Bonemaro's '73 Ghia

[Bonemaro]

Thanks. Most likely I will be going with an alternator.

[Marc]

http://www.speedyjim.net/schem/gen_alt.htm

Footnote for anyone landing here by searching for "38A" or "30 021": that higher-output generator (GR17) is physically longer than the 30A GR15 which necessitates the use of sheetmetal with a different offset (the two large pieces, anyway - the small ring is the same), a different fan hub with some spacer washers...and the deal-breaker, a special pulley that fits closer to the generator housing with a cast-iron inboard section - they're extremely rare and costly if you manage to find one. All of these bits from a 30A generator will work on any alternator, although the alternator does require the use of the late`73/`74 "G" pedestal...fortunately, there are serviceable inexpensive repops of these available.

[Bonemaro]

Why did I go to this site? I feel like my budget is about to take a hit.

[helowrench]

Yep. Spend Mendy

[helowrench]

My last post came across kind of snotty.
I do not mean that Mendeolas products are not worth the price asked for them.
I simply mean that the prices for that stuff is quote out of line with most of the VW market.
I would love nothing more than to be able to drop the cash for the complete Mandy suspension and a drivetrain to match.
Although, I still might not, even if I had that kind of money, as at some point, for me, a return on investment calculation has to be made.

[Bonemaro]

Yeah, suspension, trans and brakes were to the tune of nearly 15 G's.

[mountainkowboy]

Yeah, suspension, trans and brakes were to the tune of nearly 15 G's.

OUCH!!

[Bonemaro]

Ouch indeed. Just the front and rear suspension sections may be doable though.

[Piledriver]

Ouch indeed. Just the front and rear suspension sections may be doable though.

Just be aware the Mendeola rear suspension, while absolutely beautiful and perhaps lighter/stiffer than stock components, still suffers from being a semi trailing arm setup with essentially factory geometry.
(this is not horrible, 924s/944s etc had the same setup, but that was with stock parts too)

The rear is also typically the traction limiter from a handling stand point so the whole setup approaches 100% bling.
Don't misunderstand me, I'd roll it in a heartbeat if I had free cash to blow on it, but I must call it what it is.

If I had a Manx style buggy being street driven, where the suspension was visible<>exposed, the Mendeola setup would be my first choice...
It looks absolutely bitchin, and on a very light car the rate choices coil overs provide would matter.

As far as making you faster around a race track etc, given the same wheels/tires and effort in suspension setup I doubt it would buy you much time...maybe in AX, on a dedicated AX car, as the front allows a lot more adjustment.

[Bonemaro]

What appealed to me was they said with this rear one could run a 17x7 with a 215/40 tire.

[helowrench]

Really, is that all?
I have 205 on my rears now, and could probably run 215 without any work, as I have about a 1\2" clearance. ( losing 5 mm from that would still leave a bit)
225 may be doable with some work to the trailing arm bolts and bump stop, as those are the closest points.

[Bonemaro]

And you're running a 7" wide wheel?

[crazy tarzan]

I'd opt for the front at least from mendy, the steering turning equally is a plus. But I'm always a little apprehensive about how low the arms sit next to the tire (yes, I realize that they will move up and down with the tire).

Roll the fenders, and even stretch them out a touch with the tool and you should get bigger tires easier. If I remember right, the inside of my rear wheel wells was more the limiting factor on how 'wide' I could stuff up in the car--the bolts etc were easy to 'remove excess' vs not fitting in the wheel well. I was test fitting with 245/??/R17 tires and wheels though. . .

[helowrench]

And you're running a 7" wide wheel?

Nope, running a 5.5
For a 225 I would need a 6-6.5depending upon the aspect ratio.
From what I see the tire width limits before the rim width.

[Bonemaro]

Yeah, at the very least I want the front. The primary intent for this Ghia is to make it a non-dd show car and I and my CFO (mostly my CFO) have planned for X amount of dollars to be spent overall, so the more I blow on suspension, the less I have for engine, trans, interior, etc.

I also need to upgrade my welder, as this 110v Eastwood ain't gonna cut the mustard.