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Post by fordpower on Mar 30, 2009 10:34:42 GMT -5
Hey guys!...I was led to this forum from another member...I am currently still collecting parts for my project...so far I have a full roller 5.0 EFI engine and a 71 bug a guy has that I may get soon, the car has no engine or trans...I am looking for a 914 transaxle at the moment but Porsche's here in Texas are slim pick ins...I am aware that this trans can handle 300hp...my plan is to just get it put together and after the cosmetic stuff is all done, then I will order a built 901 trans to handle the power.
I have be search'n and search'n the web to find a Ford mid mount V8 with a 901 transaxle but have no luck...maybe you guys here might have a lead or 2...my build is different in many ways, first is using a Ford/914 trans combo...most use the Chevy with this transaxle, so I will be paying a lot more for this swap...I'm doing this cuz I already have this engine that was for another build which I had to sell the car cuz I lost my job and had to move from CA, so here I am in TX and want to start this fun project.
Does anyone here also have a lead to the guys who have done a mid mount Chevy build using the stock 4spd trans flipped?...I would like to see what mods were done to the pan.
I also would like to hear your input...radiator location?, body stiffening? or any other recommendations would be nice to hear.
;D
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on Mar 30, 2009 12:22:52 GMT -5
Hey Fordpower, Have you seen the mid mount plans online? Here's a link or two to check out. Mid mount V8 bug plans. www.rorty-design.com/content/beetle.htmusers.tpg.com.au/adslrhqj/index.htmI would love to build a mid mount V8 bug. I would've gone that direction or a similar direction to Ray's V8 bug (Big Block bug on this site), but it's just so expensive. The tranny these people use in their mid engine build is a R30 type 369 with ZF limited slip diff. It's always cool to see something different. Don't let the lack of replies turn you off to this site. There are many people who frequent this site and post about their build. If nothing else the web could use a forum that has many different builds posted and where to find info on the build.
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on Mar 30, 2009 12:24:49 GMT -5
Mid mounts V8 bugs make for a fast AND great handling car!
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on Mar 30, 2009 12:29:40 GMT -5
Hey, you also might want to check this out! Pretty bad@ss. Not a V8 bug, but a clean conversion nonetheless. Bug body transplanted onto a porsche chassis. www.bugster.at/default_new.html
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Post by fordpower on Mar 30, 2009 20:46:49 GMT -5
WOW!!, that chassis looks really cool...not to spoil the fun but that chassis also looks very heavy...I wander what the weight comparison is to a stock pan?...I would be curious to know...I originally was going to use the stock pan, but after seeing that frame, I may change my mind ;D...I have built a VW rail once from the ground up, it came out looking very professionally done...and that was with round tubing...I haven't checked, but does the chassis site give measurements? So if I go the whole frame redo, I think I'll use a Fiero front suspension...it already has disk brakes and many aftermarket big brake up grades with vented rotors...have you guys seen how simple the Fiero front suspension is?...it would be so easy to adapt...I'm also sure it's about half the weight of the VW front end. v8superbeattle, why don't you just use the 914 trans...I've just got a lock on a good one today $150 bucks the guy wants...they can handle 300hp and 300ft tq...my motor is estimated at 350hp and as long as I don't dump the clutch, it should last a long time...later on after my build is done, I will order one rated for 500hp...even paying for the mods to improve the strength of the 901, you're still going to be only a fraction of the cost of a ZF transaxle...I choose the 901 cuz they're cheap and will do what I want it to do...if I wanted a good racing transaxle, then I would fork out the 15+K for a ZF one...I'm just building for fun and for the shock factor ;D My who reason for the M&M setup is to help with handling, yes...I look at these humongous motors sitting between the front wheels of some rides and think, man!, that things gotta handle like a door knob...definitely not the corner taker...so this is why I want a M&M setup, I still want to be able to drive on the street and be able to corner safely...I am sure the guys who install 900lbs of big block iron between the front wheels of a bug isn't driving to work every day...more of a straight line car, right?...I enjoy driving what I build. Thanks for the post guys and the cool frame link, I will have to check that one out for sure...I would also like to add some ideals on my bug body mods. Going to remove the top and chop the windshield a little, going to redo the back half of the car to give it that Hebmuller look, remove the vent window for the one piece glass and then build a removable hard top, Carson style...I may add some A/C as well but that may be in the future but not sure yet. Later
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Post by hellraiser on Mar 30, 2009 22:27:19 GMT -5
all about the aluminum, if u can heli-coil lol
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Post by 454bug on Mar 30, 2009 22:59:59 GMT -5
My reason for the M&M setup is to help with handling, yes...I look at these humongous motors sitting between the front wheels of some rides and think, man!, that things gotta handle like a door knob...definitely not the corner taker...so this is why I want a M&M setup, I still want to be able to drive on the street and be able to corner safely... I am sure the guys who install 900lbs of big block iron between the front wheels of a bug isn't driving to work every day...more of a straight line car, right?...I enjoy driving what I build. Hey Fordpower, My little 'ole big block sitting between my front fenders just happens to weigh LESS than your 5.0 Ford... No 900 pound turd here... It really depends on how you handle your build. When I am finished with my car I will have a weight distribution of 50/50... I will be willing to bet your mid-engine won't have that same distribution... I promise my car will "handle" and leave your mid-engine in my dust... ;D There ARE more ways than one to skin a cat... BTW, welcome to the site! We welcome all kinds!
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Post by fordpower on Mar 31, 2009 9:06:06 GMT -5
Heck, I wish I could weld aluminum...good light material but have to say that a frame would have to be built very carefully and a lot if stiffening will be required to get the same factor as steel.
454bug, I'm not here to pick on anyone or assume that everyone's bug is running a boat anchor between the wheels...but will say I have seen many bugs with motors sitting higher then the roof...so, would I be right to say that you have an aluminum big block?
I have another question for you guys...the guy with the trans wants to do some bartering now, what I'll get is a fully titled 914 in exchange...so here's my thought...(I know what you guys are thinking right now, no I'm not using the 914)
My ideal is to use the 914 suspension and running gear under the bug body...this will give me 4 wheel disk brakes, shifting is done, transaxle mounts done!...depends on how the 914 is set up, I believe it is a uni-body but will research this, but this will save me a ton of work and research on trying to build custom axles and adapt rear and front disk brakes...so what do you guys think?...I am also now thinking I will probably have to stretch the 914 chassis as well to fit the bug wheel base.
The 914 is a nice car...but, parts are expensive and hard to find body wise, suspension parts are easy to come by...this will also keep the insurance down...so what do you guys think?
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Post by hellraiser on Mar 31, 2009 13:05:20 GMT -5
ya well that frame would b heavier than say a bug pan, but compared to say a rolling 69 chevy truck chassis, its probly pretty close in weight, uve got enough engine there to move it lol
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on Mar 31, 2009 22:55:19 GMT -5
I've never seen a Fiero's suspension. I'm always open to new idea though.
On that note, I'm pretty set on using a th350 because my dad has one for me that needs rebuilding, I've bought the rebuild kit July of last year as well as the torque converter, will be purchasing a shift kit and I have a Ron Sessions rebuild book and Bex Wrench auto rebuild DVD on the way. That and the tranny will be able to hold up to my SBC which will have right at 400-415 hp.
Yeah, I agree, it would be heavier but you need a stronger frame to support the heavier engine and more power. The stock beetle engine doesn't weigh much and puts out no more than 60hp.
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Post by hellraiser on Apr 1, 2009 1:37:51 GMT -5
word of advice, as u pull the tranny apart, lay the pieces out in the same order as u took it apart in, even with a manual, the th350 have alot of pieces lol.
ur power to weight ratio even with the heavier chassis is still way more than a stock bug so u should hav no worries.
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Post by fordpower on Apr 1, 2009 10:09:41 GMT -5
v8superbeattle, I found a pic of the Fiero assembly front suspension...as you can see, it is quite compact and almost everything is contained as one unit...I have physically seen these at the wrecking yards up close...like a bug, 4 bolts holds the assembly to the fame...the shocks bolt to the lower control arms and the upper shock mounts just behind the upper A-arm to the frame...the springs would be an easy swap out for some air bags...also on the site are tubular A-arms and other cool up grade stuff, the rack and pinion mounts on the back side and uses 2 U-joints to connect to the column.
If I do decide not to use the 914 frame and build my own frame, this is definitely going to be my choice of front suspension...the 88 and up front ends are a bit bulky but I have read that the geometry is to be equal to that of a Diablo Lamborghini...the only draw back to the Fiero suspension, it's about 6" wider but with 3" wider fenders, this would make for a real stable great handling set-up...this would work out great for those who are making a wider body and want to eliminate some bulk weight from an S-10 chassis...you have to remember that the S-10 frame and suspension were designed for a truck, to haul heavy stuff.
I have been thinking a lot about building my own frame...but I may still stick with the 914 rear suspension stuff...I have seen a 914 race car and when they remove the trunk and unneeded metal, they're left with a big hole...they do of course add some gussets and cross bracing, but it would make servicing the engine way easier as well as engine removal and install.
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Post by darrinoddiebear on Apr 1, 2009 10:23:17 GMT -5
fordpower, I dont see your picture on thread ,might be my website,just thought I say something Darrin
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Post by fordpower on Apr 1, 2009 10:31:46 GMT -5
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Post by darrinoddiebear on Apr 1, 2009 10:33:32 GMT -5
I thought maybe it was me,I torethread up looking for it.haha
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