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Questions - Beck 550 Spyder - Considering Purchase

FM Former Member
Hello,

I am new to this community as I am strongly considering the purchase of a new Beck 550 Spyder in the next 30-60 days.

The car would be a weekend cruiser, to be used down on the coast in malibu as well as runs through the santa monica mountain canyons periodically - it would not be my daily driver.

I joined this forum yesterday and have been reading many of the posts and perusing the classifieds thoroughly. I've also been trying to figure out which options I would like to have on my 550 and otherwise how best to configure it. I don't want anything too flashy and would like it tasteful and close to stock.

What I want to ask is your thoughts on buying a new one from Beck vs. buying a pre-owned one that has been well cared for and broken in already. I am not that handy mechanically, but am not afraid of getting a VW tech manual and learning a few things along the way.

What are your thoughts on the different engine options? Do you absolutely need the larger engine or is the 1.9 engine fine? Is it better to have all disc brakes? What exhaust options are recommended? My reference guide for these questions has been the list of options that Beck has up on his site to choose from when ordering ( link here: www.chuckbeckmotorsports.com/order_form_2004.htm ).

Are you happy with the Beck? From what I read it is the best way to go. Just don't want to be missing anything while I do my pre-purchase research.

Any thoughts or advise appreciated and a warm thanks in advance.

Rio
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FM Former Member
Hello,

I am new to this community as I am strongly considering the purchase of a new Beck 550 Spyder in the next 30-60 days.

The car would be a weekend cruiser, to be used down on the coast in malibu as well as runs through the santa monica mountain canyons periodically - it would not be my daily driver.

I joined this forum yesterday and have been reading many of the posts and perusing the classifieds thoroughly. I've also been trying to figure out which options I would like to have on my 550 and otherwise how best to configure it. I don't want anything too flashy and would like it tasteful and close to stock.

What I want to ask is your thoughts on buying a new one from Beck vs. buying a pre-owned one that has been well cared for and broken in already. I am not that handy mechanically, but am not afraid of getting a VW tech manual and learning a few things along the way.

What are your thoughts on the different engine options? Do you absolutely need the larger engine or is the 1.9 engine fine? Is it better to have all disc brakes? What exhaust options are recommended? My reference guide for these questions has been the list of options that Beck has up on his site to choose from when ordering ( link here: www.chuckbeckmotorsports.com/order_form_2004.htm ).

Are you happy with the Beck? From what I read it is the best way to go. Just don't want to be missing anything while I do my pre-purchase research.

Any thoughts or advise appreciated and a warm thanks in advance.

Rio
FM Former Member
Rio: I own a Beck (#650). I've had it for almost a year. I purchased it used (1800 miles). I am quite happy with the 1915cc motor in my car as I do not drive it hard, but many other owners feel that the 2165cc is a much better choice. If you want quicker acceleration and a little more top end, get the bigger motor.
If your going to run your car hard, I would definetly get the disc brakes and wide five rims. The car will stop with much less fade and will look more authentic.
As far as servicing goes, its a VW. The tilt up deck lid gives outstanding service access (adjusting the timing is a little cramped) The motor is a throughbred, though, in either size, so your mechanic has to understand hi-perf VW engines.
I can say that I'm completely satisfied with my Beck, but there are also a large group of equally satisfied Vintage, Thunder Ranch, etc. owners out there.
Hope this helps.
Cheers!
FM Former Member
HI Rio,
I have a Beck with the 2165 and I love it!
I run my car on the same roads that you intend to and have had a blast with it!
Not to throw a wrench in your plans, but have you gone down to see Greg at Vintage Spyders? It would be good for you to compare the cars before you make your purchase.
You'll run into quite a few Vintage Spyders, as well as Becks, if you get involved with our SoCal Spyder Fun Runs.

Good Luck,
Kevin
FM Former Member
Tom,

Yeah, mine's scary enough as it is.

The guy that built the SB 914 was only about 19 at the time he did it and it was a case of not knowing that, as some people said, "You can't do that!"

So he did it and it was remarkably well done. We knew of other 914's with SB's in them but he had never seen one and didn't use any kind of kit or guide...Just built it up and put it together. Actually, the only real challenge was the cooling system and he got that right the first time. Built an adapter between the SB bellhousing and the Porsche tranny and bolted it right up.

The thing was wicked fast and being mid-engined, handled like a skateboard and was really quite stable. I'd love to have one like it just to terrorize the rice burner crowd.

TMc
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