I have been building a 1974 1303 super for a couple weeks now. I have installed 944 Brembo brakes on the front and plan to start on the back this weekend. I have been thinking about what kind of drivetrain, mostly thinking Subaru, Audi or rotary.
Here is my latest idea. Take a Honda D-series, with it's transaxle, and lay it back at approximately 45 degrees. Rough measurements suggest that it will fit under the engine cover, and that I might even be able to keep the frame horns. Obviously some engines can be ran at that angle (diesel vanagons come to mind), with a correct oil pan and pickup, and manny trannies are often flipped completely over. In case you don't know, d series motors are very light with an aluminum block. The best one is 1.6 liters with 130hp stock. I think one of the most difficult things will be coming up with a gearshift linkage that will accommodate the 45 degree tilt. I drew a rough sketch to kind of show what I am thinking.
BTW, I know Subaru would be easier, but I'm not a fan of engine adapters or the $1500 Subiegears R&P.
Duder
New Reader
11/8/17 3:43 p.m.
Interesting idea; would be different for sure if it works out.
What exactly do you have against engine adapters? I'm considering a future swap for my '66 Beetle and Subaru EJ22 is at the top of the list. From my understanding the adapter from Subie to VW transaxle is pretty straightforward. The Kennedy Engineering kits are about $500 including a flywheel but without clutch.
For something completely different, below is a link to a project my friends undertook, swapping a Volvo inline-five turbo engine into a 1302 Super Beetle.
Turbobricks thread link
I very seriously considered keeping an old accord I had and doing this same thing in my old 73 super, but without tilting the engine. Ended up boosting the 1600 dual port instead because I am lazy and chinese turbos are cheap.
I vote yes. Do it. Honda swap a vw please.
Interesting. A dry sump would address your engine oiling issues but I wonder about the gearbox lube running at an angle. You'd probably have to pull it apart to get a feel for what needs to be submerged, what needs to be splashed and how much oil you'll need to run to get it to survive at it's new attitude.
Duder said:
Interesting idea; would be different for sure if it works out.
What exactly do you have against engine adapters? I'm considering a future swap for my '66 Beetle and Subaru EJ22 is at the top of the list. From my understanding the adapter from Subie to VW transaxle is pretty straightforward. The Kennedy Engineering kits are about $500 including a flywheel but without clutch.
For something completely different, below is a link to a project my friends undertook, swapping a Volvo inline-five turbo engine into a 1302 Super Beetle.
Turbobricks thread link
That Volvo swap is really cool. I really like the look of a pair of exposed belt drive cam pulleys sticking out the back of a Beetle, although I wouldn't want that for this particular build.
I don't like adapters because I don't like having specialized and mismatched parts in the hardest part to reach on a car, i.e., the bellhousing. Having said that, I agree, the KEP VW to Subaru adapter seems to be well sorted. But then when you'r done, you still have either a weak Beetle trans or you do a bus trans swap, which isn't just plug and play to my understanding. So if you are swapping the trans anyway, I start thinking about other options. The Subaru idea is not completely off the table for me though. But the idea I've been favoring over the last day is a 93-95 Acura Legend. It's a 230hp Longitudinal V6 with an aluminum block. There were 5 speed manuals and even a 6 speed manual for the last couple years. I think I'll start another thread about this idea.
Just so I understand. You are talking converting an old air-cooled Beetle into a front wheel drive? Put the Honda rear axle in the rear? Or leave the original Beetle engine for dual engine? Mentioned fitting under engine cover which is the rear of a Beetle but showed front.
