Newbie to Aircooled, Looking for suspension info Handling!

[Mysticle31]

I'm new here, I'm looking to get a 1972 VW Superbeetle. I currently have a 1991 Jetta GLi VR6 that I am parting out with full Shine setup.

My question is:

What suspension options are there for the SB? Everyone I talked to said that Topline was prety much the best. But I called Shine racing (I consider them to be the best watercooled suspension for handling) And they said they were junk. And didn't have any real good reffences for aircooled.

Two things they tought me though.. Lowering a macpherson strut suspesnion (control arms arn't parallel) is bad, and poly bushings restrict movement and should really should just upgrade to a bearing kit or leave new stock.

Who makes the best suspension parts for the SBs? I'm looking for great street performace/weekend warrior that I woudn't have to toss much money at to make my detacaded race car. What springrates are good? (IE in my car I've got 300lb fronts and 200lb rears on bilsteins) I havn't made my tire choice yet, the SB I'm looking at has 3 inch wider fenders front and back and I need to figure out how wide of a tire I can put on the front an back, and what the size difference would be.

Any words of wizdom?

[Mysticle31]

In another forum. I was reccomended to find and talk to a guy named Erik Roberts? Anyone know him? What he runs?

[boygenius]

I really can't help you with the SB front end questions since I'm building up a standard beetle for racing. Although I can suggest the late 944 aluminum trailing arms for pushing out the rear track. I have 18" X 10" et 65 wheels with no spacers on my chassis with plenty of clearance between the rim and the chassis. Someone else can help you out with the front end questions. Try using the search function also, Your questions might already have been answered.

[Mysticle31]

I've prety much been though the whole thread to 2002, I didn't find anythig too clear. Springrates don't seem to really be discust. Just lowering springs (or what I think would lower..Eibach springs, or Jamex..)

[Mysticle31]

Thank you for the help on the rear, I'm curious as well how much lighter the alumnum control arms are? Any benift there in unsprung weight?

[Mysticle31]

Also is the rear susp, Semi-Trailing Arm or is it "regular" trailing arm (are the arms at and angle in preportion to the car, or straight?)

[TitoRay]

Originally Posted by Mysticle31

. . .But I called Shine racing (I consider them to be the best watercooled suspension for handling) And they said they were junk. And didn't have any real good reffences for aircooled. . .

There it is.

[oasis]

Oh, so a water-cooled specialist poo-poo'd Topline. If that's it, that ain't much. I have questions for my 1302 but I don't want to hijack this thread.

Thanks.

[Supa Ninja]

I have no knowledge about h2o handling companys whatsoever, but Topline specializes in SUPER BEETLES, and with specialization comes expertise.
I've put quit a few miles on my Maxx struts and Topline 7/8" swaybar and they did me well. I only have one gripe and that is the small springs make a lot of racket on rough roads at low speeds, I can deal with that.
I guess you can say I'm on Toplines jock, cause I am. Any company that supports and researches better products for my favorite car I'm going to be supporting them.
Myst you can always find a 944 for hella cheap, throw on a turbo, Shine up the suspension and I bet you will be in less money then building up a GL 1302 with a NA engine and 944 suspension. You probally won't be as happy with the 02 either.
I'm not in it to find the best car to build up, I'm in it to build up my car as best as I can, cause thats where my loves at. I could care less about 240 sx's, miata's, 325i's, m3's, supras....I am a aircooled VW(just cause I'm not a fan of the current company and their products doesn't change who I am) guy through and through. It sure would suck if you get halfway through your project and you change your mind cause you realized how much time and money is going to be involved. If you stay your course and build up that 1302 we'll be here to guide you along the way, but really think about it.

Nick