I have a good donor vehicle and was thinking about putting complete engine, gearbox (5spd maunual), complete subframe with all drive shafts front struts and control arms into a Beetle, in a mid mounted config.

Pitty engine lies at an angle, as with riadator in front, only enough space left for one rear seat.

Rear discs swopped to rear dics and calipers of Audi, which sorts out the hand brake problem.

Gear lever is a tricky problem on which I would like to have some help and advice.

Also any help on designing a sub frame which could be mounted on existing torque tubes, shock mounts of beetle and other points of the beetle, so as to allow easy removal of engine gearbox and wheels etc for aasy maintenance.

Any ideas or comments ?

[Edited on 1/10/04 by visiview]

[Edited on 1/10/04 by visiview]

Any comments? Only (sarcasm on) that you don't want much help, do you (sarcasm off)?
That's some flamin' project my friend, have fun. As far as gear linkages go it's probably an idea to try and look at what other people have come up with in the past as re-inventing the wheel ain't a lot of fun.

Hee Hee ... yep! I'm a sucker for punishment.
But it keeps life interesting.

Great site. I have found a few tips in the interim re gearlinks etc. and layout of Beetle chassis, which will all help.

Tks

It always makes me feel better to hear of someone trying a seemingly impossible task

I did have a beetle once, (only 'cos the chicks dig 'em though)
IIRC you can pretty much lift the entire body away from the car. that would be my approach. lay out what you want to fit next to the bug chassis/engine and spend a lot of time studying, measuring and taking notes.
I'm surprised you actually keep a rear seat at all. Rad can be plumbed in up front fairly easily with a bit of ducting/cutting and run the hoses through your redundant heat exchanger channels.
The real treat is there are no SVA issues, just an engine swap, (but be quick..) I hear changes are coming that will require re-examination for any modification to the original.

Good luck
John


some grammar just has to be edited

[Edited on 2/10/04 by spunky]

I remember seeing a racing series based on the new Bugs that had a 300hp v6 in the backseat. Researching what they did could be very helpful.

[Edited on 10/3/04 by kb58]