Beetle modder
 

Hi all!

This is a great site! I allready got several ideas from browsing this site for modifying my 1973 VW beetle.

I did the radio antenna delete, aero mirrors, aero windscreenwipers, and I made a rear window spoiler for my beetle. All these things can be seen on my site (gerrelt.nl) .

And I improved the fuel consumption by putting a fuel injected Alfa Romeo 1.4 engine in it. :-)

Greetings from the Netherlands,

Gerrelt.

Changing out that engine sounds like a serious mod project. Congrats!

I've heard of people putting Subaru boxer engines in VW's but tell us about the Alpha Romeo engine transplant.

Hi Bruce,

Thanx! :)

Yes, Subaru engines are a populair choice for a beetle engine conversion.

But I couldn't get one with low mileage and I didn't want a big engine. I wanted a small engine with not too much horsepower.
Otherwise I would have to change the gearbox, go to bigger tires etc.
And a smaller engine has less fuel consumption.

But, this engine is not weak.
The VW beetle engine had 1600 cc and delivered 50 hp
The Alfa Romeo engine has 1351 cc and delivers 90 hp!:D
That's the result of 25 years of technological progress.

See my website, I got it all documented there, just type "gerrelt.nl" in your browser.

Greetings,

Gerrelt.

Very nice! I've been considering a beetle for conversion to electric, but after seeing your website I have to re-think it! Maybe I just need a new engine that can handle longer distances. Thanks!

Hi Waspswatter,

Thanks!

If there was a decent battery, I would consider swapping to telectric too! But I want a longer range, and refuels in a couple of minutes. :-)

I have thought about swapping the 3 cylinder diesel from a VW lupo. But the price of these engines was to high for my "hobby" budget.


Greetings,
Gerrelt.

Ohw, btw, see this part of my website: Other conversions gallery .
A lot of engines are possible.

There's also a bug with the 3 cylinder VW lupo engine in it.

Yeah, I saw those conversions when I viewed your site yesterday. Very cool.

I'm currently starting work on making my pick-up more efficient, and if that works out, I still might convert a (non-running) Beetle to an around-town electric. Hehe, the urge to "hot-rod" a Beetle is almost too much to resist! Have you been to "Volksrods.com"?

Yeah I know Volksrods.com. I really like how creative they are with the beetle, allthough Volksrods are not my thing.

For an around-town beetle, electric is a good choice! That would be cool, a silent beetle.