Jim,
Sure - there are several Outlaws fitted with 901s and a couple with 915s that I know of. The 915s of course are bigger and take a lot more "massaging" of the body to get them to fit.
But Dad loved the characteristics of the swing back axle and didn't want to lose that by fitting a 901. He wanted to keep the rear suspension set up of a 356. It was a personal choice for him. Going to 901 meant going to CV shafts etc; hence changing the handling. Also, this car goes almost anywhere. She handles rough roads extremely well at high speed. 356s are renowned for being able to hobble over almost any surface without backing off and this is what he wanted to achieve. Does have disc brakes all round though - the huge 356B drums couldn't handle the weight and speed; despite their size and really great linings.
She's challenging to drive - how do I put this nicely....I can't: it takes balls to drive her hard - simple! She commands your respect very quickly and bites hard if you don't take charge - hence she is very much a "she"! Much like a short wheel based 911...
The 356 trannie handles the power very well as long as you don't abuse it from a standing start. It has a lightweight 2.0LS clutch and flywheel which helps a lot. I can change gear quickly with no slip; I am however not as brutal with the gear change and I may be with a 911 on occasion
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Dad had built many a hotrod - both 356 and 911. This time he was completely selfish about it. He had many years of fun with this one.
Over the next few days I'll compile the specs and start an OT thread - there's lots of interesting tidbits about this car
