route between a berg five and porsche they both will cost you about the same. The berg five would include gear ratios that would enhance your driving experience. The porsche setup is stronger but can be very expensive to change gear ratios to match your motor. remember the porsche box was design for a porsche and the ratios are not very close as the berg five which you can custom build to match your motor and tire size. Also it matters what your type of engine your running. VW or sube?
There is also the Subbagear transmission for IRS only. Berg 5 is about $6,500 built and delivered if you want all the good stuff...
I am beginning to like the Rancho transmission better all the time.
Thanks for the information. Makes a fellow understand what goes into the IM's.
As other have so correctly stated it's old technology. Unrealistic (to a large degree) expectations on my part.
Originally Posted by John Heckman:
I am beginning to like the Rancho transmission better all the time. Thanks for the information. Makes a fellow understand what goes into the IM's.
As other have so correctly stated it's old technology. Unrealistic (to a large degree) expectations on my part.
You're a funny man, John! And coming around quite nicely...
I am like my grand children (ages 5 and 7) it's amazing what I can understand given a simplified explanation followed with the bribery of money (saved in the latter case) .
Originally Posted by John Heckman:
Makes a fellow understand what goes into the IM's.
Yeah. You get into this hobby thinking, "It's a VW-- what could it cost, anyhow?" You have a couple "higher expectations", and all of the sudden IM costs start to look pretty fair.
In this hobby, you don't always get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get.
Stan,
...."It's a VW-- what could it cost, anyhow?"......
Especially if you owned a 911 prior, to acquiring the "madness"
Yeah, Art-- but I came form the other direction. A Detroit small-block is dirt-cheap compared to anything air-cooled.
Madness, indeed.