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Vintage v JPS - Which one to buy

FM Former Member
Well I have been reading this forum for over a year now, and ready to pull the trigger on a speedster. Just don't know which one to go with. So many of you have spoken highly of both JPS and Vintage and I am confused with which builder to purchase my new speedster. I live in So Cal and only a half hour away from both builders.

I plan on going to both shops and Knott's on April 24 and 25 to see the actual cars and talk to both respective builders. Any help in directing me to either JPS or Vintage would be appreciated.

My other dilemma is picking the right engine configuration. After having a brief discussion with Kirk on the phone, he mentioned the 1600 engine being more then sufficient, power wise and reliable. But I keep wondering if the 1776 dual carb for the extra money would be the better choice. I do want power, but low maintenance is also a big consideration. I would rather have less power, then more maintenance. Do any of you think the standard 1600 engine delivers enough HP and grins, or do you think the added HP is worth the possible increased maintenance? The price difference is not a deterring factor in this decision. I am not looking for a rocket, just a fun car that does not seem under powered.

I plan on using my speedster as an every day driver. I live only 5 miles from my office and since the weather in So Cal is pretty nice year round, I think I can get away with it. I do have other autos for bad weather days. But I am willing to get a little wet in the rainy season for the fun and style of owning a speedster. Any help, comments, recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Oz Abregov
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FM Former Member
Well I have been reading this forum for over a year now, and ready to pull the trigger on a speedster. Just don't know which one to go with. So many of you have spoken highly of both JPS and Vintage and I am confused with which builder to purchase my new speedster. I live in So Cal and only a half hour away from both builders.

I plan on going to both shops and Knott's on April 24 and 25 to see the actual cars and talk to both respective builders. Any help in directing me to either JPS or Vintage would be appreciated.

My other dilemma is picking the right engine configuration. After having a brief discussion with Kirk on the phone, he mentioned the 1600 engine being more then sufficient, power wise and reliable. But I keep wondering if the 1776 dual carb for the extra money would be the better choice. I do want power, but low maintenance is also a big consideration. I would rather have less power, then more maintenance. Do any of you think the standard 1600 engine delivers enough HP and grins, or do you think the added HP is worth the possible increased maintenance? The price difference is not a deterring factor in this decision. I am not looking for a rocket, just a fun car that does not seem under powered.

I plan on using my speedster as an every day driver. I live only 5 miles from my office and since the weather in So Cal is pretty nice year round, I think I can get away with it. I do have other autos for bad weather days. But I am willing to get a little wet in the rainy season for the fun and style of owning a speedster. Any help, comments, recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Oz Abregov
FM Former Member
Oz,

From what I've read on this forum, either makers are good guys. I own JPS's first Speedster John ever built. I've had two guys come to check out my car last year. After seeing the condition of my car and knowing John's made several upgrades and modifications to his Speedster over the years... they went with a JPS (a very quick and simple decision they both mentioned). Can't remember those buyer's name, but I'm sure John would know. Give him a call. He'll put you in touch with each.

David
FM Former Member
I have a VS and have had a great time with it for 3 years. Kirk is a great guy in sales and in follow though warranties and help. I have bought parts from JPS and talked to John Steele over the phone a few times and think he is a great guy, honest, and is willing to offer technical advice... even to a VS owner.

I think JPS is an excellent builder.
I think VS is an excellent builder.

Come to Knotts and decide for yourself. Hope to see you there!

Engines? Define your needs, call Pat Downs at CB Performance tell him what you want and expect as far as driving habits, performance needs, & reliability issues. He will lay it out for you and maybe offer several choices. Pick what fits, then have it built by Pat and installed at your builder (JPS/VS) of choice.



Jim
HossHoss
Hi Oz. Ed is right, 1600 is pretty small. I had a 1776 on my VS and I thought it was wanting for power too, although in fairness it was a very mild 1776 with a single carb and no go fast mods. If you select this engine size over the basic one, I don't see that there would be any penalty in terms of maintenance. Although there is no substitute for inches, or cc's, one of the smaller engines can be built to be pretty potent. Ask around and do your homework.
John H.
Terry NuckelsTerry Nuckels'04 JPS Speedster NorCal
Hey Oz,
I went with JPS because I wanted a slightly more custom look to it and I liked the idea of a small shop. I really liked John as well. He was very open to any requests and was available for questions via phone or email. His prices for a custom hand crafted speedster are reasonable and he offers a wide selection of engine choices.
I went with a 2110 and I am very happy with the power. I live in an area with moderate elevation changes and I needed a little more oomph than a 1600 or 1776 gives. Next engine will definately be a TIV. Good luck with your choice, however I believe either builder will be able to put a shit eating grin on your face.
See you at Knotts.
Terry

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FM Former Member
Wow, this is one of the most friendly and informative forums I have had the pleasure to post a request for advice. Thanks to all.

I would have to say I am considering John at JPS. His custom speedster turnkey, with the 2110cc w/dual webers and 4 wheel disc brakes looks like the One!

Does anyone have a 2110cc engine? How is the power and torque on such a little, light car? Is the weight to HP (120HP)a little much for a little speedster? Don't get me wrong, I love lots of horsepower and speed, the California Highway Patrol can testify to my love of speed too. I guess my hang up is what is the perfect engine size/configuration for one of these cool little cars.

Any input with past experiences and comments with different engine sizes configurations would be appreciated. I can not wait to see all these speedsters at Knott's. Looking forward to joining the speedster owner community. See you there.
FM Former Member
Sorry, poor choice of words, perhaps I should of used
Ideal, just right, precise, adequate.

I know everything I want on the car, I am just a little confused on the "ideal" engine choice. Anyone have a Type IV? JPS offers one, just wondering if anyone out there has one in thier speedster and are you happy with it for the additional cost.

Anyway, appreciate the input and look forward to seeing some of you at Knott's
WideRidezzzWideRidezzz
PERFECT? You get hung up on perfect and you'll never buy anything!
GB thinks he bought perfect! I bought the best I could affords just to kick GB's ass, but would either of these power plants be perfect for you? Doubtful.
John has a good insight on car/motor ratios.

10 to 1 weight to HP ratios are supposed to be fast fast fast, so 120HP in a 1700 lb. car is better than good. Reliable, good send off off the line, plenty of pull when you throw a fourth to third downshift and give it the gas out on the freeway...

Discs all around is good, you just have to understand PERFECT is not realistic in life let alone replicarzzz!
Just my $17K worth!
(my cost of admittance to replicar world)
FM Former Member
Oz,

I'm having JPS build my Speedster, it should be done in a month. John is building my Speedster as close to original as possible. No door pockets, no pleated seats, no custom colors, etc. only original factory look. I wanted to stay with the 1600cc to approximate the original engine but also had my concerns over the HP and boring out the engine. John had a solution. A custom 1641cc engine - 041 heads polished and ported, larger valves, full circle crank, counterweighted, lightened flywheel, modified 110 cam, dual baby Webers, entire engine balanced, dual exhaust, rated around 90HP. Maybe the compromise for you?
FM Former Member
Wally, Oz,

Ask yourself what's your style of driving and how will your car be mostly used. Those two questions will point you in the direction of an engine package that will match your needs. For example, if you live in the suburbs, if highway driving will mostly be from one end of town to the other, if there aren't a lot of hilly terrain and if you have reached an age where your style of driving is casual, then a stockish engine will likely be up to the task -- but expect modest performance. Stock Type 1 engines don't have torque to spare, plan on downshifting to pass or to climb steeper grades. But if you want to relive the era and performance of the Speedster there you go, or rather there you putt-putt.
K ktmitsy
Oz:

As a note, I have a late '01 VS. I bought it used in August of last year. It was built with a 1600CC single carb set up. The previous owner upgraded to dual webers. Honestly, I am not really a power guy and what I have is fine for me. This is my second Speedster, the first one I had had a 1600CC single carb set up. I'd recommend something different than that. It wasn't that the 1600 single didn't offer enough power, it didn't offer any power at all.

Like the other guys have said, talk to the builders. Describe to them what you're looking for and they can assist.

In the end, it won't matter, you'll be happy because you'll have one of the coolest cars around.

That's my 1600cc's

Dave W.
FM Former Member
Erik that sounds great! I really would be interested in hearing from you after you have picked it up and actually driven if for a while. If you happen to live in So Ca, I would even be willing to meet and take an actual look at it. Keep me posted when you take delivery. Man, I have the wants now, I really can not wait to get one of these cool cars. Thanks for everyones input.
FM Former Member
Hey oz, If you want a good reliable engine I would run a type 1 with a stroker. Possible 74 or 78 and you could keep the smaller but thicker wall pistons or 90.5 thick walls. Run a 120 cam and put more effort into the head work 40x35 and dual carbs and exhaust. That would give you more than enough power to light up your life and some basic reliabilty for every day. As for going with a type 4 motor you can expect to pay a higher price to build to make the same horsepower as a type 1, also the motor is a bit heavier. If you were planing on building a enourmous engine,2500cc and up would be the only time I would consider using a type 4 engine. I currently have a 1906 74x90.5 with about the same set up described but am finishing up the last things on my 2332cc type 1 power plant. Also if you are planing to do a lot of road driving and hill cutting I would suggest a 5 speed transmission.

Aloha, Greg
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