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I think your own personal tastes will have to dictate your decision. Just as with your questions on air conditioning and choice of colors, I think you can see there is no one correct answer.
Do you want your car to look like an original, or do you want it to be identified as an IM replica? If you look at the pictures in the Files section, I think you will find that the majority of owners are using Porsche scripts and badges. But the majority is not you!
As for my own tastes, the concept of "replica" means to replicate the appearance of the car to the greatest extent possible. If you so choose, Henry will delete his IM scripts, but he wants to keep his coach badge on the passenger side lower front fender(I can't blame him). Best of luck with your new car!
Do you want your car to look like an original, or do you want it to be identified as an IM replica? If you look at the pictures in the Files section, I think you will find that the majority of owners are using Porsche scripts and badges. But the majority is not you!
As for my own tastes, the concept of "replica" means to replicate the appearance of the car to the greatest extent possible. If you so choose, Henry will delete his IM scripts, but he wants to keep his coach badge on the passenger side lower front fender(I can't blame him). Best of luck with your new car!
Paul:
When I bought my used 99 IM from Henry this summer, it came badged as an Intermeccanica - rear script, dash script, and Roadster script on the sides.
I had wanted Porsche badging. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized I was buying not only a replica, but also an Intermeccanica. I accepted the IM badging, and even asked Henry to install the IM maker's badge on the front passenger fender.
I guess my preference is to be accurate as to what the car is, but that's just me. I have seen other IMs with Porsche badging, and they do look very nice.
RJC
When I bought my used 99 IM from Henry this summer, it came badged as an Intermeccanica - rear script, dash script, and Roadster script on the sides.
I had wanted Porsche badging. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized I was buying not only a replica, but also an Intermeccanica. I accepted the IM badging, and even asked Henry to install the IM maker's badge on the front passenger fender.
I guess my preference is to be accurate as to what the car is, but that's just me. I have seen other IMs with Porsche badging, and they do look very nice.
RJC
Thank you for your imput. As you can see, I ask alot of questions. I have a few months to make my choices and I want to be sure. With respect to color, I will probably get a lighter color, not silver but something close to it. I will be getting the original clors from Henry soon and I will visit a Porsche showroom to see what colors they have now.
I like to the idea of the replica beign as close as it can be to the real thing--I will go with the Porsche badging. (wife's orders) I could tell Henry was reluctant but would arrange to put the badging on by utilizing a local body shop. However I am struggling with the AC. I know the originals did not have ac, but that was 40+ years ago. I have also read ac was installed "after market" in many of these cars and none of these installations looked half as well as the way Henry does it. I asked questions about servicing the motor and it seems the majority believes the condensor is not too much of a pain and the distibutor and plugs can be reached. I was also advised it makes a difference where you live; I live in New Jersey and it regularly gets 100 degrees in the summer. I will drive my regular car on those days. I spoke to an owner on Long Island and he has AC. He has owned the car for 1 1/2 years and has used the AAC once. but he is glad he bought it. He has driven in the bigger engine IM replica and is a little jealous.
As you can see, I am going back and forth. I wonder if it would be better to invest the added $1800 on the 2100 cc motor, bag the ac and go the authentic look, and drive my Audi A6 on those hot, humid days in August..... My question to the forum is if you had the choice between the ac or the 2100cc engine, which way would you go?
I like to the idea of the replica beign as close as it can be to the real thing--I will go with the Porsche badging. (wife's orders) I could tell Henry was reluctant but would arrange to put the badging on by utilizing a local body shop. However I am struggling with the AC. I know the originals did not have ac, but that was 40+ years ago. I have also read ac was installed "after market" in many of these cars and none of these installations looked half as well as the way Henry does it. I asked questions about servicing the motor and it seems the majority believes the condensor is not too much of a pain and the distibutor and plugs can be reached. I was also advised it makes a difference where you live; I live in New Jersey and it regularly gets 100 degrees in the summer. I will drive my regular car on those days. I spoke to an owner on Long Island and he has AC. He has owned the car for 1 1/2 years and has used the AAC once. but he is glad he bought it. He has driven in the bigger engine IM replica and is a little jealous.
As you can see, I am going back and forth. I wonder if it would be better to invest the added $1800 on the 2100 cc motor, bag the ac and go the authentic look, and drive my Audi A6 on those hot, humid days in August..... My question to the forum is if you had the choice between the ac or the 2100cc engine, which way would you go?
No question - the bigger motor. I don't have AC in mine, but do have the bigger motor. With a bigger motor, you go faster, and can stick your head out to get cool.
My IM has Porsche badging but I will probably change it to Intermeccanica some day.
People always ask what year the "Porsche" is and I explain that its not a Porsche but a replica, etc, etc. It would be much easier to have the car badged as an IM, which it is, and forego the inevitable discussion on "replicas", VW Kit Cars, etc.
Brian
People always ask what year the "Porsche" is and I explain that its not a Porsche but a replica, etc, etc. It would be much easier to have the car badged as an IM, which it is, and forego the inevitable discussion on "replicas", VW Kit Cars, etc.
Brian
Go with the bigger motor
Bigger engine!
Badging is a personal choice.
My new IM will have badges and trim exactly like an original Porsche Carrera Speedster; the correct Porsche coach maker's badge will be on the right front fender and the IM coachwork badge will be on the left front fender since I won't try to pass it off as the real thing.
My new IM will have badges and trim exactly like an original Porsche Carrera Speedster; the correct Porsche coach maker's badge will be on the right front fender and the IM coachwork badge will be on the left front fender since I won't try to pass it off as the real thing.
Bigger motor! Old saying is that you can never have too many horses. True statement!
When I had my speedster built, Henry mentioned his coach builder badge. I felt that since Henry WAS the coach builder, his would be the only coach builder badge on my car. All other "signage" is as on a '58 Speedster.
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Looks like a lot of bull to me.
I've never seen a single post on this forum where someone regretted getting a larger engine.
However, more than a few posters have removed their air conditioning.
Go with more HP. On super hot days, drive the Audi.
However, more than a few posters have removed their air conditioning.
Go with more HP. On super hot days, drive the Audi.
Paul, you only live once; get the bigger engine and the A/C, that way you'll have no regrets.
Dave, you got it right!
I just looked at the IM badge and I have a dumb question.....1959? Have they really been in business making coaches since 59?
Bob, you're as funny as a fart in a space suit (think about it).
Go with the bigger motor.
1600 stock sucks and I mean really sucks (had one-hated it).
1776 is okay, but the lady in the Honda mini van will blow your doors off, and passing on the highway is okay, but you still cross your fingers each time (had one and was happy for about a year).
2110 or larger...now you talking...lots of passing power and no crossed fingers.
Forget the air conditioning...if it gets too hot, just drive faster.
Ron
Go with the bigger motor.
1600 stock sucks and I mean really sucks (had one-hated it).
1776 is okay, but the lady in the Honda mini van will blow your doors off, and passing on the highway is okay, but you still cross your fingers each time (had one and was happy for about a year).
2110 or larger...now you talking...lots of passing power and no crossed fingers.
Forget the air conditioning...if it gets too hot, just drive faster.
Ron
Steven,
Intermeccanica was started in 1959 by Henry's father, Frank. At that time, they were making speed parts for several European cars. Go to the Intermeccanica.com web site, to company, and then History. It is very informative and an interesting past. They started the "speedster" replica industry in 1976
Intermeccanica was started in 1959 by Henry's father, Frank. At that time, they were making speed parts for several European cars. Go to the Intermeccanica.com web site, to company, and then History. It is very informative and an interesting past. They started the "speedster" replica industry in 1976
They seem to be the sort of questions anyone, about to make a 40k purchase, would ask. Things like engine size, a/c, roll-up windows, color choice --you can't go back and re-trace your steps once it's done. I'm going through a similar thought process too, but I'm also considering the Specialty car, although they certainly are going to be a while getting the kinks out, so I may go with IM instead. I see you are in NJ. Is there an opportunity for someone in NJ to actually see a few of these cars (a Club, or a registry) close up? I am also in NJ; and the trip to IM, while it is certainly necessary at some point, is not practical for an early reconnaissance mission. The literature is informative, but it won't answer questions like "How will the roll-up windows affect the value, etc. I'm in central NJ, on the coast (Spring Lake). Any sources, you are aware of, in this area to see a couple of different IM replicas? In the meanwhile, I'll keep reading your questions and the many helpful responses. Thanks
They seem to be the sort of questions anyone, about to make a 40k purchase, would ask. Things like engine size, a/c, roll-up windows, color choice --you can't go back and re-trace your steps once it's done. I'm going through a similar thought process too, but I'm also considering the Specialty car, although they certainly are going to be a while getting the kinks out, so I may go with IM instead. I see you are in NJ. Is there an opportunity for someone in NJ to actually see a few of these cars (a Club, or a registry) close up? I am also in NJ; and the trip to IM, while it is certainly necessary at some point, is not practical for an early reconnaissance mission. The literature is informative, but it won't answer questions like "How will the roll-up windows affect the value?", etc. I'm in central NJ, on the coast (Spring Lake). Any sources, you are aware of, in this area to see a couple of different IM replicas? In the meanwhile, I'll keep reading your questions and the many helpful responses. Thanks
Herbert, if you want to know where people are located from you select registry on top bar above, it will ask for your zip code, put it in and then it will sort and give you distance from yourself.....it works great
Paul,
I'd suggest talking to Pat (or another engine builder) about A/C on a 2110cc. My thought is that he won't recommend it. I don't suggest it on anything larger than CB's 1915cc. (mostly for longevity reasons)
Generally, when my customers want big power and A/C, I'd steer them towards a Raby TIV. He's building me a 2316cc (almost 200hp) that will be a neck breaking, pump gas, A/C'd monster.
As for your specific delima, I look at it this way. If you decide you want A/C down the line, it's a fairly straight forward install (even after the fact) and cost is reasonable. However, if you want more POWER after the fact you'd be hard pressed to get it done for 1) the same cost as adding A/C or 2) the price of the engine upgrade now!
Just some food for thought.
CEH
I'd suggest talking to Pat (or another engine builder) about A/C on a 2110cc. My thought is that he won't recommend it. I don't suggest it on anything larger than CB's 1915cc. (mostly for longevity reasons)
Generally, when my customers want big power and A/C, I'd steer them towards a Raby TIV. He's building me a 2316cc (almost 200hp) that will be a neck breaking, pump gas, A/C'd monster.
As for your specific delima, I look at it this way. If you decide you want A/C down the line, it's a fairly straight forward install (even after the fact) and cost is reasonable. However, if you want more POWER after the fact you'd be hard pressed to get it done for 1) the same cost as adding A/C or 2) the price of the engine upgrade now!
Just some food for thought.
CEH
Carey, my question is how does the AC effect longevity when you would use it only sparingly in the summer, and not, more than likely in the spring and fall. Does it effect the engine when it is not turned on, to any great expense? Longevity? I have asked Henry to give me the price with or without the 2110cc motor, and ac etc and I wiegh the costs and benifits (bascially do what my wife says--I, of course, what the bigger motor--we will see how much pull I have)
And Herbert, I checked out the registry and the closest IM is in Maryland. Henry gave me the names of two owners in Long Island and I have spoken extensivley to them. In fact, it was hard to get them off the phone--they loved their cars so much. One has a speedster without ac but with the bigger motor. He (Matt) owns his own porsche and speciality cars garage and told me he has owned 20 356s in his life and this IM was as close to the real thing as there could be. He has driven the VS and JPS and he said (hearsey) they are nice kit cars but the IM was an automobile. The other guy (Nick) bought the Roadster with AC but with the 1776 cc engine. He loved it as well. Nick collects cars and the ownly one he drives is his IM. The funny thing was they did not know each other until they bought their cars and found out they lived 3 blocks from each other. Nick drove Matt's car and kept on saying how much faster it was than his and how it took 2 weeks of buyer's remorse to get over it. In our 1 hour conversation he mentioned the engine difference 4x, I do not think he was over it. This is when I thought about bitting the bullet and getting the bigger motor and bagging the ac to help with the cost. I would be reluctant to give you their phone numbers and would perfer you ask Henry for them. With respect to the cost, if you compare this with factory built roadsters they are not out of line. The Miata is $29,000 or more. Audi TT is in the upper to mid $40s. The boxter and BMW are in the $60 range.
And Herbert, I checked out the registry and the closest IM is in Maryland. Henry gave me the names of two owners in Long Island and I have spoken extensivley to them. In fact, it was hard to get them off the phone--they loved their cars so much. One has a speedster without ac but with the bigger motor. He (Matt) owns his own porsche and speciality cars garage and told me he has owned 20 356s in his life and this IM was as close to the real thing as there could be. He has driven the VS and JPS and he said (hearsey) they are nice kit cars but the IM was an automobile. The other guy (Nick) bought the Roadster with AC but with the 1776 cc engine. He loved it as well. Nick collects cars and the ownly one he drives is his IM. The funny thing was they did not know each other until they bought their cars and found out they lived 3 blocks from each other. Nick drove Matt's car and kept on saying how much faster it was than his and how it took 2 weeks of buyer's remorse to get over it. In our 1 hour conversation he mentioned the engine difference 4x, I do not think he was over it. This is when I thought about bitting the bullet and getting the bigger motor and bagging the ac to help with the cost. I would be reluctant to give you their phone numbers and would perfer you ask Henry for them. With respect to the cost, if you compare this with factory built roadsters they are not out of line. The Miata is $29,000 or more. Audi TT is in the upper to mid $40s. The boxter and BMW are in the $60 range.
Paul,
A good friend and occasional poster to the site has a 2110 with Air in his 2year old Roadster. He lives in Redding, CA where the average summer temp. brushes up against 100 deg F. He uses his car as a daily driver. Clay was telling me about his drive home the the Napa Wine tour last July and he said that he and his wife put the top up on the Roadster and drove the 200+ miles home, on a 100deg day, in complete comfort. Send me an off line email and I will try to get you in touch with him.
A good friend and occasional poster to the site has a 2110 with Air in his 2year old Roadster. He lives in Redding, CA where the average summer temp. brushes up against 100 deg F. He uses his car as a daily driver. Clay was telling me about his drive home the the Napa Wine tour last July and he said that he and his wife put the top up on the Roadster and drove the 200+ miles home, on a 100deg day, in complete comfort. Send me an off line email and I will try to get you in touch with him.
Paul,
Again, I'd ask Pat (or Jake). Which you'd probably have to do with a call or e-mail (I doubt either is following a thread about IM badging).
I was told that overheating and generally running hotter is the main concern. More strain with the A/C on, but I would think that the strain is similar with the A/C off, because the belt is still turning an extra pulley.?
Pat seemed concerned about a shortened lifespan (longevity- did I use it wrong or something?) and suggested that I not offer A/C on TI engines bigger than 1915cc. I trust his judgement, and take his word on it.
You won't find A/C in a Spyder, and I've had very few requests for it in the speedster (maybe 25%) In all of my personal ACVW's maybe two had A/C.
CEH
Again, I'd ask Pat (or Jake). Which you'd probably have to do with a call or e-mail (I doubt either is following a thread about IM badging).
I was told that overheating and generally running hotter is the main concern. More strain with the A/C on, but I would think that the strain is similar with the A/C off, because the belt is still turning an extra pulley.?
Pat seemed concerned about a shortened lifespan (longevity- did I use it wrong or something?) and suggested that I not offer A/C on TI engines bigger than 1915cc. I trust his judgement, and take his word on it.
You won't find A/C in a Spyder, and I've had very few requests for it in the speedster (maybe 25%) In all of my personal ACVW's maybe two had A/C.
CEH
Carey, you used longevity correctly. So, it is ok to have ac on a smaller engine, but not on one bigger than 1915cc?
A/C compressors have a clutch so they don't draw engine power when you are not using the A/C.
This thread reminds me of what Kelly Johnson, former head of the Lockheed Skunk Works, once said about committees designing airplanes: "You never do anything totally stupid, you never do anything totally bright. You get an average wrong answer..."
Seriously, in the final analysis, I would talk to Henry about the pro's and cons of A/C. He is the guy on the front line if customers have problems with their engines, so if overheating in larger engines were an issue, he would know all about it.
Seriously, in the final analysis, I would talk to Henry about the pro's and cons of A/C. He is the guy on the front line if customers have problems with their engines, so if overheating in larger engines were an issue, he would know all about it.
Paul,
The majority of the people that are interested in Speedsters like the car because they haven't seen one in person before and just like its looks. Other people know about cars and are drawn to look at your car because it interests them.
I like the Badging personally.
Klause 356 can set you up with everything you will need.
You are looking at about $250.00 for Front, Hood, Below Rear Deck and R/F Coach Maker Badging.
Just ask for "Jim". There is a link at Speedster Owners.Com.
Performance Products also offers Badging.
Good Luck,
Jack Blake
The majority of the people that are interested in Speedsters like the car because they haven't seen one in person before and just like its looks. Other people know about cars and are drawn to look at your car because it interests them.
I like the Badging personally.
Klause 356 can set you up with everything you will need.
You are looking at about $250.00 for Front, Hood, Below Rear Deck and R/F Coach Maker Badging.
Just ask for "Jim". There is a link at Speedster Owners.Com.
Performance Products also offers Badging.
Good Luck,
Jack Blake
Thank you. I can not find Klause 356
Paul, here you go.. www.klasse356.com/
thank you