550 spyder kit suggestions. Best ones?

[procan]

I don't want to sell my '69 2.0 911E engine when I do my 3.2 swap, so I'm contemplating building a 550 spyder kit car to use as a home for my 2.0 and my 901 trans. I've looked around online a bit, but was wondering if anyone had suggestions for which company has better quality cars.

Also looking for a 550 shop manual if one exists. PDF is fine.

Suggestions?

[wachuko]

Vintage Spyders 714 894-1550

Or

Beck 356 Porsche Speedster and CHAMONIX 550 Spyder Replica / Kit Cars

[JerryL]

I am tuning in for this one, I have the same thoughts although I am sometimes leaning towards my favorite body the 904, after parting a few cars a majority of the running gear is packed away in the garage.

Regards

[schwaggen]

A friend has a Vintage Spyder- it's a fun car.

for the 904- IMO the Martin and Walker version is probably the most faithful/close to the original:

Replica of the legendary Porsche 904GTS

I've seen one in real life, and to the unexpert eye, you would not know it wasn't a real one. FWIW- it's also a TINY car - I believe, like the real one, the seats are fixed in the chassis, and the pedal cluster adjusts - if you're big, it's a questionable fit. Also $$$.

Thunder Ranch makes one, too - more the later style (larger scoops) something about the windscreen doesn't look right to me:

Thunder Ranch Porsche 904

Beck makes a 904, which IMO only [kinda] looks like a 904. I spoke to Chuck when he was designing the prototype, which borrows ideas from a number of other race cars (Chevron, Lola) I'm going to guess it is great to drive.

Beck 904 -- The Ultimate Replica

[Laneco]

If you are putting the six in, the only one that is setup that way as a kit comes from Thunder Ranch which is now Carrera Coachwerks and under new ownership.

No reason a handy person can't convert a 4 cylinder to a six cylinder, but you do have to move the firewall forward.

angela

[John1180]

1955 550-6 Tribute

This ones been for sale here and on eBay

[mreid]

You could always build one of Fran's 917 kits. I built one of his GT40 mk1 kits and it appeared in the movie Fast Five. You would be amazed at the accuracy and quality of materials. Simply awesome!

Race-Car-Replicas - 586-329-1573 - 917 Specs

[m110]

www.spyderclub.com • Index page

This is a useful forum of 550 replica owners. The ultimate would be an aluminum alloy replica from these guys:

Alloycars

With a new replica 4 cam from these guys:

Brand New Porsche 4-Cam Engine Anyone? | The Chicane

[SpyderMike]

Be careful with your decision. Do real good due diligence and protect yourself if you decide to purchase.

If you want to send me a pm or email I can explain what I know for fact - offline.

I built mine in 1989 and still have it and have been loosely involved in the spyder side since then.

[angelny911]

chime

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by m110

www.spyderclub.com • Index page

This is a useful forum of 550 replica owners. The ultimate would be an aluminum alloy replica from these guys:

Alloycars

With a new replica 4 cam from these guys:

Brand New Porsche 4-Cam Engine Anyone? | The Chicane

WOW... I feel a project coming on.

[flyn-hawn]

Give Heinz a call at California Porsche Restoration, he does an excellent 904 don't know if he does 550's though.

About Us - Welcome To California Porsche Restoration - California Porsche Restoration

[wayner]

Listen to SpyderMike. He knows what he is talking about.

[procan]

I like the idea of an aluminum bodied one. What I didn't like about the kits I saw before was that they were all fiberglass.