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I wanted to get some knowledge on the suspension setup of the speedsters. I'm in the process of picking up a IRS pan, and body from Greg at VS, and I couldn't be more excited. In looking at the different builds, I'm finding that Intermeccanica builds have the desired height, wheel fitment/position inside the wheel well, and the look that I am looking for.

Suspension:

I know that IM has a bit different suspension setup compared to the traditional pan/IRS setup. But I really like the stance with a small amount of rim tuck in the rear, and the front being a bit lower, with the wheels centered in the body. Can this be achieved with the IRS pan, with Adjustable beam? Or would it also require spindles up front? And what are they doing to get the wheels tucked right to the fender edge F & R?

Wheels:

I really would like to go with the Vintage 190's in a 5.5"  but there isn't multiple options on wheel backspacing, and may have a problem with fitment in the rear, without purchasing narrowed trailing arms. I read somewhere that I could run an early model rear drum setup-due to the narrower profile of the drums, allowing a bit more clearance for the wheels. This is something that I would like to confirm..  I'm actually leaning towards a rear drum setup for the added weight savings, over the available disc options. Lastly,  not 100% sold on the Vintage wheels, but I do like the look, and lighter weight that they offer over the standard steel. Is there any other options that may get me closer to the offset and look of the IM cars? Maybe even a 16 or 17"?

Attached are a couple of confirmed IM cars, that both share the look that I desire. This is my first kit car build.. I'm sure there will be headaches along the way, but I'm trying to get the suspension sorted, and powder coated one time. to avoid the expense, and disappointment of doing it over again. Thank you everyone for help!IMG_1138[13891]IMG_1149

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Ok I'll bite.  IM for some owners has redrawn the body and moved the arch of the front wheel but those cars are few.  Other than that I think there might be a way to shim the front beam, and a beam adjuster but others will have to advise you on how.  

On my original AC IM the rear wheels were made to push more rim inwards something that the wide 5 could be modified I would think by a good wheel modifier.

The rear trailing arms have adjusters to raise or lower the rear suspension height.

As to wheel fitment get as much rear wheel you can get and make sure the offsets are correct.


As to brakes, GET DISKS ALL AROUND.  the front will lock up in a jiffy and your left with the drums which are not stellar.  

Welcome to the madness.

Early IMs (the first ~606 producted in Calif) were VW pan based identical to CMC/FF.  IM molds/specs were sold to CMC in 80's.  The later IM cars were tube based so not VW pan. Swing axel gives more rear clearance for sure which is why old VS converted IRS pans to swing axel.

I had vigorous discussions with Carl Berry over the front wheel spacing of his VS.  He claimed the wheel wasn't centered.  I contented the opening was not symmetrical and the original car looked same as his and other cars.  Some is the way the photo is taken.  Lowering with beam adjuster and caster shims will move the wheel forward a bit.  Lowered spindle will have no effect.  You could shim the front H beam out may 1/2" at top and 3/4" at bottom which would move wheel a bit.

In back with IRS you have safe choice of narrower 4.5" wheels and even 155 tires. Or narrowed trailing arms, convert to swing axels, or slice rear fenders and widen the opening.  Wheels can have the centers moved - I wouldn't do with new 190 alloys.  I've seen it done on steel wheels.

Stance (height) can be set front and rear.  Spacers (with longer bolts/studs) can be used to move tires out in the wheel wells.  I've seen 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and even wider spacers available.

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