performance engine for VW bug?

Question

i know quite a bit about cars, specifically small block chevys and 65-72 muscle cars, but im thinking about getting a VW bug (65-70) and puting performance parts on it. reason for choosing a bug is mainly because it is what i can afford, second is because it is tremendously light, which is a huge advantage on the strip. but my knowledge about chevy engines does nothing when i own a rear engine VW. the fact that this is the only time ive ever thaught about buying an import is also prevalent, so information is appreciated.

my question is, what kind of performance parts can i buy for a bug of that year that will bring my rwhp to 250 at least, i know heads and piston sets are cheap and i cant find any turbos that will fit, or any nitrous systems that arent 4bbl versions. should i upgrade the engine that is in it, or find another? if so, what would fit into what i want and what would you recomend? (extra hp is again, always appreciated)

thanks

Answer 1

Here is a good web page to start with



http://www.aircooled.net/gnrlsite/resource/articles/t1hpeng.htm

Answer 2

Building a high horsepower VW engine is not cheap.

!st, you will need a fully built trans axle to handle the power ($4500 and up) If you build a pre 66 bug, the swing axle style trans is much stronger than the IRS.

A good built 2332 will run a cut down chevy sb crank and rods with chevy valves in the heads. About $8000 to build.

You can put a sb in a bug too. Look into Mendiola trans axles and Kennedy adapters.

I am running a 4 banger Ecotec 2.0 supercharged engine in my buggy and am installing one in my 1973 Thing. My buggy has 230rwhp and weighs under 1400lbs. If I add an inner-cooler, it will be over 250hp. It is a completely stock GM crate engine with an aftermarket computer system and custom header. I have blown up a few trans axles and am now running a Mendiola (ouch)



As far as other engines, go water cooled

Pinto 4 banger (old school)

Suby 2.0 -2.5 turbo

Cadillac Short Star

LS7 if you have the money

Toyota 22RE

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

performance engine for VW bug?

i know quite a bit about cars, specifically small block chevys and 65-72 muscle cars, but im thinking about getting a VW bug (65-70) and puting performance parts on it. reason for choosing a bug is mainly because it is what i can afford, second is because it is tremendously light, which is a huge...

Answer 4

There is a simple check. Take a big crescent wrench with you and stick it on the crankshaft pulley nut and rotate the motor turning the nut in a clockwise direction. If it does not move - the engine is seized. $6500.00 worth of work = $0 (because it has to be rebuilt again). Major work. When it don't run, it is a major gamble. And being it is not stock anymore, it isn't worth much broken(or even running) to a collector. A couple months sitting? That is nothing, I have vehicles sitting a year or so, that with a good battery will fire right up on the gas that is in them. (that is not old). Or you could get a mechanical friend that owns a car to come over with jumpers and give it a jump. If it does not start the mechanical type knows right off what is not working by listening and seeing what is happening. Cars sit on the car lots for several months. And they run.

Answer 5

try cbperformance.com or gemvw.com also thesamba.com has high performance parts for the air cooled vw,and you can build a 350 chevy for the same price as a vw with 250 hp.a 2332cc motor with dual 44 webers is over $4,000.00 and talking turbo with injection system is over $10,000.00,imports not too cheap any more i have been building drag race engines for over 30 yrs,back in the day vw's where cheap,but some where along the line they cost just as much as the chevy V-8 do.go figure ???and don't forget a stock vw trans axle wont handle that kind of power.

Answer 6

if you can build it your self do it but if you want true Performance get a new motor case to start it fresh. it is way easier than an american car old or new. I'v built one before and in the proses again.TIP: put an external oil cooler on if its bigger than stock. go to mamotorworks.com for engine kits.

Answer 7

--->> Tips---> https://trimurl.im/g6/performance-engine-for-vw-bug