AggieDave 6 #1 February 12, 2009 As many/most of you know, I have a first love and that is my '73 SuperBeetle. Two years ago I started a huge restoration project (everything except removing the body from the pan). Here are some pictures of where I stand right now. Things are getting closer, I probably have around 100hrs of work left. This is mostly "nick-nack" stuff, since the major modifications have been accomplished. Here are some stats so you can compare to the pictures. 1973 Super Beetle Motor: 2187cc built on an aluminum "bubble" case, with some monster huge heads. Dual Webber 44s. Merged exhaust to a "fatboy" muffler. Drilled and tapped for full flow, with an external oil cooler that runs an electric fan that is controlled with a thermostat. Interior: Mostly stock, although I have rebuilt the pedal cluster, new shifter, upgraded shift bushings, racing style seats, center console and I have added cup holders (important, right). Suspension: Custom MaXX struts front end from Top Line Parts. Oversized sway bar, complete bushing upgrade. Literally just about everything in the front end has been replaced and upgraded. The car has been lowered 2 1/2" in the front and 1" in the rear. Tires/Wheels: Ditched the 15" 4.5" wide wheels and tires for some 17x7" wheels. 205 40R17 and 215 40R17 front and rear. I also converted the front end to disc brakes. Custom drilled with press in studs for a 4x100 bolt pattern. All in all, the complete list of parts modified, changed or upgraded is too long to list. I've literally touched every part on the car over the last two years. I'm trying to wrap it up so I can go to a VW show in April.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 February 12, 2009 More pics.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #3 February 12, 2009 saw this the other day. the kid tells me he is getting over 300 HP out of this motor, but its his 8th one...keeps blowing them. i've nver been a bug fan, but like the turbo just hanging there. thought you might like it. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #4 February 12, 2009 I thought about running a turbo setup, but decided against it simply due to cost. You can get 300hp with out blowing motors out all the time, but its not with the setup he's running. You'd want to run a Type IV platform, CB performance's dual IDA body fuel injection system with baskets. The fuel injection system runs nearly $3k alone, never mind another $5-7k building an appropriate Type IV motor and another $1-2k on a good turbo setup. That's followed closely by another $700-900 after you blow the spider gears apart on your transaxel. My setup should run around 150hp, which doesn't sound like a lot, but compared to a stock 48hp, its a big deal.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #5 February 12, 2009 engines tend to run the best just before they blow. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #6 February 12, 2009 Do you have the big book about restoring Beetles? The one obviously written by old hippies? I don't know the name of the book but its awesome. Very detailed but with a lot of humor as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #7 February 12, 2009 How to keep your VW alive by John Muir? Yup, I have the book. My project left the realm of that book about two years ago. For a stock standard VW (as opposed to a Super Beetle) it works well, outside of that, you're on your own.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #8 February 12, 2009 We have a friend that's been working on one for a while now and he has the book. I just got a kick out of the way it was written- stuff like "If you get frustrated, just walk away and chill for a while." That kind of thing. I've got a "new" Beetle now (not so new anymore, with over 108K on it) but I have always had a soft spot for the originals. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidB 0 #9 February 13, 2009 Quote My setup should run around 150hp, which doesn't sound like a lot, but compared to a stock 48hp, its a big deal. Way back in the mid 70's I had a 67 type 3 wagon that made about 125HP. 75MPH in 3rd gear! Oh, & before the 67 was the 73 Sport Beetle (in yellow).When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickDG 23 #10 February 13, 2009 Nice . . . I bought a Super Beetle brand new in 1971. I paid cash at the Volkswagen dealer and it costs me $1798.00 out the door! NickD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brains 2 #11 February 13, 2009 Quote Do you have the big book about restoring Beetles? The one obviously written by old hippies? I don't know the name of the book but its awesome. Very detailed but with a lot of humor as well. I had that book, it started all repairs on the engine end with, "Put all your hair up in a stocking cap. . . " or something like that Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
