IS IT POSSIBLE TO SOOOOP UP AN OLD BEETLE

[matthew]

I've just had a look at the manual and thats some really cool stuff.. thanks again Eben!! that was a big step forward!

[eben]

No worries.

[Tony Z]

The beetle engine is easy to take apart and put back together. Doing it properly is another story.

Do yourself a favour, do the brakes and suspension first. This keeps you on the road. Then do the engine, this tries to push you off the road. And dont think of the numbers and HP figures that other cars are running, the bug is a lot lighter and has a pretty short ratio gearbox. 100hp will run away from most cars, 200 will drop kick a Porsche

[ZeroAxe]

Eben you're a king! thanks dude..

Dont encourage him, his head is big enough!

[eben]

[matthew]

Ha Ha I'm enjoying this place, i think we'll get along perfectly.. ill try not inflate any egos and tread quietly..

guys I've been reading up on the different types of beetles 1 2 3 & 4 etc.. and was wondering which type is the way. id like to go with the Air Flow Control fuel injected, rack steering (type 3 apparently) but I've read that they where a failure in the market at the time. not sure if this was design issues or just market requirements or competition at the time. What are your guys thoughts on the different types best suited for modifications.

I've also been reading on engine replacements like the subaru 2.0l swap which looks and sounds very cool and was trying to find out what engines fit nicely with the gearbox. im not to sure how the adaptor plates works exactly but kinda understand the theory. what engines do you guys recommend that will accommodate the gearbox nicely and has the capability of nice mods..

[ZeroAxe]

Type 1 = Beetle (from early years up to the last model)
Type 2 = Combi Splits, then later replaced by Bay Windows
Type 3 = whole new design again, not at all resembling a Beetle or Combi (see my sig for n example of a Fastback. Yes, there were 3 different Type 3s)
Type 4 = Well, doesnt technically exist. It is better known than the 411/412.

Workshop 101 dismissed, be on time tomorrow!!

[matthew]

Thanks, i was obviously readying under the wrong assumption. i was under the impression that the different types were all beetles.
so i guess its type one that I'm going for. I'm not having too much beginners luck right now but ill get there..

[ZeroAxe]

Stick with it. You got to start somewhere! Dont mind stupid comments on questions that you ask. If you dont ask, you wont know, now would you?

[vader]

YOu can look at T1 and TIV to go into a bug.... TIV will make more torque and be a solid bottom end with a higher price tag. T1 many say makes more Kw than a TIV and has a "cheaper" cost to it....

[matthew]

hey guys.. check it out, I've seen this beetle on the net that has a 1500 Nissan motor going for 22k but i've read on this site that there are some complications in this conversion and that it doesnt perform well but also that some have come right. how would i know if its a reliable conversion other than it just driving nicely, or would that be the only way to tell?

VW nissan motor 1500.jpg

[Tony Z]

take it for a test drive.... Give the owner R50 and ask him if you can do 50km at 120km/h
Thats one way of checking if it overheats. Then come off the highway, straight into traffic, with the engine warm it will either overheat in traffic or survive. I think overheating is the biggest issue with that conversion.

[Bugger]

Hi and welcome
As the other guys said that first lurk around and get ideas of what stule etc you would like to go with the bug
Also go to the CNA and buy the Ultra and Volksworld magasines for some examples and ideas

On the cabriolet side I know there is no one in SA that has done more of them than I so I can halp you with some tecnical advice and help and especially Structural suport before you cut the roof and roll over protection

[matthew]

Thanks Bugger that would be really cool. ill let you know as soon as i get one or even when i'm busy buying one for some advice

[Bugger]

Only a pleasure