frame dimensions

[Clif]

I'm sure everyone will think I am crazy but here is what I would like to do if possible. I want to build a early VW bug mid engined. I noticed the wheelbase on the 818 is very close to the early bugs. I would like to chop a bug and drop the body on an 818 chassis. I know this would take a lot of fabrication but the great running gear would be worth it. What is the track on the 818 and are there any frame dimensions any place so I can figure out if this is feasible. I am going to chop the top and if necessary could use 2 split bodies to widen the car. I have seen the Mendeola suspension for old VW's but I would rather go midengined with the Subaru transaxle if possible. What can I say, I like old VW's and I'm sure someone will need body parts for their 818 at some point. Thanks!

[JeromeS13]

Why wouldn't you just drop an EJ series engine into an existing VW Bug chassis? It'll be a LOT easier...

[Clif]

I'm not concerned with easy. It would be less time consuming to build on a stock frame but easier to get a performance car on the 818 chassis. I want an excelent handling fast VW with easy to repair stock parts. The vw transaxle is not up to the task. I want 5 speeds with better ratios and reliabilaty. I had a 69 VW bug with a turboed motor pushing 300 HP that topped out at over 130MPH. Very scarry at that speed and not daily driver reliable but it sure could suck the doors off almost anything on the road back then. It got 8 MPG on 102 octane Sunoco pump gas. I would like a more practical version of that car that I candrive daily.

[StatGSR]

Well if you do it, make sure to have a build thread here. I would love to see a chopped beetle kicking as around a road course!

[Goldwing]

Herbie Rides Again! :)

The front radiator will likely have to be reworked, possibly a pair of small radiators like some motorcycles will give you options on that front.

[Evan78]

Track is around 59-60" I believe. Very close to the WRX if I remember correctly. I believe it's been posted here somewhere...