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Need advice, putting some money into my 65 beetle

Hi there,

I've had my 65 since high school and it's been pretty much stock all this time. It's been great and reliable and I'll never get rid of it. I recently decided to put some money into it. It's at the shop now getting a disk brake conversion, new shocks, and a 2? drop. Next will come wheels and tires. My first question is, what tire size recommendations do you have for 15" dia. 5.5" wide Empi 5 spokes? 135/15 up front and 205/60/15 in rear has been recommended for that staggered look. I however want to take full advantage of my new brakes and would prefer a wider tire in the front. I still want that cool staggered look though. Any suggestions? What are you guys running and what has been your experience?

My second question is, is there a good place to buy a turnkey engine? This is next on the agenda after brakes, tires, wheels, and suspension. I've read some horror stories about GEX and I was wondering if there?s an engine builder around that produces quality turnkeys with good service and support.

Lastly, I was wondering if there are any other good air-cooled vw sites and forums that you guys recommend.

Thanks and good luck with your own projects!

Jason

Reply to
ejcr032
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I run 195 60 15 on the front stock brakes and 215 60 15 on the rear of my 64, its far from stock driving feel.

are you looking for performance or stock engine. its hard to get a good performance engine unless you go T-4 .

Mario

Reply to
Kafertoys

Where do you live?

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Max

Reply to
Max Welton

I'm in orlando, FL. I'm thinking I'll keep it relatively mild. Less than

1800cc.
Reply to
ejcr032

On Sun, 19 Sep 2004 23:06:33 -0400, "ejcr032" wrote:

...type 4 engine. They came stock in late model busses, porsche

914's, and VW 411's. They are a bigger engine with more cooling capacity and factory oil filtering system. Stock sizes are 1700cc, 1800cc, and 2000cc. They have to be upright converted to be used in your beetle. There are many systems available to do that...from the most economical Cali conversion. WHich requires scrounging parts and user skill and labor to build a system...to the fashionable porshe 911 systems...to the best from a functional standpoint (and not too shabby on looks either) DTM shroud. The DTM was originally designed by Joe Locicero, a sorely missed figure in the ACVW world. After Joe's unfortunate passing the design and molds were eventually purchased by Jake Raby
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After much testing and dyno time Jake was able to actually improve slightly on what was allready a great product and ioffer them for sale. His site is a definite *must read* if you consider this route...along with the type4rum on
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. The advantage of the type 4 is a greater longevity as you are running a nearly stock engine pushing a smaller load than it was designed for. They make a great daily driver setup. With a very wide torque curve. The disadvantage comes with the higher cost of initial investment. Since fewer people in teh US look to the type 4 as a performance option parts to build are more expensive than the typw 1 little brother. If you will have your car for many years the longevity will balance the costs...if not....well stay with the cheaper type 1 engines. As for engine builders in O-town...I'm sure someone local will pop up...if you travel a couple hours south you could have Paul build an engine for ya in Jenson Beach
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(beware annoying background music) Three or sohours north of ya is TG Fab. They do very nice performance work.
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...just a few thoughts

..Gareth

Reply to
Gary Tateosian

Make sure to at least get the best dual carbs (Dellorto or Weber dual throat carbs) and good heads so that when you do decide to go the large displacement route, you can reuse those items. Also, start scrounging around for used german tin so that you can clean them up and have an excellent cooling tin set.

Geoffe Elias

-74 Super Beetle

Reply to
geoffers

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