big block bug?

bondjames85 · Post by **bondjames85** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 5:58 pm

I have had the desire to build a VW bug with a large big block motor for some time, it would require extensive fabrication, and ulitmatly it would end up being a dune buggy frame with a mid mounted v8 hidden inside a Bug. For simplisity I would probably use a solid rear axle, but if I feel ambitious I may try to use a Mustang Rear end or some kind of independant setup for better handling. Has anyone ever seen anything like this attempted, and if so, any comments or Ideas?

d_roedel · Post by **d_roedel** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:01 pm

just dont cut up an oval or somthing rare(some wont be happy), i havent done this but you could also try posting in the engine conversion forum,,
derek

d_roedel · Post by **d_roedel** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:02 pm

if it is mid mounted, in theory it would handle great, but if your gonna have a v8 along with the tranny the other way, is there enough room to sit??

houseofghia · Post by **houseofghia** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:16 pm

A guy a town over did that back in the 80"S. He used a front wheel drive trans and v8 from a Caddy El Dorado. A Olds Toranado also has the same driveline. It was a 501 C.I. v8 -Matt

twoghias · Post by **twoghias** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:32 pm

Ken Lowe's friend Simon has a BLOWN v-8 in this one--->http://www.kenlowe.com.au/car42.htm

bugnut68 · Post by **bugnut68** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:42 pm

Better yet, build a VW engine that will spank a V-8 back to muscle town. It'd be way simpler to go just as fast and without carving up a VW to boot. JMHO.

Travis S · Post by **Travis S** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 8:10 pm

a good start point would be www.prostreetbug.com and it would be easy if you went front engine.

MASSIVE TYPE IV · Post by **MASSIVE TYPE IV** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 8:19 pm

Thats smart..... add atleast 400 pounds to your car with a cast iron slug.......

The only replacement for displacemant is weight reduction!

Keep it aircooled and save that engine with too many parts for some "Generic motors" vehicle..

slowsixtyduece · Post by **slowsixtyduece** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 8:54 pm

No offense or anything, but i hate it when people put any other engine other than a falt four in their VW. Would you put a hi-po VW motor in a chevy nova? NO!! Stick with a hi-po VW engine in a VW! Please dont turn to the darkside!! My own opinion, though.....

Dan Larson · Post by **Dan Larson** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:00 pm

Sigh

Searoy · Post by **Searoy** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:33 pm

Why add a lump of cast iron in the front of a bug just to get 400 ft lbs of torque when a lightweight turbo Type 1 will make 300 ft lbs and not weight more than 50 more lbs TOPS.

Believe it or not, a good turbo engine will outpower it, unless you go nitrous or a blower.

James2 · Post by **James2** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 3:22 am

Yeb, why not just go get a Rustang or Gaymaro and save the vintage VW steel for the flat Four freaks.

It's your money, so do what you like, just don't ecpect to get much respect from the aircooled crowd

slowsixtyduece wrote:No offense or anything, but i hate it when people put any other engine other than a falt four in their VW. Would you put a hi-po VW motor in a chevy nova? NO!! Stick with a hi-po VW engine in a VW! Please dont turn to the darkside!! My own opinion, though.....

Tugboat · Post by **Tugboat** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 6:55 am

MAN, I thought this was a CONVERSION forum. OOH, DONT DO THAT!

You might try a TH425 tranny, out of a Toronado or El Dorado. You'll need a simple adapter plate from Trans Dapt. Standard position will put the engine over the axle with the tranny behind. Some turn it around for better weight distribution. Look here:

http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/030268.html

Reggie Jackson used to have a Porsche with a mid mounted aluminum big block. The injector stacks stuck out the back window. AWESOME!!

GL

volkdent · Post by **volkdent** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 3:43 pm

I think Audi 5000 trannies might work for this.

miller · Post by **miller** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 6:41 pm

Tugboat said it.

THIS IS A ENGINE CONVERSION FORUM. If you dont like engines other than a flat 4 aircooled in a vw then get out of this section of the forum. If the main poster cared about making a turbo flat 4 he would look at the turbo section.

As for the post I dont see how you could make is mid engine withought using a transaxle be it vw or porsche. So ok 3 options you got make it FWD wich means you have a TON of tranny and engine choices. You can make it mid engine and use a porsche/vw transaxle or do it fwd caddy style and have the engine mounted transverse. Or you can make it read engine and use the vw tranny. Personally I like the mid engine mounting with a 901 porsche tranny behind it or even the caddy transverse tranny. Keep us posted on what your ideas are.