Superformande

[Nantucket427]

I need help figuring out the numbering systems on SPF's. Are the low numbers of lesser value than the one with higher number (ie different standard equiptment) who knows???

[Bob In Ct]

They're older! They started at #1.

Bob

[Nantucket427]

I understand they have produced about 1500 cars. Is yours the same as the ones coming off the line now? Brakes, Suspenison, Wheels, etc.

[mikiec]

Nantucket go here:
http://performanceunlimited.com/supe.../features.html

Mike

[Nantucket427]

Thanks for that Link it is just what I was looking for

[Nantucket427]

That is the type of information I needed.

[STCinc]

Not sure on what number car, but there is a new parking / emergency brake configuration. I dont know details, but if I understood correctly the brake is now in the driveshaft... I cant confirm or deny this info...

Sean

[Bill Wells]

nantucket 427..keep in mind that many of the evolutionary changes can be retrofitted to the older cars. many owners have already done that. the lowered footwell is the most difficult to do, but others are not so difficult. so dont discount an older car for its lacking something available today, as it might be on the car, or can be added for not too much $ and some labor time (yours or commercial) and be a good purchase value. bill.

[BlueRooster]

I bought #623 and by definition it should be missing a few things that the 1000 + series(sic) has. The previous ower upgraded almost everything. I have the old AVO shocks, but at least they are adjustable which the Bilsteins are not.

I think if you look at some of the early SPFs, there are the best deals right now. Spend $3000.00 additional to upgrade and make it YOURs, and in 5 years you may actually break even or make some money on it.....or keep it the rest of your life.

[Nantucket427]

Bill how did you finish your car? They claim you can put the motor and trans in, in 8 hours. The Roller is $37,000.00 how much can I expect to send getting it on the road.

[Mr.Fixit]

The 8 hrs. thing is complete BS. Unless the motor and tranny and driveshaft were allready installed in a SPF, with the oil cooler hoses put together, along with radiator hoses, fuel system, and all the other stuff you'll want like MSD ignition and such.

[Nantucket427]

I have average tools and some experience but I don't want to get in over my head. How long to you think? Is it better left to the professionals ? What is the expense? Hidden cost

[Great Asp]

Doc Fixit,

A little over a year ago, my buddy Jerry Douglas (current SPF owner still) bought a roller from Dynamic, and a crate motor (392) with the standard 3550 tranny.

He had a question on a Thursday about the remote oil filter hoses (an important thing to get right ), and said "I am going to start the install this weekend".

Well, Sunday comes, and Jerry calls me with another question, but tells me "I can't stop driving it!!!"

I was shocked. I did not think you could do it in a weekend. But that is about as fast as I would think you could do it. Not 8 hours.

Eric

PS Nantucket, the motor builders get like 2-2,500 for the install. I had them do mine. It just seemed reasonable for the cost after a 12K motor, a 37K roller, and 6K more in "stuff".

[Mr.Fixit]

Depends on a lot of things. If it is allready a roller, than your buddy didn't have to put on the rotors, calipers, swaybars, Knock off adapters. Adjust the E-brake, remove the plastic sheeting from the tin, remove the cosmolene. Install the headlights, turnsignals, tail lights, etc. Then there are the "upgrades" like installing fuel cell, MSD, removing quickjack and rollbar for chroming, sending headers and sidepipes out for ceramic coating. Then there are the little touches: bending and reflaring (for AN fittings) the factory hard fuel line instead of just shoving a 3'8" ruber hose over the ends, grinding down the E-brake calipers so they don't rub on the 15" wheels. Plumbing the whole fuel system with AN lines and a high volume electric pump instead of rubber hose with worm clamps and an engine mounted mechanical pump. Removing, drilling and tapping the throttle arms for a second set screw so it won't ever slip. making a stainless polished carb linkage instead of the gold iridited factory rod. Grinding the paint off the grounding tabs on the frame. Carefully checking the scattershield for crankshaft centerline alignment and correcting if necessary, adjusting clutch fork ball stud. Setting the proper "at rest" height for the gas and cluth pedals. Adjusting ride height at all four corners. Sending car out for proper four wheel alignment prior to road testing. Buffing out the tiny swirl marks the fender covers left on the front fenders during all this work. Almosy forgot to mention: making the -10 oil cooler lines and securing them, putting together the radiator hoses, prelubing the whole oil cooler setup, pressure testing the fuel system for leaks with compressed air and soapy water. Shimming the motor mounts, installing badges, etc.

The time goes quickly when it is your own car.

[Hal Copple]

Ha, like many other things in life, once you some practice at a project, you get faster at it.

Actually, Bob and Dennis have put an engine in a "roller" and drove it in 8 hours. But they did it for a living, at least in the past.

Like a NASCAR pit crew, gas and tires in about 17 seconds, but then they get good at it, too. Me, i can't get my Simpson's unbuckled in 17 seconds.

Basically, if you want to put your own engine in an SPF, they have video's and are available to help.

I was out and about in mine again today, as the sun was out, went up to Charlotte this AM, back shortly, then out with Chris for lunch, him in his Boxster, me following, got some hot wings at Lukes, the best anywhere, you have to be careful to not get any of his sauce in your eyes, and wash your hands BEFORE you go to the bathroom, and again afterwards!!

In the cool Carolina dawn a few hours ago, noted the Great Stroker was really frisky, making prodigous power coming out of the SC welcome rest stop, which i of course always cruise.

Have I ever mentioned how fortunate i am to live in Upstate SC?

[Nantucket427]

Thanks for the details and encouragement. I need all I can get !
Do the engine builders usally do the install? Does any one know someone good in the Northeast?

[J.D. Wheeler]

Nantucket427-- good luck in your quest for your car!! It is exciting, intimidating, and FUN! Like Hal and many others, I have a Superformance (spf#698, guardsman blue, no stripes, 392 stroker), and couldn't be more pleased. The quality is excellent, and I haven't heard of any problems with dealers after the sale is completed-- all are very helpful. To my knowledge, most (if not all) of the Superformance dealers can sell or install an engine for you, or both. I bought my car and engine from Doug Reed at Superformance South/Reed Performance Motors, and had them install it also. Yes, this is probably the most expensive route (up front), but I was realistic about my technical abilities and wanted maximum reliability. Remember-- these cars are way fun, but way dangerous also. I don't want some moron (i.e., ME) screwing up the brake installation or something. And the Superformance is a complete CAR-- professionally built. I have had a number of professional mechanics say that the build, quality, and workmanship is outstanding. I have absolutely no regrets.
I recommend you check out the Superformance homepage (www.superformance.com) and call the dealer nearest you for an information packet and to answer your questions. And this site is a fantastic source of information. Happy hunting!!--- J.D.

[Nantucket427]

What are the realistic cost for the complete unit?
I wast told $56,000.00 for a stroker and they had a demo they would sell for 53,000.00.
$36,900.00 for the roller, $12,500.00 for the motor and $2,500.00 for the install.

[Mr.Fixit]

Price of the rolling chassis is set by SPF. Price for the engine and install package varies depending on exactly what you are getting and who is doing the install. All the little differences add upon the bottom line.

[shaps]

Nantucket427,
MrFixit is spot on regarding pricing.
I have been looking for quite a while, and I would say that there are some excellent examples of almost every manufacturer available as a resale. Building a new car is nice and it definitely has the "I got EXACTLY what I wanted" thing going for it, but there is the added expense. The resale market is rather soft and it seems there is very good value out there.

Just my .02
(but worth way less than that)