Air bags or coil overs?

[speedy19832003]

I'm new to this forum so Hi to everyone. I'm in the process of building my own v8 powered bug. I just cant make up my mind on what type of suspension to use. So I thought that I would throw it out for your thoughts. I was thinking about coil overs, but don't know how they would ride on the road, or air bags, I have them on a 70 Chevy truck and love how smooth they ride. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! ;D

[V8 Super Beetle]

Welcome! How are you approaching your build? Using and existing vehicle frame? Building a tube chassis?

I would think if you got the proper spring rate for you car it would ride smooth. Only problem is you're not going to know how much your car will weigh until it's done and you weigh it. I would personally go with the air bag setup if I had the cash. Also you got to consider the fact the car will be lighter compared to your pickup so that will affect how smoothly it rides too, I would think.

[speedy19832003]

Thanks, Im building a 2x3 frame with a 1 5/8 14point cage. I am also going with ladder bar set up narrowed 9" out back. Thanks for the input.

[V8 Super Beetle]

Sounds like a great setup! Mustang II front suspension?

[speedy19832003]

Yes im going to put mustang II suspension in the front with a manual rack for steering.

[V8 Super Beetle]

Cool, under member rides there's a few members that have used the mustang II front end but narrowed it so the wheels would fit under the fenders. You could go that route or widen the fenders.

[badnblown69vw]

Hey Speedy, welcome to V8bugs.com
Looks like your building a similar project to what I have done with my VW. Check out my ride under Members rides.
I dont think I would go with coilovers due to every car ive had coilovers on rides rough as hell. Air bag suspesion will prob ride good but im running Mustang II springs with Shocks up front and a Spring/Shock all in 1 in the rear on each side. My car rides Great and I have no regrets. it handles great very stable and it has a great stance. I woudl go spring and shocks but thats my opinion.
Your project sounds good. you looking to Tub the car or minitub? Im running a 29x18.50 Mickey Thompson on the rear of my car with stock width fenders and I have a inch between the fenders and the tire and 1 1/2 inches between the frame and tire.

I was very happy with the way my car turned out and im looking forward to building another one down the road alittle bit.

[Roadrunna]

www.jwrodgarage.com do a good Mustang II front end package. It can all be narrowed to fit your frame and outer track measurements.

Apparently they supply the prostreetbug kits.

[speedy19832003]

badnblown69vw, my bug is looking a lot like yours, but im not going to be running the blower. Like you I am running a set of 29x18.5x15 tires. Im taking parts that I have been buying for the past many years and using them on this build. My father and I build some street rods and drag race cars so I have a few parts to choose from. We used a lot of mustange II front ends on the chassies we built.
P.S. Where did you get your spring/shocks from?

[badnblown69vw]

My front springs are Mustang II Springs and I cut 1 or 1 1/2 coils off to get my ride Height I desired, im running tubular upper and lower A Arms on the front and they use S-10 Monroe Shocks.

The rear suspsension came from a Place called
www.swracecars.com

Thats cool man, hope your project turns out great.