Its Started!!

adam356 · Post by **adam356** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:59 pm

Well after all the advice regarding different kits ive finally bit the bullet and decided on a Kit!!

I made a visit to see Gary at Speedster Clinic and have decided to go for one of Gary's Kits.

It was nice to speak to someone who not only had the time to actually speak to you and advise you on different ways to go about the build.

After looking around one of his replica bodys i was very impressed with the original features that Garys kit has compaired to others and also the safety features and i know from that initial meeting that i will have help throughout the build.

The chassis is due in February so thats when the fun begins!!

Now need to decide on what size engine to build!!
What size engines are you all running and what would you reccommend as im starting to get the parts together to build the engine but undecided what to go for!!

I did originally wanted to fit a 911 engine but i think it would be a handful in such a light car (sorry Ian!!)

I was thinking possibly a 1900??

Cheers

Adam

Gary71 · Post by **Gary71** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 10:02 pm

Congratulations!

I can't offer any advice, but post loads of pics so we can see how it goes together

Stevie B · Post by **Stevie B** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 11:31 pm

Adam
pop round and see mine, then you can decide what direction you need to go
Steve.

adam356 · Post by **adam356** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:25 am

Will do steve, only problem is when i see yours ill want mine now!!!

What engine has yours got?

Adam

ims101 · Post by **ims101** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:09 am

Hi Adam,
congrat's on getting your kit, I'll be interested in seeing the difference between the Speedster Clinic and Chesil.
As for engine size and power don't make any rash decisions and regret not having a little more power! There are lots of choices like a 914 2L ect.
The thing that I liked about my car was the 911 engine and gear box (though if I knew it would cost me SOOOOOOOOO much for a rebuild I might have thought twice

) I still think the cost of the rebuild has added value to my car as I didn't pay a lot for it in the first place. That said it is wicked fun and that extra power is amazing when you look at the face of the Boxter driver as you pass him

also as for it being a handful, I have to say, is not! you are more than welcome to come over to Nottingham and go for a drive with me if you like?
Also the sound is amazing too the flat 6 sounds so much nicer than the flat 4 of a Beetle (sorry Guy's don't mean that in a rude way)

Stevie B · Post by **Stevie B** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:37 am

Hi Adam
mines got a 1600 vw in it at the moment,but who knows what might happen in the future. To be honest speed isn't everything, not yet anyway

Steve

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:44 am

Ive got a 1302 with 1641 kit fitted. I'll let you know how it goes when I get mine back from paint (underseal completed and final filling and fibreglass fixing going on where its a bit thin/split - this is taking the time apparently) in a couple of weeks and rebuild it...

Good luck with the build. Is Gary building it or assisting you having supplied it?

Gary will be helping do my interior soon - all being well...

abm914 · Post by **abm914** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:24 am

Hi Adam

Are you thinking a beetle or a type4 engine at 1900cc?

I run a standard 1.7 Type4 on fuel injection in my 914 and its usability is great. It will happily cruise at 80mph on a motorway or at 30mph in town. Then is decent enough on country lanes and has been ultra reliable for me.
I have a standard 2 litre to replace it once it expires (lots of white smoke when it's warm), but hte thing just keeps on going.

IMO, Having had beetles with various different type1 engines in various states of tune, the (standard) type4 is much better for all round usage.

Also - what gearbox are you going to use? The 914 is 5 speed which is also a big plus over the normal 4 speed VW unit.

If you're ever down my way and fancy a drive (or even a look) then let me know.

Ad.

Ad.

Post by **Bootsy** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:35 am

Good call on the Type 4

I used to run a 2 litre Type 4 in my old M&W Speedster Rep

It has Porsche style cooling and had a hell of a lot of torque for such a light car.

mdmax72 · Post by **mdmax72** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 12:46 pm

Same as bootsy gone the type 4 way. But depends on your budget?? You can go the Vw type 1 route cheapest depending on build spec. Just remember the more you modify the engine the less reliable they become. Or go the type 4 way but can be expensive to fully rebuild but very reliable strong engine. Or if you want most power with reliability for your money then there's the subaru conversion very popular with the Vw scene.

My 914 type4 2l engine conversion

You've got time to decide on the engine, best take a few offers of the guys offering a free ride in their cars to give you a better Idea of power they have in these little cars.

Ian quiet offended by what you say about the sound of the flat 6 over 4, when we get together to go busking I'm going to ram a banana up your exhaust and see how that sounds.

I'm just jealous

ims101 · Post by **ims101** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 3:55 pm

Hope you've got two and big ones too

bananas that is

That's all very fancy pants Rich, looks good we'll have to go out for a drive one dry day soon so you can taste the fumes of a flat 6 from behind

adam356 · Post by **adam356** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 7:26 pm

Thanks for the replies guys!!

Steve 1600cc is prob enough but im a bit of a speed freak and after having some fast cars and bikes i would need something a bit quick!!

Ian you have once again put the cat amongst the pidgeons with those pics!!

Ive had a a few flat 6's I love the sound and power delivery and Ive wanted to use a flat six for so long but looking at how tight it is in there and the fact that the body was custom made to suit the engine i think that it maybe beyond the reach of my modest skills!!

Not sure if i shound take you up on the drive though as i will definatley want one then.

Rich your engine looks very nice indeed, very high spec, i was thinking of a t4 engine of some description as i have both t1 and t4 engines already to rebuild but dont know what spec? Cc ect?

I suppose that i do need to take you guys up on your test drives to decide!!

Is anyone going to dub freeze next month as that would be a really good time to put some faces to names and see some really nice cars to boot!

My head is spinning now!!!

adam356 · Post by **adam356** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 7:32 pm

Paul,

No Gary is supplying the chassis and kit and i am going to build it myself, albeit over the next ... years!!!

Cant say its going to be a quick build as im already getting carried away with different ideas!!!

Adam

ims101 · Post by **ims101** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:22 pm

Adam,

I don't know anything about Dub Freeze? Whats the details, date and venue I could be tempted

adam356 · Post by **adam356** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:37 pm

Ian Heres the website: http://www.dubfreeze.co.uk/

Its only in stafford so quite local!

Adam