The newest conversion

[Joe vw]

something I have been working on:

[sideshow]

Crazy, a center mount fan will never work!

[Joe vw]

The engine is a stock 2.1 with around 150,000 miles and AMC heads.
It came out of my friends rusty 86 syncro. The engine looked like it was in salt water, all the metal tubes had holes including the intake manifolds.
Every part is custom modified including:
the aftermarket Honda radiator
all coolent tubes-stainless
shortened bug alternator
modified bug webber intakes
custom shroud
modified flex fan
modified bmw 318 thermostat
custom (copied) throttle linkage
Engine runs unbelievably smooth, obviously the stock cam and valvetrain are a limiter on HP but I plan on a mild modified long block to take its place in the future.
When it warms up here it will spend some time in my glass buggy but eventually will end up in my unfinished project 73 bug.
The idea was to put a waterboxer in a beetle or whatever without any major mods to the body and at the same time restore it to its VW boxer image.
The cooling system works perfect on the stand, there was no bleeding involved the fan pulls a lot of air and the rad only gets barely warm on the cold side after running awhile when the thermostat opens.

[Joe vw]

Before anyone tells me it will overheat in a bug engine compartment, I will tell you that the airflow direction will be completely changed and fresh air will come from over the transaxle and the backside of the radiator sealed against the firewall so it won't recycle, hot air will exit under the apron and a fully vented deck lid.
Yea I think it will raise a few eyebrows at Litchfield this year.

[fusername]

you are up in NE? I want to see this when it is done! very interesting work, I know a guy who needs to be convinced to try this.

[Unkl Ian]

Interesting idea, keep us posted.

[Joe vw]

you are up in NE? I want to see this when it is done! very interesting work, I know a guy who needs to be convinced to try this.

Hey fusername, I'm in Vermont, I'm originally from CT. I met you and bought some of your Boston Bob main bearings last year. Sometimes I think STF name badges would be a good idea.
This will be in my green buggy at Litchfield this year. Hopefully it will spark some new interest in the wasser.

The engine just needs to be detailed but it runs awsome on the stand. It should be fun in my buggy and get good mileage. The real test will be when it goes in my bug.
The other cool thing is it can be turboed like a CB type 1 kit, but with more compression, on the street.

[fusername]

ah yes. you seemed so normal (for a VW guy) when I met you. goes to show appreances can be deceiving. I usually try and follow NLW around casue she wears her STF tee shirt and gets all the attention.

just park it in the water cooled section, I don't even know if people would notice what was wrong passing by, even if the deck lid was open.

[Joe vw]

a couple more pics:

[Joe vw]

front coolent pipe crossover:

rear coolent pipes note smaller size:

side view of tight fitting main return:

All pipes are made from stainless. The radiator is rubber mounted with grommets in the upright steel posts and pegs welded to the rad side tanks.
also the CB center mount alternator stand has been modified to line up the pulleys and spaced with the milled base of another stand for fan clearance.
I still need to make some exhaust shields, swap the flywheel and detail it.
eventually I'll add a couple of nipples to the system for a heater core

[Joe vw]

Lets try some video:

[Joe vw]

I've gone through my type4 flywheels and found a 210mm flywheel, clutch disk and pressure plate. I just reamed the flywheel and added a pilot bearing.
Now I'm wondering, if anyone has succesfully installed a 228 mm clutch in a swingaxle trans by clearancing the belhousing? Maybe space the starter?
I just think it will be going backwards with the 210.

[fusername]

I'll let you know if I make it work.

[Class 11 streeter]

I've gone through my type4 flywheels and found a 210mm flywheel, clutch disk and pressure plate. I just reamed the flywheel and added a pilot bearing.
Now I'm wondering, if anyone has succesfully installed a 228 mm clutch in a swingaxle trans by clearancing the belhousing? Maybe space the starter?
I just think it will be going backwards with the 210.

With your swing type 1 bellhousing, and corresponding starter engagement depth, you should not have issues with an unmodified type 1/3 starter working for any 12V flywheel except 914. Any garden variety type 1/3 starter should work fine. The clearancing might be an issue with the 228's thick front (bellhousing side) surface, especially if it's a 6v swingaxle, so mock it all up and take pics to show us.

I don't believe in a buggy you would need the 228s grip. If you want easier clutch action, maybe consider doing the long crosshaft arm trick. The 210mm FW/PP will accept the 200mm disks too so IMHO the advantage is with the 210.

And.............this has got to be the slickest idea to come along these forums in a long while. Great job and outstanding effort!

[Mood]

here's a bell housing clearanced for a 228mm clutch