rotary beetle

[james]

im going to be fitting my 13b in to the back of my beetle
just as soon as the addapter kit comes from the states and i get enough time
check out http://www.geocities.com/zenjoe/vw.html

[20B_boy]

Nice, quite fancy this one, having (still) owned beetles and rotors.

Let us know how things progress and what the adaptor kit is like. Theres a south african guy around these parts thats done numerous rotorbugs, he was just starting to build up a '62 or '64 with a 13B the last time I spoke to him.

[travellinbob]

Rotary bugs are great. My best mate in oz is building one for hill climbs and sprints. I think if my memory serves me correctly he is putting in a 13b J port with injection.
You can also buy the adaptor plates from oz. Cant remember the name of he company but they are good quality.
Good luck with it and keep us posted.

[james]

i will keep you posted, and will supply picks too, anyone got the number then of other companys who do the kits then, as ive been told this company that deall with kennedy take ages, its been a month and ive naot heard a saussage:(

[travellinbob]

Hey James, asked a mate in oz who supplied him with the adapter kit for his bug and he gave me these details.
Volks Conversions. (John Sherman)
0061 (0)7 5537 7770

Hope this helps. Cheers, michael.

[james]

thanks is this an aus company?;)

[travellinbob]

Hey James, yes it is. A friend of mine ahs one. Perhaps we could convince him to send the measurements and you might be able to make your own??

[james]

suippose it depends how much it will cost to just buy one, and how quick i would get it?

still not got the one off usless chap over here:rolleyes:

[travellinbob]

James I think in aussie dollars it costs abou $600-$700 to buy the kit. This is from memory only. I havnt looked at the website. Dont know how much postage would be but if you were to need someone over there to help out then giv me a shout. I would vouch for my mate to help out and be %100 trustworthy.

Moderators please note that I am not trying to drum up buisness for myself or others. Any offers as per above are free!

[travellinbob]

Found this picture whilst trawlling the net for info on rotor bugs. Apparently the bug was good for high 11s and was raced until it was taken out on the track by a v8 powered RX4. Theres karma for ya!
sorry no other photos of it. Just a bit of fun.

[travellinbob]

OK, not too sure if the photo worked in the last post. It was the first time I have tried to post up a piccy.
But I did find a really good website with heaps of info on engine swaps into vw. Especially rotory to bug.
It is called Volks-Swap.
http.//frost.bbboy.net/vwengineconversions

Hope this helps somewhat.

[james]

thanks for help
wil bear that in mind!

and take a look at the site:D

[james]

haha
puter been down for ages
that addaptor kit finally arrived from the states to fit my 13b engine in the rear of my bug:D

ill try and get some picks of it soon as its nice and shiny:D

gettin fibre glass flip front too, less weight an all that!
hopefully going to be starting the project in next couple of weeks and will do full pictoral build up on here

watch this space;) :wave

[travellinbob]

Yes please do post the photos up for us to see. I was talking to my afformentioned frined in oz a few days ago andI was getting very interested in putting a rotor into my split screen. The only thing stopping my doing anything rotary related is not knowing where i will be in a years time:confused:
good luck.

[james]

as it happens, my next project will be a rotary split, all being well with this one,
i have allready sourced the ideal bus, or maybe not, it need 1000 pounds worth of new panels, all bottom 7-8 inches, inc all doors, complete new frontt end, and bottom 18 inches at the rear,
but it is right hand drive, i got it cheep, and when its done, none of the purists can moan, as it was well fooked any how!

i can make room for a subframe for the engine, and am thinking of mounting the rad in the same place as i am in the bug, and moving the panell forwards from behind the seat to make room for a huge rad, with exeptional fans, and a little scoop under the gearbox, if that doesnt cool her enough, ill fit an external oil cooler too;)

[travellinbob]

So James, hows it going? Hanging out for some photos too.:D

[james]

well, that split has fallen through, never mind, were a long way off that yet

need to buy a digi camera, but work is quiet, so im a little skint, although the only progress ive made is getting gearbox out, removing front beam, and cutting front end off ready for the flip front, i will get a digi camera from somewhere this week!

;)

[travellinbob]

A bugger that the splitty fell through. They seem sooo expensive at the moment too. Makes me glad to know i have hung onto mine for its dear life for over 8 years now. It is a dual cab pick up and would love to put a very simple 12a set up in when I am back in oz.
Looking forward to you getting a digital camera!

[james]

some picks of the sad state she,s in at the moment, and pitty ive not a lot of time to do much else at the moment:(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/james1978/Image015.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/james1978/Image008.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/james1978/Image005.jpg

this bug used to race in the vwdrc with a 2276 aircooled engine in, as the BEDROCK BUG
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/james1978/Image016.jpg

like it??

[Norton]

Rotary bug pic i found on the net

[james]

yeah, saw this on your other post, where was this taken??
would be good to speek to others in this country who had done them, only people i manage to talk to on conversion forum are in america or australia

[Norton]

I think it was in America (sorry, i cant find it again now). I hope you get your project finished, maybe then we can invite that 2.4 litre boinger beetle back to Rotorstock and you can 'sort it out' :D
Photo by 'Phil the spill'...

[Norton]

Heres another one i found on
http://volksrods.com/forums/index.php

[ninjasx]

Hi James,
How much was the kit and where did you get it from, I have a bug in the garage with a turbo II engine sitting next to it :evillaugh
I was going to order a kit direct from Kennedy.
are you getting the auto counterweight as well?

[james]

got mine off HSL racing, tim moors, took bloody ages though, i struggled getting in touch with kennedy myself
i did get the counter weight, its needed if yours came out of a manual car
it cost about 550 quid, should be well worth it!
i dont know and havent heard of anyone else having done this conversion before in the uk, loads of people done subaru conversions, i think this will be better,
im gonna look for a single turbo motor out of a gen 3 when ive got it all set up properly,
have to keep each other up to date with progress
ive also got a front and rear disk brake kit , and close ratio box for mine :evillaugh
just managing to get more time in the garage now, narrowing my beam 4 inch, and assembling front disks on my dropped spindles, ill try and get some better picks up soon!
have you looked at - http://www.geocities.com/zenjoe/vw.html

[james]

GB Engineering-- 01270 841081

Alfa, Audi, Rotary, Ford, Rover V8, Subaru, Vauxhall, VW wc
Regards: MadV

just found a posting on rotary into bug website, with this as a contact in uk for addapters, try them and let me know ;)

[ninjasx]

I have seen that site before and the engine swap forum.
I know Tim Moors, I used to have a MK 1 GP beach buggy with an 8v golf gti engine in the back ( I used the conversion plate that GB Engineering sell,they wern`t very helpfull when i was doing the conversion though, they couldn`t tell me what clutch and starter moter i needed :rolleyes: )
Whereabouts are you based?

[james]

im up near preston, in little old leyland
the kit from kennedy comes with some good instructions on what else you will need, and how to go about certain things!
its getting the shell sorted thats holding me up, not sure how much to cut off :eek:
or wether to use some alloy pannels in the foot well, and on the floor?
need to get my gearbox sorted too, mgonna wait till i can afford my LSD first, then get it all assembled at once :chat

[james]

ok a little up date, although, things arnt goin quite to plan
WELL ITS ONE OF THOSE, WHY DID I START TIMES
the pretty solid, only needs a few minor things then some paint, has spread to an almost full resto
i was planning on doing the usual trimming of metal under bonnet to make room for my fibre glas flip front, and heres how far the discovering, plate after plate, bodge after bodge, covered with 8 tins of fiber glas filler, and top filler has taken me :eek
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/james1978/08_05_4.jpg
im half tempted to ditch it now, and just fid a restored shell, to put all my shiney bits on
but i keep tellin myself it will all be worth it eventually
why dont people just do things propperly :bandit

ah well at least i have these :cool
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/james1978/08_05_18.jpg

[dubber91]

alright james!
ill post a few pics of my bug later but heres one... good to see yours is starting to come together!

http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/502081/1.bmp

[james]

come apart more like it,
i now have no front end

:eek

ninjasx this chap is based in london, and making the kits for nearly half the price!
drop him a line GERI4LEA@aol.com
knows his stuff and very helpfull
recons 13b turbo might get too hot in the back of beetle, but they are on with making a bolt on supercharger kit, which would obviously not cause us the same over heating probs :D
what do you make of that dubber91
o im so excited :wiggle

[james]

hey bob,
hope you manage to get some time on that moggy of yours, have to have a retro converted rotary race one day, if we both ever get time to get some work done :rolleyes:

i just remembered i aint posted any picks of adapter kit yet, will get on it
also i found a very helpfull chap in the uk, down in london, who does rotary conversions on all sorts, so if you need any help/advise, im sure he could help if you were stuck!
he is also making addapter plates, and got a good source of engines too ;)

im back on with the split plan, although its gonna be a crew cab, and its gonna be 20b power too :cool
need to get the bug done first though, hoping to get a chap to do the panel welding for me, as i havent got time, and just want to get on with the mechanics :D

[travellinbob]

hey have you seenthe 20b turbo pwered black bus in oz? apparently it is a lethal machine.
How much power do you want to stuff into the arse of a splitty?
should be entertaining!

[james]

no, not seen that one, any one?? get me vid or picks!
like to know how he has it cooled
hey when i can overtake most road legal sports cars in my splitty, then ill be happy :p

[oldone]

Is this not just so cool boys,been monitoring this whole exercise........the planning goes about a whole lot of probs,adaptor,extra engine mountings(to keep the the motor from bouncing on launch),water cooling,(rad and fans)oil cooling(NB...NB) Balance weights on the motor(match pair or not),clutch combination(???????),exhaust system(within noise limits),...................these are a few factors to worry about if th vehicle is to be used on the road.If for racing prposes and you are running turbos and gas and all the sissy aids,then it makes life easier,cos then you can cut out and adapt,if interested i can give some pics

[oldone]

Another thing,what gearbox are you running cos there are afew perms,you can get an adaptor for a 1300 box and a 1600 box,some adaptors you have to cahnge the starter motor,some you keep the stock starter motor,less hassle....What size flywheel you running ?How you gonna adapt the balance weight to the fly wheel,Will the cranckshaft need cutting down ?the beetle gearbox spigot shaft is a diff diam to the rotary crank,so the needle bearing comes out and now what.?

[dubber91]

the VW flywheel is adapted as follows;
you take the vw flywheel and cut out the centre.
You then get the mazda centre and have a machineshop braise or whatever, it into the centre. This way you have a VW starter ring on a mazda centre (which uses a woodruff key)
Yoiu then drill and tapp the 5 holes (i think) to hold the counterweight from an auto RX7 to the back of the wlywheel. fit the clutch then off you go!

The only difference in beetle and bus gearboxes is with the starter motor and flywheel. The PCD of the bellhousing is the same. Just make sure you use a 12v flywheel with a 12v starter etc etc...

[james]

old done
most of your questions can be answered on here,
http://www.geocities.com/zenjoe/vw.html

ill have it making as much noise as it will, untill i stopped and asked to quieten it down!
ill also be usin welded third 4th gears, heavy duty side plate and steel shift forks to make sure the gearbox is gonna be uo to it!
will be using a 1303s box, converted to swing axle, with close ratio 3rd an 4th so the mazda engine stays up in the second power band for ultimate power!

the split conversion will require a little more planning, but its doable! :chat

[20B_boy]

old done
most of your questions can be answered on here,
http://www.geocities.com/zenjoe/vw.html
He was asking you, not generally I think you'll find; this 'old one' has done a fair few rotary vw conversions in his time! :D

Good to see you about again E.

Rich

[oldone]

http://photobucket.com/albums/a184/eradeklerk/ Some pics for the boys.... Hi ya bg boy.. :wave ,been some time now.Stayed busy with the Rx2 for some time....STARTS UP first time now.....sounds to cool...freaked the guys at the MOT station when they heard it and saw it.Had a small shake down run back from the MOT station :3gears-rh ,just the roads are a bit small...heheheheheheh and the bab is a bit slow.Never mind boys in blue.....Yer welcome any time to come and have some beers and a good chew.As i was saying anybody needs help I am always here to chat

Later

[james]

He was asking you, not generally I think you'll find; this 'old one' has done a fair few rotary vw conversions in his time!

sorry chaps, missunderstood, read as if you were asking how we had figured this all out! and all the question marks :confused:

well i think, with a little thought, and the use of sites, ive got it figured out, so we will see what happens!
was going to remove the cross member with engine mount from the mazda, and modify it to fit
4 puck sprung clutch disk, for hard launches
and the addapter kit from kennedy, although i now have an english contact, will mate things up nicely!
also use things like gear box straps, urethane mounts, and a csp torque bar to stiffen up the rear, and reduce the hopping as much as poss! :wiggle

[james]

oh, and any help, advise and info, grately appreciated! :D http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/james1978/bedrock003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/james1978/bedrock004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/james1978/bedrock020.jpg

a long way to go, IT WAS SPOSED TO BE SO EASY!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/james1978/bedrock021.jpg :chat :D :chat

[oldone]

Cool bananas bro, all we need is to have a cud chew and bounce some ideas,there are lot of easier and safer ways to do things as i have found out.I have templates galore,drawings galore etc.....really willing to help.A ROTOR powered beetle is like nothing in the world you have driven !!!!! However it can be the scariest bitc... in the world to drive if its not put together properly
Later

[oldone]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a184/eradeklerk/Shop%20work/SDC80071.jpg

I thoght of something else......how does the spigot shaft of the VW motor fit the crankshaft og the Rotor motor as they are diff sizes.....?

[dubber91]

i already have my engine in the car. It fits fine. the adapter and flywheel are simple things. Its the electrics, exhaust etc thats the difficult part so ive been told...

steve

[oldone]

You have done all the big work bro,the trick is to keep it simple and functional.Cos you got the overhang you want it to be as light as possible,.......the electrics are easy...the exhaust is a piece of pie...when you get there i will share with you... :D

[dubber91]

if the electrics are easy how do ya do em? im lost on this EGI stuff.... got any diagrams etc?

cheers bro

Steve

[oldone]

I hope you got the complete harness etc......if not it is going to be some work to be done..cos you got to start from scratch....i.e.use Microtech or similar supplier..again its got be kept as simple as possible.. :)

[dubber91]

microtech?
is that an aftermarket ECU?

[MikeLMR]

http://photobucket.com/albums/a184/eradeklerk/ Some pics Later

Are all the "racing" photos of your old cars ? The Rx2 is looking mighty nice, have you any plans to race it ?

[oldone]

Microtech is just one of the aftermarket electronic systems,its the system used on most of the Aussie FAST cars,they supply you with the complete system,hand controllers and fitting instructions etc,Haltech is anothere system wich is also highly rated..........these systems you lose your existing system and replace it with theirs.......they should be on the net.The pound is stronger than the Aus doller so it makes sense to buy from them. :yes ........

[oldone]

There were a few built and raced over the years,then sold off after a good championship campaign and a new one built again......The one that is here in the UK is the lil red one standing by herself in the corner waiting to be shipped out to the UK.She is built to the Classic Touring car regs,its virtually a full race set up (sanse adjustable shocks) i.e only one race seat in her...Big street port,balance and all the rest,52 IDA,5 speed,pin locked Mazda diff(keeping to the 1974 spirit)....in actual fact will take pics and post tomm.......just waiting for DVLA to supply Reg number..THEN PLAY WITH THE TURBO GAS SNORTING JAP IMPORTS... : :evillaugh :3gears-lh ...they can go in a straight line but can they turn ??????? I proudly display the NO GAS NO TURBO stickers in the back window cos im old school....my thoghts for another time

[MikeLMR]

I look forward to seeing the photo's :) and keep those thoughts coming !

[oldone]

Thank you,there are so many,it can go on forever

[oldone]

what the update on the rotor beetle bro ?

[MikeLMR]

Ok a little off topic :)

could a friendly beetle owner ;) measure the rear shocks from their car and let me know the following ...

1. Closed Length (centre - centre)
2. Fully open length (centre - centre)
3. The inner diamter of the bush on each end.

Thanks in advance ~ Mike

[travellinbob]

Mike do you want the measurements of standard ones? the is an ex beetle cup bug on the estate near my workshop and i could go and have a look but am pretty sure they are lowered, or shorter than stock if you know what I mean?
cheers, michael.

[MikeLMR]

Standard ones would be ideal as I'm looking to see what shockers might fit the rear of the 323 and beetle ones look similar. Thanks for the offer :)

[MikeLMR]

The 323 ones are 310mm fully closed and 500mm fully open with M10 sized eyes at either end.

[james]

right the beetle i was going to use is fooked!
so its getting scrapped for now, and as there are already quite a few people it seams doing 13b engine conversions on bugs in then uk now, im going to concentrate on something wilder and bigger, so im selling up what i have now to hopefully construct my new idea before twenty others do it! :rolleyes:

[travellinbob]

Dont leave us hanging buddy!! what are your plans? surely if they are bigger and better than before it would be fun to share! real curious.
sorry about the bug though. It is crap when you do alot of work to a car only to discover that it isnt worth saving.
cheers and good luck.

[Martiny]

Frankly, I could never understand the beetle rotary conversion! Why would anyone chop up an RX to save a beetle ! Lol!

[travellinbob]

I guess the reasoning would be the whole porsche ideal. Big engine in back of car. I love the older shaped bugs but refuse to spend big money getting 150-200 hp out of an aircooled engine. The rotary on the other hand has the above hp rating from the box. Makes sense. And it is not like there are a shortage of spare engines from wrecked egi's etc.
cheers, michael.

[ro284]

I would rather keep all that power in an FD, i-e the chassis it is designed to be in! a standard rex can be a bit tail endy in the wet, imagine all that power over the rear wheels.(or is it behind the axle?)with all the complications of keeping the engine cool with the rad needing to be at the front of the car, let alone the IC! WHY?

[james]

always loved beetle, and all other old vws
if i showed you the picture of the rex, you would realise that it is far beyond saving!
i baught it cheep, 200 quid i think, with 3 months mot, had some fun, realised how good and fun they were
found a site about fitting the engine in a bug, so at least the whole car wasnt going to be scrapped ;)
as travelin bob said, building a 150 hp aircooled engine is costin 2500 and up from scratch, BIG difference

ro284 - some people like to try things a little different, makes for a more interesting life,
plenty of people have done the conversions, and a lowered bug chassy, would probably match any rotary on handling any ways, the rear mounted engine keeps the rear axle where it should be and improves handling
why do you think porsche still use the rear engine design???? :wave
cooling is not a problem if you use the right bits and install rad correctly
and if its an engine already stripped from a written off car, wheres the problem??
you seem like a very defeetist chap to me, who needs to research things a bit more before desiding things are all doom and gloom, and get a bit of exitement in your life, try something new!

id like to see how an equally matched performance wise beetle did against an rx7 on the strip and track :burnout

and travelin bob, i have mentioned the new possibilities earlyer on in the thread, time to switch my thinking, i mean, two rotors is boring now isnt it :yes

[Martiny]

Jeez Flamed again! Can someone point me to the Mazda forum?

[james]

over there lol :rollin

[travellinbob]

Hmm I dont think you were flamed Martin. Or the other guy. Just that there seems to be endless encuoragement for people to try to squeeze 600hp out of their fd's and then try to use them as a daily hack,(wondering why they blow up?) and this guy is simply letting people know about some mad ass idea he has. Its all good and I firmly believe that one of the things that makes this forum one of the best is the diversity of thought and opinions. And the fact that people express them in rational and friendly ways.
right time for me to maybe get a little basting from earlier fd remarks.
cheers, michael.


so james is it going to be a 20b splitty???? now that is nuts!!

[Martiny]

Actually Michael, now that I read it again, I dont think I was the one being called a defeatist, I think that was meant for ro284 !

Quite right, a forum is a place to exchange ideas in a friendly way.

[james]

well done to you both, being correct,

id get far more done if i spent this spare time in the garage rather than on here :rolleyes:

im just about to start the total destruction of the one that wasnt to be :(
then i can get the new one in and strip it ready for paint, i have a nice type one engine almost ready for that and then.............................

in with the crew cab bob :evillaugh
slam dunked and oooooer ................................... :3gears-lh

[oldone]

http://photobucket.com/albums/a184/eradeklerk/Shop%20work/ ......some of my work and of 1/4 mile toys :3gears-rh :D

[dubber91]

nice rides dude.....

just finished my rotary bug...first one...13b engine. Its a pain in the ass at the moment because i need to route up some sort of induction piping so i can close the decklid. I have a scoop in the decklid so with any luck i can pipe summat up from there. What sort of 1/4 mile times are you getting?

[oldone]

The pruple one was only running 11.8 123 mph

[dubber91]

thats quick...what gearbox?

:)

[oldone]

1974 beetle with welded 3 & 4.....i had an in house 'gearbox builder',strapped...very old school nothing imported or expensive

[dubber91]

cool mines gonna be standard. I litterally am rushing to get it roadworthy by this sunday...gonna take it to santa pod and give some jap crap a spanking!
got a standard clutch so with any luck it'll hold out and add a little slip to protect the gearbox :)

im gonna have to pop in on you if your in sherfield sometime....im only in portsmouth, but spend most of my time in hatfield. Pass right by yours!

would be good to meet up with someone who knows what theyre doing!
:wiggle

[oldone]

cool mines gonna be standard. I litterally am rushing to get it roadworthy by this sunday...gonna take it to santa pod and give some jap crap a spanking!
got a standard clutch so with any luck it'll hold out and add a little slip to protect the gearbox :)

im gonna have to pop in on you if your in sherfield sometime....im only in portsmouth, but spend most of my time in hatfield. Pass right by yours!

would be good to meet up with someone who knows what theyre doing!
:wiggle

Let me tell you something bro....you are so welcome...as others will vouch...if you visit you bring a des(ignated driver)...or stay over...we will tongue wag until the sun comes out.Always willing to share and show :yes ...anytime ...yer welcome just shout dude... :wiggle

[dubber91]

Let me tell you something bro....you are so welcome...as others will vouch...if you visit you bring a des(ignated driver)...or stay over...we will tongue wag until the sun comes out.Always willing to share and show :yes ...anytime ...yer welcome just shout dude... :wiggle

fannytastic!

shall have to come and have a couple
heading down to hayward rotary as well
:)

maybe in a couple of weeks?

[oldone]

Like i say dude anytime whatsoever...just call a day or before :cool

[ro284]

(quote) ro284 - some people like to try things a little different, makes for a more interesting life,
plenty of people have done the conversions, and a lowered bug chassy, would probably match any rotary on handling any ways, the rear mounted engine keeps the rear axle where it should be and improves handling
why do you think porsche still use the rear engine design????
cooling is not a problem if you use the right bits and install rad correctly
and if its an engine already stripped from a written off car, wheres the problem??
you seem like a very defeetist chap to me, who needs to research things a bit more before desiding things are all doom and gloom, and get a bit of exitement in your life, try something new!

id like to see how an equally matched performance wise beetle did against an rx7 on the strip and track (end quote)


Thanks for the analysis james, my life is interesting enough believe me! And iv,e done my share of conversions, with Buick Wildcat 425 cubic inch v8 (7500cc ) Ford v8 and many jag engines, been there done that!
i see what your saying about keeping the rear axle where it should be and that Porsche still use rear engine design, as do mr2's (seen a few of them flip the back end out) i don't know why they do that ,but it seems Mazda design with better weight distribution is leaving Porsche behind when cornering, Think i'll stick with the Rex, better design! IMHO.

And i do have enough exitement in my life thanks, more so since getting my RX7, but good luck with whatever you are trying to achieve.
Just my view! but why the hell did i reply to this! i'm not interested in a beetle.
Cheers Bob

[oldone]

(quote) ro284 - some people like to try things a little different, makes for a more interesting life,
plenty of people have done the conversions, and a lowered bug chassy, would probably match any rotary on handling any ways, the rear mounted engine keeps the rear axle where it should be and improves handling
why do you think porsche still use the rear engine design????
cooling is not a problem if you use the right bits and install rad correctly
and if its an engine already stripped from a written off car, wheres the problem??
you seem like a very defeetist chap to me, who needs to research things a bit more before desiding things are all doom and gloom, and get a bit of exitement in your life, try something new!

id like to see how an equally matched performance wise beetle did against an rx7 on the strip and track (end quote)


Thanks for the analysis james, my life is interesting enough believe me! And iv,e done my share of conversions, with Buick Wildcat 425 cubic inch v8 (7500cc ) Ford v8 and many jag engines, been there done that!
i see what your saying about keeping the rear axle where it should be and that Porsche still use rear engine design, as do mr2's (seen a few of them flip the back end out) i don't know why they do that ,but it seems Mazda design with better weight distribution is leaving Porsche behind when cornering, Think i'll stick with the Rex, better design! IMHO.

And i do have enough exitement in my life thanks, more so since getting my RX7, but good luck with whatever you are trying to achieve.
Just my view! but why the hell did i reply to this! i'm not interested in a beetle.
Cheers Bob


Hey Bob...... :) maybe some day a beetle will show you the way... :3gears-rh
...all you have to do is smille then and say " im interested in a beetle now with ROTOR power ". :D ....later dude and enjoy ALL fast cars

[dubber91]

at the end of the day.......beetles are NOT in the same orientation as Mr2s or others. MID ENGINED mr2s are fantatsic cars, and great fun. The ideal weight distribution for handling being about 40:60 from to rear.
Porkas have always had the problem of being tail happy, especially the 911s.....
i dont think rex's are great cars either...why do you think they are used in drifting? because they are tail happy, all the weight in the front and none over the driven axle leads to lots of tyre smoke and controllable oversteer.

Beetles are fun, and give a realistic driviong experience.

You wont understand until youve driven a properly setup one.

even then they dont claim to outhandle others, but they are good fun

Take one down a drag strip and suddenly it puts aside all previous thoughts of necessity, and displays to you what you really want to see; raw driving.

Its not about ABS, cruise control and power steering. Its about driving experience and what you want from a car.

My car gives me this experience, as im sure your rex's or big block ford v8s do.

Good luck, but dont poo-poo what drives others.....these people can be the ones who suprise you as you see them change from your rear veiw mirror to your front windscreen.

[james]

bravo, nuff said dubber91
hey mate, check your pm,s dude ;)
im on the look out for a trippl;e rotary now, just in case you see one ;)

[20B_boy]

im on the look out for a tripple rotary now, just in case you see one ;)
Like this one ?

[Blackeye pete]

Hello James
interesting project you've got going on there!
I've also got a VW powered by a rotary but it's a 12a and it's a beachbuggy still it's a lot of fun not only driving but the build as well. I made the adapterplate myself a while ago and to be honest it's a bit rough and i was hoping to find the adapter plate spec's somewhere so as to make a decent job this time, i've known a couple of people here in new zealand that also have rotary's in VW/offroaders butthey never seem to have the engine out when i'm round to make the copy of the plate, i'll post some pic's later we should be adding the roll cage this weekend

[ro284]

(quote)
oldone.
Hey Bob...... maybe some day a beetle will show you the way...
...all you have to do is smille then and say " im interested in a beetle now with ROTOR power ". (end quote)
LOL. maybe oldone, maybe, Mucho respect for all you have achieved with yours. Quality!

Bob