--- In stratosreplicaclub@yahoogroups.com, "Don Atchison" <don@e...>
wrote:

> Anyone know what the final cost to put one together is? The badass
> rally version?

I'm doing a Stradale with Alfa v-6 and Campagnolo "Coffin Spoke"
wheels. These are the same wheels that were used on the rally cars.
I also have the Group 4 roof and tail spoilers, Leda suspension, and
competition seats, so the only difference between my car and a rally
version is the wide rear fenders and the lamp pod. By the time my
car is on the road, I'm looking at something on the order of
$37,000.

A rally version using all of the same equipment might be another
$1000. If you want Brembo 4-pot brakes and a rally car paint job,
add another few grand on top of that.

I should mention though, that my car is based on 2001 costs. With
the exchange rate being what it is, a Group 4 car with racing brakes
and suspension would cost about $47,000 today. That's still a
bargain compared to the $90,000-$120,000 you could expect to pay for
a real Stratos.

> Any trusted 3rd pary assemblers?

Not in the USA. I think Hawk cars has contracted with John Whalley
to assemble cars under contract in the UK, and there is a shop in
Japan that assembles cars for customers in that market. Their
services aren't cheap, though. I've heard of professionally
assembled cars costing on the order of $20,000 above what a kit costs
to build yourself, and importing a completed kit is more difficult
due to regulatory problems. You might be able to get a partially
assembled kit in without too much hassle, but it should still need
some major finishing work to play it safe.

> Which engine would you recommend? Accessories/upgrades? I'm
> interested in one as a semi-daily driver and some track fun here
> and there.

The Alfa v-6 is probably the best "standard" engine. Not too hard to
find, parts are still available, good power and torque, emissions
legal, and not terribly expensive. It also has the right sound for a
Stratos, and has excellent drivablility. I think there are a few
places that offer high compression pistons and higher performance
cams, too. Can't do anything too radical unless you want to replace
the fuel injection system, though. I've seen turbocharged Alfa's
making better than 300 horsepower in Stratos replicas, but it's
overkill. A stock 200 horse Alfa will give you 0-60 in about 5
seconds.

As far as accessories go, I'd definitely go for the Leda suspension.
Especially if you're running a v-6. The Lancia Beta donor car
suspension isn't quite up to snuff with the heavier Alfa powertrain
on board. The Alfa Romeo 164 brake upgrade should be sufficient if
you're looking at a daily driver with occasional track use.

Heck, I know several owners who have no problems with the Beta
brakes. The car is so light, it doesn't need a lot of braking
power. If you're looking at serious competition use, you might want
to go with a Brembo or Wilwood brake system. Something with bigger
rotors and multi-piston calipers. If it's only the occasional track
day, you can probably make do with the Alfa brakes and upgraded pads
and rotors.

Scott