13B conversion
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 4:37 pm
Since Bugger asked me so nicely to post some pics ...
Hope this is the right forum since it's not an aircooled project but the conversions forum is under "technical".
I started this project in 2003 but for the last 4 years it has been on hold due to finances.
Originally it was going to be a very unique, mid-mount V6 conversion with a special transfer gearbox mating the V6 to the beetle gearbox but due to safety concerns I shelved the idea. In 2006 I went to Cars in the Park at Swartkops race track to take a peek at the rotary conversions and after taking a look at some conversions I was sold.
I've recently dusted off the cobwebs and plan to finish enough of the conversion to get it road worthy before May but these things always take longer than expected and I'd rather take my time and do a proper job.
The bug before any mods.
1974 vintage with virtually no rust on the pan and some minor dents and bad paintwork to be fixed up.
Solid axle ... from a trailor.
(Took gearbox out to rebuild it.)
Cutting the wheel well away for the big 3 core radiator. I did not enjoy this part since the body was in such good shape.
Frame to brace the front end.
One very clean 13BT series 4 engine from Japan. It's a complete engine (turbo, air pump, alternator, starter motor, aircon compressor, power steering pump, etc.). The only thing that may be an issue is that the alternator has obviously been replaced and I'm not sure whether I was given a dud one but that's a minor thing to get fixed. Official power output is 136kW and a bit over 250Nm of torque with all the accessories.
I was going to build a bumper/airdam but I'll leave that for a bit later (after I get the car on the road).
Rough cut with curved turn indicators.
Bumper section without airdam. The bottom of the airdam will end where the small bits of polystyrene underneath are resting.
Bumper and air dam joined with very basic shape. Slightly raised area for the number plate. Still have to add a lot more compound curves.
The final look of the bumper and airdam will be something along the lines of this with an air intake in the airdam for the radiator and aircon heat exchanger (yes I plan to add air con as well).
Hope this is the right forum since it's not an aircooled project but the conversions forum is under "technical".
I started this project in 2003 but for the last 4 years it has been on hold due to finances.
Originally it was going to be a very unique, mid-mount V6 conversion with a special transfer gearbox mating the V6 to the beetle gearbox but due to safety concerns I shelved the idea. In 2006 I went to Cars in the Park at Swartkops race track to take a peek at the rotary conversions and after taking a look at some conversions I was sold.
I've recently dusted off the cobwebs and plan to finish enough of the conversion to get it road worthy before May but these things always take longer than expected and I'd rather take my time and do a proper job.
The bug before any mods.
1974 vintage with virtually no rust on the pan and some minor dents and bad paintwork to be fixed up.
Solid axle ... from a trailor.
(Took gearbox out to rebuild it.)Cutting the wheel well away for the big 3 core radiator. I did not enjoy this part since the body was in such good shape.
Frame to brace the front end.
One very clean 13BT series 4 engine from Japan. It's a complete engine (turbo, air pump, alternator, starter motor, aircon compressor, power steering pump, etc.). The only thing that may be an issue is that the alternator has obviously been replaced and I'm not sure whether I was given a dud one but that's a minor thing to get fixed. Official power output is 136kW and a bit over 250Nm of torque with all the accessories.
I was going to build a bumper/airdam but I'll leave that for a bit later (after I get the car on the road).
Rough cut with curved turn indicators.
Bumper section without airdam. The bottom of the airdam will end where the small bits of polystyrene underneath are resting.
Bumper and air dam joined with very basic shape. Slightly raised area for the number plate. Still have to add a lot more compound curves.
The final look of the bumper and airdam will be something along the lines of this with an air intake in the airdam for the radiator and aircon heat exchanger (yes I plan to add air con as well).
