Post by V8 Super Beetle on Sept 21, 2007 13:51:36 GMT -5
Hey guys,
I'm starting a V8 bug project and need some helpful suggestions. I have individual questions for a few of the members which I'll ask on their forums.
Here's my plan and where I'm at:
I'm wanting to build a daily driver / sleeper hotrod that's decent on gas. All stock looking V-dub bug on the outside, hotrod on the inside. After following some of the member's projects I've decided to put a bug body on top of a modified 2WD Reg Cab / Bed Chevy S-10 chassis (I'm on a budget and have limited tools so I've decided to go the easiest route). I've chose a later model Super Beetle cause they've got 3 more inches between the wheels than a standard Beetle, rounded windsheild / front end, and I plan on channeling the air from the vent on the bottom of the front apron to the radiator to keep it as stock looking as possible on the outside.
I'm hoping I can fit the leaf spring rear suspension under the bug body after shorting the rear of the chassis, the front and removing 10.8" between the wheels. That'll save me some money and time modifying the chassis. I see the "Beetle From Hell" has a leaf spring system, but "hellraiser" removed his to replace it with a 4-link setup. If for some reason I can't fit the stock leaf spring suspension, I'll go with a ladder-link setup, a Ford 9" rear and custom build the rear of the chassis (like this pic).
So far I've got a modified 283 SBC that'll crank out about 400 hp (from what my Dad tells me, he was so excited about the project he gave me the engine he had in his bomber class nova, I just need heads), and I've got a good rebuildable 350 trans (also courtesy of my Dad). If anyone has some good SBC heads send me pricing and pictures.
Last but not least, I did some bug body shopping, found a 1974 Super Beetle body on a rolling chassis in great condition for $500 with title, but this past Monday on my drive home from work I saw a 1974 Super Beetle just sitting in storage at a mechanic shop, stopped and asked how much for the car and he said $500. The car is complete, really nice interior, needs little body work and best of all it RUNS!!! I plan on selling the running chassis to acquire the S-10 chassis and other need parts. Only draw back is the bug isn't his and is filling a mechanics lean. The good news is the person owes him repair costs and 3 years storage @ $8 a day. So it's pretty much mine.
Until I get my bug, I'm going to get the 283 and tranny turnkey ready and do a little more research before diving into the S-10 chassis purchase and modifications.
I'll post pics as my project unfolds.
I'm starting a V8 bug project and need some helpful suggestions. I have individual questions for a few of the members which I'll ask on their forums.
Here's my plan and where I'm at:
I'm wanting to build a daily driver / sleeper hotrod that's decent on gas. All stock looking V-dub bug on the outside, hotrod on the inside. After following some of the member's projects I've decided to put a bug body on top of a modified 2WD Reg Cab / Bed Chevy S-10 chassis (I'm on a budget and have limited tools so I've decided to go the easiest route). I've chose a later model Super Beetle cause they've got 3 more inches between the wheels than a standard Beetle, rounded windsheild / front end, and I plan on channeling the air from the vent on the bottom of the front apron to the radiator to keep it as stock looking as possible on the outside.
I'm hoping I can fit the leaf spring rear suspension under the bug body after shorting the rear of the chassis, the front and removing 10.8" between the wheels. That'll save me some money and time modifying the chassis. I see the "Beetle From Hell" has a leaf spring system, but "hellraiser" removed his to replace it with a 4-link setup. If for some reason I can't fit the stock leaf spring suspension, I'll go with a ladder-link setup, a Ford 9" rear and custom build the rear of the chassis (like this pic).
So far I've got a modified 283 SBC that'll crank out about 400 hp (from what my Dad tells me, he was so excited about the project he gave me the engine he had in his bomber class nova, I just need heads), and I've got a good rebuildable 350 trans (also courtesy of my Dad). If anyone has some good SBC heads send me pricing and pictures.
Last but not least, I did some bug body shopping, found a 1974 Super Beetle body on a rolling chassis in great condition for $500 with title, but this past Monday on my drive home from work I saw a 1974 Super Beetle just sitting in storage at a mechanic shop, stopped and asked how much for the car and he said $500. The car is complete, really nice interior, needs little body work and best of all it RUNS!!! I plan on selling the running chassis to acquire the S-10 chassis and other need parts. Only draw back is the bug isn't his and is filling a mechanics lean. The good news is the person owes him repair costs and 3 years storage @ $8 a day. So it's pretty much mine.
Until I get my bug, I'm going to get the 283 and tranny turnkey ready and do a little more research before diving into the S-10 chassis purchase and modifications.
I'll post pics as my project unfolds.