big block bug?

Dan Larson · Post by **Dan Larson** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:09 am

miller wrote: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.

FYI this topic was moved from the Speed and Drag Racing Forum. Where it was originally posted

Paul Illick · Post by **Paul Illick** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 4:16 am

I think it's a GREAT idea!! Why limit yourself? No limits!! Rusty caddy, broken bug, give 'em a little love and you've got a whole new mutant breed: http://www.wsu.edu/~426hemi/

I love Crazy Joe, he's so matter-of-fact about his insanity.

CMD · Post by **CMD** » Sun Sep 26, 2004 6:12 pm

d_roedel wrote: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??

I've done several of these and the problem is, where to sit! My current project is a small-block F@#D front engine Split bug; and I wanted to sit in the stock location, both to use the original dash, and for the "sleeper" effect. The solution was foot boxes along side the engine. Sports cars have done it for years and it's like driving a van or motorhome. It's not the best choice for big guys, but it works for me!
CMD

ecdez · Post by **ecdez** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 6:25 am

That looks pretty good. Do you got enough room in there for some exhaust?

TeamEvil · Post by **TeamEvil** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 6:53 am

Hey CMD,

It's looking better and better!! Nice job so far!!!! I've been using my V8 panel truck as my daily driver for the past three weeks and those "foot boxes" are getting old . . . !!! I'm gonna have move the gas pedal up on top of the trans hump or even into the passenger foot well. The dash is supported by a forward roll cage and the brake pedal is too far inboard. I keep hitting the gas rather than the . . . well there have been a few VERY close calls as I go rocketting through what should have been routine stops.

Otherwise no real complaints for now. Gotta change the timing chain, and later on the rear end (a 4:11 Detroit Locker) will have to go as well. But for now, it's fun and fast!

Best,

TC

CMD · Post by **CMD** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:32 pm

ecdez wrote:That looks pretty good. Do you got enough room in there for some exhaust?

Thanks. Yeah, I just finished installing the headers. I thought I'd have to build them , but I found a set of block huggers for a street roadster that would work!
CMD

CMD · Post by **CMD** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:39 pm

TeamEvil wrote:Hey CMD,

I've been using my V8 panel truck as my daily driver for the past three weeks and those "foot boxes" are getting old . . . !!! I'm gonna have move the gas pedal up on top of the trans hump or even into the passenger foot well. The dash is supported by a forward roll cage and the brake pedal is too far inboard. I keep hitting the gas rather than the . . . well there have been a few VERY close calls as I go rocketting through what should have been routine stops.

Best,

TC

Hey, TC
Thanks, ........ You Gots the Big Feet. That's the problem! How 'bout smaller pedals?? ...........Got any new photos?
CMD

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 9:28 pm

I would go with the front wheel drive system out of the older caddy's. it used a straight (front to back) mounted iron carbureted V8 and the GM TH 425 "wrap around" auto transmission and integral differential. The advantage are you also use the Caddy's double A arm suspention that is designed for the weight and a free airconditioning system. Simple weld in and you are done.

I am considering this for my (now) 1600 lbs. Bradley GT if I ever find an old Caddy for next to nothing.

geddes66 · Post by **geddes66** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 9:35 pm

Oops, forgot to login. That last one was me. I am intending to use the GM TH 425 in the rear of the car, BTW.

CMD · Post by **CMD** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 8:30 am

geddes66 Said:

I would go with the front wheel drive system out of the older caddy's. it used a straight (front to back) mounted iron carbureted V8 and the GM TH 425 "wrap around" auto transmission and integral differential. The advantage are you also use the Caddy's double A arm suspention that is designed for the weight and a free airconditioning system. Simple weld in and you are done.

I am considering this for my (now) 1600 lbs. Bradley GT if I ever find an old Caddy for next to nothing.

.................................................................................................
In the '70's I did this with a Corvair and it made a nice street car, but it would be WAAAY to heavy for a Bug or Bradley!! The drivetrain is MASSIVE! A more modern Frontwheel drive would be lighter and a better choice, in my opinion.
CMD

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 11:30 am

Yes. Jaw droppingly massive! And, granted corners are a little difficult while doing wheel stands but it whould sure be impressive! I was looking at mostly the simplicity. make an adapter to go from where the bumpermounts of the Caddy were to the core tunnel of the VW ends, make sure it is re-enforced to pull wheeleis and you are done. The advantage is the integrated, low suspention without those tall struts that depend on the body of the donor car for strength. You could say with certainty though it would not handle well.

geddes66 · Post by **geddes66** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 11:37 am

Thats it! I finally turned on the "remember me" button so that won't happen again.

geddes66 · Post by **geddes66** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 11:58 am

Paul Illick has already done it. 11 posts up. great 8 step program and looks really easy. great website, too bad he couldn't put the pix right here.

CMD · Post by **CMD** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 11:02 pm

geddes66 wrote:Paul Illick has already done it. 11 posts up. great 8 step program and looks really easy. great website, too bad he couldn't put the pix right here.

Uh... yeah, but don't forget how wide they are, even with the offset Cad or Toronado wheels. Much wider than the body.
CMD

SportyBug · Post by **SportyBug** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:50 pm

You might be interested in Renegade Hybrids if you are into putting a V8 into a beetle. Renegade does Porsche conversions but you still might find some help there just the same.

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/