German Look Ghia - The Basilari 306R

[noslzzp]

Greetings all.. I plan on using this thread to document my German Look low light ghia.

I have a thread on ShopTalk and the Samba but the GL forums seem to be more euro-centric and I've had some requests to document the build here, so here we go. I'll try to post different photos here, etc., (some of which haven't been made public).

The build goals are:

1. A low light Karmann Ghia.
2. New/modern chassis with all the German Look pieces. ;)
   • Mendeola Front and Rear suspension
   • Mendeola Kafer bar system
   • Disc brakes all the way around
3. Subaru power and drive train:
   • 6-cylinder EZ30R
   • 5-speed transaxle with Torsen LSD

Last summer, I picked up a low light in this condition:

The car, loading for California:


The boot/trunk area:


The rear needs major work but the nose is very good condition. There are the normal Ghia problems but it all appears to be very workable. Given what I paid for the car, it will all work out in the end.

Loaded (you can see the hack job rear end here):

[noslzzp]

I had found an EZ30R motor on eBay and needed to get it shipped to the shop. Here's how the full motor looked on arrival:



EZ30R markings:




We then sent it to Outfront Motorsports to get prepped for the Ghia. The guys at Outfront took off the unnecessary items(AC compressor, power steering, etc), flipped the intake, added a linkage based throttle body (from a Ford 4.0L), rebracketed the alternator and provided headers. They offer more services but this is all we needed at this point.

This is motor after the Outfront work (sorry it's a bit blurry):


Closeup of the throttle body:


Variable Cam sensor locations:


Clutch installed (it originally came as an automatic). You can also just make out the ends of the headers:


Better shot of the six cylinder headers:


Will post some pics of the chassis work later..

[graham]

I gotta say I am looking forward to watching this one develop

[Birdman69]

Yep, keep it coming.
You won't get all the flack you cop on the samba!

[noslzzp]

Originally Posted by Birdman69

Yep, keep it coming.
You won't get all the flack you cop on the samba!

Amen to that!!

[noslzzp]

Pics of the chassis work:


Welding in frame rails for the Audi TT seats:


Test fitting of the Mendeola front end:

[noslzzp]

Does this mock up qualify as a German Look Ghia?


:)

[vw1303]

Awesome build man. Got room for 2 turbos off the ends of those manifolds? Also where did you source the manifolds from?

[noslzzp]

Originally Posted by vw1303

Awesome build man. Got room for 2 turbos off the ends of those manifolds? Also where did you source the manifolds from?

They came from the guys at Outfront Motorsports. John the owner builds Subaru engines for desert racing and has these headers for the EZ30 engine. My builder, Kevin is building the rest of the exhaust system and I sent him some Porsche black chrome dual oval tips to put it over the top.

The car probably has room for turbos but I think this motor may do well with a supercharger. No time soon though, as it's already going to be a beast naturally aspirated with the AVCS!

[al_kaholik]

Originally Posted by noslzzp

Does this mock up qualify as a German Look Ghia?

My opinion (and it is just that) is that it's too low, notch it up 50mm so that the wheels fill the arches and it'd be sweet

Looks pretty good going, that motor should make it shift

[Steve C]

Hi

In another thread you posted a picture of a rear mounted radiator. Is that what your going to use?

Steve

[noslzzp]

Originally Posted by al_kaholik

My opinion (and it is just that) is that it's too low, notch it up 50mm so that the wheels fill the arches and it'd be sweet

Looks pretty good going, that motor should make it shift

Alky, yes - I agree it's way too low in the mock up. This is just my artist's rendition. Your suggestion will be very close to reality.

[noslzzp]

Originally Posted by Steve C

Hi

In another thread you posted a picture of a rear mounted radiator. Is that what your going to use?

Steve

Steve, yes - still plan on going that route.

[noslzzp]

We decided to cage the car for additional safety. Here are some photos:



Bought some Audi TT seats off eBay. Seat in the car with the cage:

[noslzzp]

Originally Posted by Steve C

Hi

In another thread you posted a picture of a rear mounted radiator. Is that what your going to use?

Steve

Just for you Steve: