What is a 550 replica like, thinking about getting one

D Hanson · 08-30-2005, 03:18 PM

Anyone driven a 550 replica. I am thinking about the Beck and I also saw one that had a Porsche 356 motor. The Beck has about 155 hp and 0 - 60 in 5.2. What would be the output on the 356 motor. Would the 356 motor be more difficult to keep running.

Are these fun and worth the $ 25k. They look cool and seem like they could be a blast.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

Search for LeeH. I think that is his user name. He just got one for a good price and it looks like he is having fun with it.

sketchers356 · 08-30-2005, 03:56 PM

The 356B engine was available in later forms with 60/75/90 hp. The 356C was available in 75/95 hp. The 912 has pretty much the 356C 95 hp engine (There are some slight case modifications). For the money, as cool as a 356 engine could be, I would do a VW engine, probally a Type 4 as was used in the latter busses and the 4 doors. Not quite as cheap as the type 1 (beetle/ghia/early bus) but still MUCH cheaper than the 356. Also I feel that butchering a 356 engine is a crime. The type 4 is technically quite similar to the 356. However, unlike the 356 boatloads of reasonably priced mods are available for the engines. If you want to go for it you probally could get 200 hp out of it which would be a hell of a lot in a 1400 lb car. I have heard of turboed type 4s running ~400 hp. Not sure of the reliability of that state of tune though. The type 4s main advantages that warrent its higher cost over the type 1 are to me a stronger Aluminum case and an integrated oil filter (type one has a strainer although a screw on can be modified). I sure as heck want a 550 myself!

Spede · 08-30-2005, 03:58 PM

Can you drop a bigger 911 engine in one of those 550s?

87coupe · 87coupe's Garage

I've seen a 2.7 in a 550 kit.

Zeke · 08-30-2005, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sketchers356
The 356B engine was available in later forms with 60/75/90 hp. The 356C was available in 75/95 hp. The 912 has pretty much the 356C 95 hp engine (There are some slight case modifications). For the money, as cool as a 356 engine could be, I would do a VW engine, probally a Type 4 as was used in the latter busses and the 4 doors. Not quite as cheap as the type 1 (beetle/ghia/early bus) but still MUCH cheaper than the 356. Also I feel that butchering a 356 engine is a crime. The type 4 is technically quite similar to the 356. However, unlike the 356 boatloads of reasonably priced mods are available for the engines. If you want to go for it you probally could get 200 hp out of it which would be a hell of a lot in a 1400 lb car. I have heard of turboed type 4s running ~400 hp. Not sure of the reliability of that state of tune though. The type 4s main advantages that warrent its higher cost over the type 1 are to me a stronger Aluminum case and an integrated oil filter (type one has a strainer although a screw on can be modified). I sure as heck want a 550 myself!

I don't think one needs to "butcher" a 356, but your point about T-1s and T-4s is a good one. I built two 914 motors for about 2K and they were fast in a light car at 130 (prox) HP. That's the thing, the 550 is a light weight with skinny tires if it's gonna look decent. What could you do with 300 ponies? NOT on VW brakes.

Lee's is a rear engine hybrid replica. I don't know how that handles, probably a lot like a Ghia.

D Hanson · 08-30-2005, 04:56 PM

Check this one out.

http://www.spyder550.com/863.html

D Hanson · 05:06 PM

Here is the one with the 356 motor. Ebay link not working correctly so here is information:

1956 Porsche 550 Spyder custom. Car was completed two years ago. Has a fiberglass body and all Porsche components, other than what is aftermarket. Color is German silver with micro-dot blue pearl racing stripes. Interior is Ferrari red with red accents. Comes with hardtop also painted to match. Engine is a 1957 356A type with mallory ignition, custom oil cooler, custom header, aftermarket fuel pump, etc...

Other parts that are updated are front disc brakes, hydraulic clutch, hydraulic throttle, racing seat belts, etc...

All Greek to me if anyone can help sort it out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1956-550-Porsche-Spyder_W0QQitemZ4568289149QQcategoryZ6058QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://i13.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/ae/98/11_1_b.JPG

http://i7.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/ae/a0/9e_1_b.JPG

http://i10.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/b4/3b/59_1_b.JPG

Zeke · 08-30-2005, 05:17 PM

It is my opinion that the administrator has entered a code that effectively blocks links to eBay form working. I haven't had one work in a month.

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

I came within a keystoke of Buying One Now a couple of months ago on fleabay. It was the best I've seen to date and actually had a bunch of real Porsche and 550 parts on it. Gorgeous car. I think it was $26K. But ..... I just think the novelty of it all would quickly wear off. And, the whole 'replica' thing bothers me a bit - probably shouldn't, but it does.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

If anyone is interested....I have a replica 356 Speedster that I am getting ready for sale....

cantdrv55 · 08-30-2005, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mikez
If anyone is interested....I have a replica 356 Speedster that I am getting ready for sale....

Pics Mike. We want pics!

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Here ya go....

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

One more with tonneau cover. I'm installing a fresh 1776cc motor with dual Dells....

356six · 356six's Garage

Go to www.spyderowners.com they have a classified section and general forum section - lots of info and opinions to help you make your decision.

sketchers356 · 08-30-2005, 07:05 PM

Not to bash Mikez's beautiful speedster but I never really understood replica speedsters. Only a handful of 550s were made, costing you hundreds of thousands for an orginal. Also, the original engines really were full race and needed rebuilds every 5000 miles. TOO much for my taste. OK, I love the car lets get the replica, I will never be able to afford one, or drive one. Now with the speedster it is just a special bodied 356. Reliabilty of a 356 (not bad). Cost for one is around $50K. Ok not cheap but I could do it if I really wanted. And doesnt a proper replica cost 20k? With 356 engine 25-30K. And you still have a fibreglass body with a tubular frame. Not exactly a true speedster.
What is the attraction to replica speedsters? What am I missing? I know there is a HUGE following.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

The look....not like many drivers will be able to wring out the potential in a real one.....plus 250K is outta touch with most of us...

The feel....a light weight no frills car that you can toss around and get 28-35mpg....

356six · 356six's Garage

- what's not to love about a replica.. Tube frame - more rigid than the original, disc brakes all around, no rust, bigger engines (VW - new P-engines) You can build'em mild to wild. And in the end you don't have to worry about hurting an original 40+yr old classic. Yes, I'm biased - 356 with a 2.7

twin plugged targa · twin plugged targa's Garage

Mikez- for what it's worth i think your speedster is waaay cooool!
a fat stocky little car- needs a smiley face on the front!!!
ben

masraum · 08-31-2005, 06:25 AM

I'd love to have a Beck 550. I spoke to a fella that had 2 at a concours here in Houston once. He said that they are a bunch of fun, but pretty scary in regular traffic because of the size.

He said he drove it from Houston to Louisiana once, about 5-6 hours. He said it was actually pretty comfy, but again, kind of scary because of the size. It's definitely a fair weather car. He said that if the top was up you had to take it partially down to get into the thing.

Again, I think they are sweet, I'd love to have one. I spoke to another guy at the same concours, but years later that was saying that he had a hard time keeping it hooked up because of the power to weight being so nice.