To IRS or not to IRS

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IMPI
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To IRS or not to IRS

Post by IMPI »

My few cents worth
Converting a bug to IRS is do able but takes a lot of sourcing of components. Likely donors include: the odd imported bug
the type three automatic and the Porsche 924/944
The type three is probably the easiest to source but only was available as an automatic and only in 69 one sideshaft is also longer than the other.
The 924 uses the same trailing arms and axles and are fairly common though at a price.
The type threes trailing arm brackets is also easy to remove and attach to a bug chassis although aftermarket brackets are relatively cheap.

The main problem is finding a gearbox
Luckily VW imported the Brazilia bus and supplied us with IRS boxes
Those buses came with an odball rear suspension using universal joints and reduction boxes.

Changing them to bug cvs is doable using an old 73-80 Passat box as a donor. Ifound at least two versions of the Brazilia box one with a small passat style dif and another with a regular beetle sized diff. dont forget that due to the reduction boxes the bus gearbox has the crownwheel on the opposite side of a beetle just correct when assembling otherwise you will have four reverse gears and one forward.
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Post by Bugger »

Hey I`f striped both of my extre Brezilia boxes and both have got the smaller R&P and for a performance box that is getting the super diff treatment its a no good

If any one know of a IRS box or even just diff spares PLS help
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Post by \/\/olfsburg\/\/olf »

Merlin told me there is welding involved..is this true?
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Post by Merlin »

Yup...and cutting...and grafting...and measuring - lots of measuring. :D
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, and oversteer, the rear.
Hp is how fast you hit the wall, and Torque is how far you take the wall with you."
sled wrote:well obviously the UK is wrong.
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Post by Blitzkrieg »

Thanks for the update IMPI

I'm going to start sourcing parts from now for a future IRS conversion.. :wink:
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Post by 4agedub »

I still prefer swing axle... espesially when it comes to sourcing parts.
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Post by IMPI »

Bugger did you see the bug crownwheel on top of that Brazilia diff so they are out there. BZ 05 04 6
is the code on that whatever it means.
I must confess other than stance when lowered I personally didnt find much to choose between swingaxle and irs.
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Post by 4agedub »

The only nice thing would be to set rear camber where you want it. Otherwise for cornering I think they are the same.
VW Beetle 1303 - 2165cc Turbo
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Post by Merlin »

My 0.02, if I may...

This seems to have become a local trend of late.

My impression is that a lot of people have been doing a lot of reading on foreign boards, and this [IRS] is deemed to be the be-all and end-all.

"I must have it, because it's 'coool!'"

Think...are wanting IRS because it's "coool", or because you >really< need it.

It's a HELL of a lot of work, expense, and trouble finding parts. I know...I'm in serious kak atm with this saga.

* Have you ACTUALLY DRIVEN A CAR WITH IRS that you HAVE to have it?

I'm not saying go either way, I'm saying think about why you really need it.

Atm, I'm up to about 10k with my conversion...and that's just the IRS portion.

Before you ask...there are various reasons I wanted IRS, one of which - the bigger one, is that I know distinctly what I want out of my car. It's going to be a seriously dedicated car, and it is a serious chuck-around toy.

I drive the '66 a few times a week with a CC on the back [S/a setup], and find little hassle with it, even when getting the arse out. Did the same with my bug beforehand.

Just a few thoughts on the matter. Use it, don't use it...

N.
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, and oversteer, the rear.
Hp is how fast you hit the wall, and Torque is how far you take the wall with you."
sled wrote:well obviously the UK is wrong.
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Post by Bugger »

IMPI wrote:Bugger did you see the bug crownwheel on top of that Brazilia diff so they are out there. BZ 05 04 6
is the code on that whatever it means.
I must confess other than stance when lowered I personally didnt find much to choose between swingaxle and irs.
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:?: :?: where is the pic
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Post by Riftvalleyvw »

Are youn interested in IRS for Buses or for Bugs??
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Post by IMPI »

Fourth from the top there is a bug crownwheel on top of the irs crownwheel to show the size.
We are talking bug and type three here.
I have now done three of these the first time in 98 on a brown fastback (would like to know where she is now)
My Puma will have it and so will the fastback
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Post by Bugger »

On the OD they look the same did you measure the ID all the BZ boxes that I have striped had the smaller ID

Rif bug IRS spares have you got up there in Africa
Adapterplates Available for Rotary in Beetle and others aswell
And Special Boxes built for Rotary Conversions and Scubies
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