Vintage Speedster engine compartment | 356 Speedster, 550 Spyder, Replica, Automotive Community

Former Member

I've had the chance to examine my Vintage Speedster thoroughly after over a year of ownership. I've noticed that the flat areas of the engine compartment around the engine don't close off the engine compartment against the body as they should; that is at the back of the body. Are all Speedster replicas like that or is it just VS's? Normal air-cooled VW & Porsche wisdom dictates that you fully seal off the engine compartment, especially at the back. I strongly suspect that hot air expelled from the engine gets recirculated through these gaps, am I correct? I was thinking on sealing these off with fiberglass; has any of you done that and, if you have, have you noticed any improvements in the cooling of the engine? Thanks!

8/24/057:28 PM

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Former Member

I've had the chance to examine my Vintage Speedster thoroughly after over a year of ownership. I've noticed that the flat areas of the engine compartment around the engine don't close off the engine compartment against the body as they should; that is at the back of the body. Are all Speedster replicas like that or is it just VS's? Normal air-cooled VW & Porsche wisdom dictates that you fully seal off the engine compartment, especially at the back. I strongly suspect that hot air expelled from the engine gets recirculated through these gaps, am I correct? I was thinking on sealing these off with fiberglass; has any of you done that and, if you have, have you noticed any improvements in the cooling of the engine? Thanks!

Former Member

Recardo - my vintage has gaps also. There is a foam type material that I believe is designed to fit into the gap and seal it of, but this must be carefully fitted to the tin and the compartment floor, and mine is not. So I just drive it and with the big cooler I've fitted the temp never gets off the peg. It could look nicer but it does not seem to be a problem.

9/6/056:22 PM

Former Member

Recardo - my vintage has gaps also. There is a foam type material that I believe is designed to fit into the gap and seal it of, but this must be carefully fitted to the tin and the compartment floor, and mine is not. So I just drive it and with the big cooler I've fitted the temp never gets off the peg. It could look nicer but it does not seem to be a problem.

9/6/056:22 PM

Former Member

Recardo - my vintage has gaps also. There is a foam type material that I believe is designed to fit into the gap and seal it of, but this must be carefully fitted to the tin and the compartment floor, and mine is not. So I just drive it and with the big cooler I've fitted the temp never gets off the peg. It could look nicer but it does not seem to be a problem.

9/6/056:22 PM

Former Member

Sorry, I thought this reply was not being sent.

9/6/056:24 PM

Former Member

Thanks for the reply Dennis; as per Gord's suggestion I'll be heading to my local Home Depot to look for such a seal, as well as one for my front bow.

9/6/057:22 PM

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