Thread: Speedway/Total Perf.

Tweet

I've got a Speedway '27 body , that I've had for about 16 years now. It was on the road for about 7 years. No complaints. I also have another '23 body that was supposed to be a Total Performance when I bought it (Ebay) but it isn't, and I am pretty sure it is a Speedway. But it is ok.

I also own a '23 that I had Mickey from Total Performance deliver down to me a couple of years ago to the Turkey Run.

I think the Total Performance body might be a little heavier layup (fiberglass). But not so much that it is like head and shoulders above the Speedway body. All of them are pretty much "out of the mold" bodies when they come to you, and you have to take it from there.

Now, if you are talking about the chassis, and are going to use the traditional 350 Chevy/ 350 turbo, the Total Performance sort of has a slight edge because the trans tunnel and firewall tunnel are already done and in there for you, The Speedway is just a flat firewall, and you cut it to suit your application, and then you build your own tunnel. (AT least that is how my 2 bodies are)

Total Performance has done a great job in putting together a kit that ANYONE can build, even if you have no welding equipment. You can literally bolt everything in place. Now, that is one area of concern I have about their kit. They have developed these self-cutting bolts that you can use to attach all of the components, like coilover brackets, etc. Mickey was very gracious and took time at Daytona to show me how these are different from all the other self=cutting bolts, and how you can reuse the same hole several times. But, with the thickness of the tubing used on these frames, I would be very afraid to simply bolt a structural component on. I would take it to a welding shop, if I could not do it myself, and have it welded after bolting it on.

Total Performance also has some nice quality compontents. Their bracketry and accessories are pretty nice across the board. Speedway has some nice stuff too, and I think their quality has improved over the past few years.

So, if I had to choose, which one would I say to buy? I think it boils down to you deciding what final look you want, and how much of the building you want to do, and can do, on your own. Look at both kits in the catalogs, or on line, and then make a decision.

I know it would be easier if I, or one of the others on here, could come out and tell you that one is so much better than the other, but at least I can't say that. They are pretty damn close, in my opinion. Also, both companies are very good at customer service. I have bought from both on numerous occasions, and have never had a problem. I find their people to be first rate.

Would I buy another body and components from either one? Yep, and probably will.

Don't know if this has been any help, but it is just my honest experiences with both. I think you would be fine either way.


Don


PS: I didn't discuss frames. I really don't have any experience with either companies frames, as I build my own. but I have seen Total's at the shows, and they look great. I would imagine Speedways are fine too, judging by the welding I see on their other stuff I have bought.

Oh, and finally, I think image and perception enter into the picture also. I think it might be slightly more prestigious to say you have a Total Performance car than a Speedway. At least that is the impression I get from talking to people, and seeing ads for cars. Whether that is warranted or not, I can't say, but I do think people sort of perceive the Total as somehow being classier and better. JMO