Super or Standard???
 

I'm kind of new to this forum and have surfed this site on and off over the last 3 years gathering excellent ideas for a GL type beetle I want to build.... but I'm still unsure on which way to go.

my future plans are to build a fast reliable beetle to moslty cruz around in but also be a contender in Solo type racing or at the local drag strip (11sec 1/4mile).

Drive train i want is a Subaru motor either a 2.5 SOHC or 2.0T DOHC (if i can afford it) and porsche 5spd trans and 944 brakes. (my interpretation of what I would have wanted in the new beelte.)

I anyone can give me some feed back on what they think is the best base beetle to start with (T1 standard, 1302, 1303) due to weight, susspenssion set up, availibility of parts....... i've always like the pre 67 T1 but can't seem to justify cutting up a vintage and the rad placement is a big question for me ( i don't want vents on the hood) . A couple of things I like about the newer 1303's are the vented front valance the thought of a custom modern interior (modern dash board) of the newer supers with the curved windsheild.

Are the newer supers any larger inside? i have three kids that will have to fit in the back once an a while.

I also have questions about radiator placement when going watercooled.. i have heard of people mounting the rad in the back of the car, when this is done are they sacraficeing the rear seat or is it just the lugage tray??

Cheers,

First off, Welcome!

Super's have a better suspension, period. They are a bit heavier. But for a circuit or handling oriented machine, Super is the way to go. A standard can be made to handle real well, but the Super is that much further ahead in the game. As far as interior space, the difference would be negligible, late model super (curved windshield) would have the most IMO.

I'm only versed in the air-cooled stuff, so I can't be of much help with the suby conversion.

Alex

go super!!:), it all depends what you like. go super!!, Standards are real nice too!, go super!!:)

I'm a huge fan of early bugs, but to get the handling job done a Super is a really easy task comparatively. Swap out the struts, better bushings, do your motor and tranny and rad, then add some brakes and decent tires and you've got a sweet ride.

Jason

thank you everyone for the feed back, it really helps with my decision.

Are there any prefered years for the Supers when it comes to updating the front susspenssion? 1302 or 1303? I notice the front struts are a little different...

this is probably a question for the susspension section but what the most cost effective route to go with? 944 set up or topline maxx struts?

Are convertables a bad choice if you want to go racing? (due to added weight)

thank you!

what part of the globe are you from?

if your considering the EJ turbo or any DOHC EJ for that matter you will need an IRS car so the gearbox can be moved forward which limits you to a super in most parts of the world
its the only way to get the engine to fit under the bodywork
some people have cut away there decklid and valance for DOHC clearance and it looks terrible

ive owned 4 standards and far more supers both 02 and 03 and i will never go back to a standard again
as already stated supers are light years ahead in the suspension department and the '03s although heavier have alot better aerodynamic properties thanks to the curved screen,

supers also have better radiator options, ive got a spare tyre in mine and even with a radiator have more room than a standard

forget the rear mount rads, theyve been proven not to work time and time again
theres a good thread on VWKD explaining the pitfalls of a rear mount

SUPERior

I'm located in British Columbia, Canada

Looks like super it is!

What type of Trans would you recommend? i've been reasurching the Porsche Gear Box (need a 5spd for the Hwy) and it seems like the 915 might be the best bag for the buck. i don't have an unlimited budget but i do want a reliable car that will handle 200+hp

thank you

Very nice car BTW.

Your project sounds like a very nice one.

You aren't really considering putting three kids in the back, though, are you? :confused:

I grew up in Aldergrove/Langley area, now living in CA. Definately keep the rad up front. It's really pretty easy, got some suggestions about running tubing when you get there that will make it really easy.

Jason

thanks Janson, much appreciated. it might be a while as i still have to find a decent car and all of the parts to go along with it.

but i am doing lots of research for now.


Seasons Greetings all!

Depending on which super u pick, one can have 944 parts bolted right on. Go to http://www.superbeetlesonly.com/foru...p?showforum=16 and they'll have all sorts of info.

Jason

Be sure to join the Airspeed forums, its the local aircooled VW group in B.C.

http://airspeedparts.com/online-community/index.php

Not much in the way of German look, but some of the most knowledgeable VW guys I've ever met. Definitely worth joining.

-Dave

Thanks Dave,

I've gained a lot of knowledge from that site as well as i've been a member there for a few years now, back when i decided to sell my VR6 Mrk2 golf and go aircooled. I mostly got tired of front drive cars but i still want the same (MORE) power and great handeling than i had but in a rear drive car.

I've been out of the sene for the last few years but now trying to get back in just don't know which way to go yet.

everybody here has definently been an insperation on what can be done to a beetle.

thank you!