questions about super beetle

[GL-Aussielooker]

Originally Posted by ricola

I'd go for a later one to get the rack and pinion but also the 2 bolt struts, makes getting Porsche bits on much easier..
Rich

that's good to know Ricola.

Originally Posted by alt+f4

Since you like the Curve i personally say the Early to mid 73. It has the Curve windsheild, 3 bolt struts, and thin bumper mount slots.

I am going to be looking for a '73 then. I also like the tight turning of my RHD standard beetle, so I guess I'll stay way from the R&P.

awsome information :agree: :agree:

[oasis]

Originally Posted by GL-Aussielooker

I also like the tight turning of my RHD standard beetle, so I guess I'll stay way from the R&P.

Just to be clear, all Super Beetles have a better turning radius than standard Beetles -- by a fairly significant amount thanks to the McPherson strut suspension.

Between steering box Supers and rack and pinion Supers, there is a small difference.

All of the above is based on stock configuration.

[GL-Aussielooker]

so which is better for the GL look. steering box or R&P. I want good handling overall

[GL-Aussielooker]

I would also like to know more about this setup. Most importantly as to where can I get one.

[oasis]

Originally Posted by GL-Aussielooker

so which is better for the GL look. steering box or R&P. I want good handling overall

R&P doesn't have the "play" a steering box has. Then again, a tight (new or rebuilt) steering box has little to begin with.

It really comes down to your intent and your personal preference.

If your car will be achieving a wider stance with wider tires, you will lose some turning radius. So if your steering remains stock, you may want to go with the steering box.

If you are more interested in high speed handling than hairpin turns and parallel parking, then you will want the instant responsiveness of rack and pinion steering.

If your budget is deep enough or you are patient enough to wait until you can afford it, you can get the best of both worlds by going r&p now and getting a racing version adapted later.

Remember, the cornering aspect of handling comes down to a lot more than style of steering. Weight distribution, suspension, tires, brakes, etc. are all part of it, too.

When I was searching for my Super, I wanted a '75 because of the r&p steering knowing full well I had some added expense ahead of me to ditch the hideous battering ram bumpers. At that time, I had a full-on German Looker in mind. I still intend to go that route some day.

I bought my '71 because it was in the starting shape I needed -- meaning it was stock (didn't have to undo someone else's project) and in rustfree condition. This project has morphed into what I would call a spirited daily driver German Looker. It won't be stripped of chrome, rear and passenger seats, and sheet metal and glass in favor of carbon fiber, fiberglass and Lexan. It will have a stereo. It has upgraded seats but not true racing seats. It won't have a roll bar. It even has cupholders for crying out loud.

Different projects. Different intent. I want my '71 to eventually be able to take care of most daily drivers if need be and be somewhat domesticated if need be. (Steering box is perfectly fine here.) I want my some day '75 to be able to thumb its nose at all showroom performance cars and flat-out back it up every time it needs to. (I'll take the rack for this.)

Originally Posted by GL-Aussielooker

I would also like to know more about this setup. Most importantly as to where can I get one.

Looks more like a custom one-off project than something one can buy at the usual suspects.

[GL-Aussielooker]

Originally Posted by oasis

It really comes down to your intent and your personal preference.

If you are more interested in high speed handling than hairpin turns and parallel parking, then you will want the instant responsiveness of rack and pinion steering.

I am looking for the high speed handling, Like in the early 80's with the cars in california that were racing up the hillsides. low, hugging the road and able to take the curves at high speeds.

All my car that I have owned had a steering box. Is there that much improvement with R&P.

[oasis]

Probably not. I gave a long-winded response because I don't want to make a value assessment that is ultimately yours. I tried to be as dispassionate as possible while still voicing my perspective.

My '71 corners in anger as well as some stock GTIs I have driven. Given its stock engine (at the moment) it doesn't exactly sustain its anger. If I were dissatisfied with its steering box, I would be selling it and starting over rather than continuing with its upgrades.

I simply prefer r&p. That's all.