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  #1  
Old 10-10-2003, 09:30 AM
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elninoalex elninoalex is offline
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Crazy Idea...Tell me why this won't work

OK, I've been borely lately. I am thinking of trying to put an EG33 and FWD tranny(Subaru AT, not necessarily from an SVX) into a VW Bug. The idea is to get the front diff(becoming the rear) to line up with the rear wheels. The motor would then be in the back seat making it mid-engine with the radiator just in front of the motor like stock. Everything under the hood would be swapped over, with the exception of the A/C system, heat and PS.

Some forseeable obstacles:

Strengthening the chassis to be able to mount the motor and tranny.

Physically getting the motor into the car.

Lengthening the shifter cable.

Hybrid 1/2 shafts-Subaru inside and VW outside.

Channeling air for the radiator.

Building a new firewall in the back seat.

Strengthening the rear suspension for the significant weight increase.

Electrical nightmare.

Higher flow fuel tank and pump.

What other unforseeable problems might there be? I'm sure it can be done because Brian Steel did the same thing to a VW Vanogan with an SVX and WRX motor, but I think he used an AWD VW trans. Imagine shaving 1300+ lbs off of your SVX. Or quadrupling the power output of a stock bug. Talk about a wolf in sheep's clothing. It should handle pretty decent too, being mid-engine. A hi-pro VW motor with similar output runs about $5000 and is not all that reliable. I could buy another wrecked SVX, keep the motor and other necessary stuff, part out the rest and end up with everything for free. So what d'ya think? Where are you Brian?

Stephen

Last edited by elninoalex; 10-10-2003 at 03:43 PM.
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Old 10-10-2003, 10:22 AM
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No reason it won't work Stephen

I remember reading about a conversion kit that put a small-block Chevy in the rear seta area of a Beetle years ago. I'm not sure what trans they used, but there was a complete kit for the swap that included a subframe for the engine. The radiator was mounted under the engine hatch and used a large scoop to direct the cooling air. It was very cool!

I've been thinking of putting your engine in a Corvair convertible. Nice HP increase in a cool old convertible without sacrificing much interior space. I love the '65-'69 body style. Very clean!

Todd
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Old 10-10-2003, 11:04 AM
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Interesting idea, but knowing what I do of the suspension and structure of the back half f the beetle, I think you're looking at a pretty difficult transplant.

As for the Corvair, my mom had one of those. My grandfather apparently bought several of them because they were cheap, but I hear they're absolute deathtraps and not a lot of fun to drive.
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Old 10-10-2003, 11:53 AM
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My dad had a couple of them back in the day

Turbocharged convertible and regular two door. He really liked them. Sold them to get a used '57 Corvette for him and a new '69 Javelin for my mom.

Todd
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Old 10-10-2003, 12:00 PM
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Re: My dad had a couple of them back in the day

Quote:
Originally posted by wawazat??
Turbocharged convertible and regular two door. He really liked them. Sold them to get a used '57 Corvette for him and a new '69 Javelin for my mom.

Todd
Todd,
My Boss is all about the AMCs..He has a javalin and his jewel, a 69 406 AMX scary fast...
phil
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Old 10-10-2003, 12:20 PM
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This should simplify things-http://www.kennedyeng.com/vw_por.htm#6CYL

Kennedy actually makes an adaptor plate to fit the EG33(and a few others) to a VW transaxle. Of course it would need some beefing up, but they're still cheap.

Todd- If you're done watching my motor for me, you can send it back now.
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Old 10-10-2003, 02:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by elninoalex
Todd- If you're done watching my motor for me, you can send it back now.


It's very nicely holding my garage floor in place Stephen

However, everything has a price.........

Todd
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  #8  
Old 10-12-2003, 08:29 AM
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Stephen,

If you actually pursue this please keep me in mind please.

Florida has some interesting auto laws. They have defined what has to be on a car, i.e., windshield, wipers, lights, brakes, mirrors, etc.,....but somehow left the body as not part of the requirement.

Here it's legal to run a plain tube frame sans body. There are several guys in my county that have VW powered machines as frames are readily available thanks to off-road racing suppliers.

I had been toying with the idea of Porsche power, but their modern engines are so expensive. I have no idea why I didn't think of the SVX motor - mid engine, flat six, minimal weight, sounds nice to my ears.
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Old 10-12-2003, 04:21 PM
Brian Steel
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Corvair SVX

We have a customer in California that is putting an SVX drivetrain into a Corvair convertable, mid engined. He is using SVX brakes and some of the suspension. I haven't seen it but it sounds like it will be show car material...spare no expense like.
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Old 10-12-2003, 04:59 PM
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Both the Corvair and the Beetle use a swing axle rear end and jacking during cornering is the problem. There are ways to stop the wheels taking up excessive camber which is essential. It is desirable to run full time negative camber in respect of a performance machine. The extra weight would assist in this regard.

The mid engine should also counter the dreaded oversteer which in any event can be used to advantage by the skilful. Interesting idea and would be a parcel of fun.
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