Ecotec in Bug, rough mockup pics...
 

Just to give anyone who is interested an idea of how big the Eco is, and how it fits in a Beetle engine bay.

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381132.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381120.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381093.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381161.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381112.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381173.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381181.jpg

Nice pictures. That doesn't look like a bad fit, but it would be tough to fit a deck lid around it. Comes really far into the rear apron.

Even if it was IRS, I doubt it would move forward very much. :)

You sure we can't convert you to Subaru? Looks like a huge wing or big standoffs is the only way it'll get close to fitting...

Rich

Ahhh, but it will be IRS... :D

Sorry Rich, I wanna see this Eco thing through. It's too long, and too tall, but I think I can get around these challenges and still build something nice. I've got some ideas but a whole lot of time yet before I can start to put them together.



Jeff-

Hmmz is that the same Ecotecs that is in the later GSI of Opel (Fauxhall)?? Because they don't have an good name over here. The older 2 litres (with cosworth heads) makes more power.

Wiebrand

Not sure if it is exactly the same. What kind of problems do they have there?

Here, it is a very strong engine to build into horsepower. Stock rods good to 350hp, stock crank good to 500hp. Stock oiling good to 750hp.
Many import race teams claim it to be very durable.


Jeff-

How much does that thing weigh compared to the STi motor? I'm still not so sure about all that weight hangin' off the a$$ end, but it IS kinda cool!

Jason

Supposed to be in the 275 range, not really sure cuz it doesn't feel that heavy moving it around :shrug: .


Jeff-

Jeff,
Do you plan on putting the radiator in the front or do you have another location in mind?

Mike

Front mount.
I've had all the fun I can stand trying to get the rear mount in my bus to cool. Absolutely senseless to try that crap again. I have read and seen pics where it has worked flawlessly for others but I will not do it again. Spent most of the day yesterday and am about to head out there again today, re-re-re-doing some of the cooling setup on the bus. Maybe I need one of those pro drag snorkles on the roof? :eek: :rolleyes:

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../171304243.jpg

Anybody good with photoshop??:D

Jeff-

I am a mechanic for GM , and this engine is big in alot of their smaller cars (Cobalt/Pursuit/Ion , Soltice/Sky , G6/Malibu , Sunfire/Cavalier , etc.) . I have to admit , this is a good engine , with very little actual problems . It is not a very high horsepower engine in stock form , though (about 150hp for the 2.2 , 177hp for the 2.4 , and over 200hp for the 2.0 supercharged) . Personally , I agree with Ricola , a Subaru engine probably would be a better choice for fit and for hp output , but its your car . I hope it all works out for you . Axl .

Not really big problems or so, but just less horsepower in stock form than the older ones.

Wiebrand

I'm doing a suby myself. And I really like how much less that ecotec hangs down vs the subaru. I don't think any of us are trying for super big hp numbers. The stock forms of all the water cooled engines we're using is more than enough power for our little cars. I like the ecotec myself. I'd use it if I could get one for a good deal. :cool:

One more thing, my bad for stating the obvious about the deck lid not fitting. After I posted it I was like,"hmm, that's not totaly obvious." I'm going to post a suggestion on Volksdent's brake thread next. :rolleyes:

I saw somthing on here mentioning relocating the transaxle forward. How far out of alignment is safe with a CV type setup? I would imagine keeping everythink on the axle centerline would be optimal but as long as the cv is not at too extreme of an offset the only down side might be a bit shorter service life of the CV? I always look at those Baja cars with the long trailing arms and extreme angles on the axles and if they can make it work there it should be doable.

The big tradeoff for not hanging down is being top heavy, a couple folks have pointed out my balance may suffer.
WHO'S not going big hp?!? :D Scored a set of H-beam rods already and watching for a deal on some low-comp slugs for the ends of them.
Be careful over on dents threads, he's kinda picky :cool: ...


PJ, don't know if you've seen this chart before...
understand what you're saying, shouldn't matter if they are high angle down or back as long as it was within the safe angle.
http://www.blindchickenracing.com/Ho...joints_101.htm

Jeff-

Yes, I'm VERY sensitive!;) :laugh:

Jason

Need some more pics! Any progress? Have you got the cooling squared away in the bus? I'm going to need a test drive you know!

Jason

Won't be much development on the bug project for a while :bawling: . I've got a lot of different parts to source before it will move forward any. Right now I have other places around here that the cash has to go towards (you should be able to relate after your recent move :p )

I finished up a few changes on the bus but haven't had a chance to get out and run it yet. Days at the station have been hot and busy, I think the whole city is starting to spontainiously combust and days at home have been just as bad trying to keep ahead of my lawn business without turning to ash. At least a lot of my customers stuff is getting crunchy, maybe I'll get a break, but that also means less billable hours. When I'm not working, I'm sitting under an a/c vent trying to survive.




Jeff-

I know EXACTLY what you mean! I talked to a bug guy in Arkansas the other day and he had the same complaint about the weather, doesn't sound too fun. Alrighty, well keep us updated, and I'll yet you know as dates finalize for my trip in your direction.

Jason

Just back from a 20 mile test run in the bus, outside temp 97, heat index 110. Temps are finally stable!! Stayed at 180 most of the time! I did get a little creep at idle but blip the throttle a little to circulate everything and it cools right down!
Super stoked to finally have a handle on it, so many other little things I want to sort out now that it will run cool. So many half done items and rough mock pieces to re-do.
The only down side is the thing it took to get me here, I had to add another pair of the double NACAs. Now there are two doubles on each side, WAAAYY more ricer bling than I wanted but it was the only thing left to do and it worked.


Jeff-

I think the bus looks more wicked with the two vents on each side! :righton: :bowdown:

Mike

Jeff, it's just plain bad a$$, that's all there is to it. I'm not sure how you can extract ricer from bad a$$, so I wouldn't worry!;) You still have the baddest splitty around.:cool:

Jason

Ricer? Not even close. I love it! I happy that you finally kicked the heat problem. I have hope now that I'll be able to over come any heat problems.

You are da man! :D Congrats.

Thanks for the support guys!
I was trying to stay as stealthy as possible with my test mule:rolleyes: . I guess its way past that now. No problem on the next project though, it will be purpose built to kick arse!

Jeff-