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Reply to "550 Spyder Replica Wanted"

We (Beck) did a few IRS cars over the years, in various forms (trailing arm, DeDion, and a few others) but I won't do it again.  My opinion remains that it needs to be swingaxle and a properly set up swingaxle Spyder will out handle most IRS modifications out there.  That's all that I'll say about that as it generally turns in to a Ford v. Chevy type argument.

As for your budget, you won't find a quality new build under $50K.  You'll be closer to $60k on a new Beck and I believe Vintage is $60k on a roller, so more like $75k turn key these days.  There isn't another Spyder manufacturer I'd consider.  Used cars you can still find them near $50k for a nice example and close to $40k for a car that needs TLC.  Some pop up cheaper on occasion but they're being scooped up by flippers that know they can make a quick buck cleaning them up or on BAT.  You have to be quick on the draw if one pops up at the "old" prices.

I'd be interested to see the current developments in rack and pinion for old VW retrofits.  The early VW beam based conversions for rack and pinion created a TON of bump steer and incorrect Ackerman, but I was told that someone made some offset brackets that help mimic the different offset swings of the VW Pitman arm, which is required to keep your suspension geometry proper with VW spindles and geometry.  I just haven't seen anyone who has used them and has enough knowledge to report real world findings.

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