G60 ghia?

sirhcorrado · Post by **sirhcorrado** » Wed Jan 24, 2001 9:44 am

Anyone heard of a 1.8 8V G60 conversion into a ghia? Are there discrepancies between the size of a beetle engine bay and a ghias (i.e.. will fit in one, but not the other)?

Also, is there some type of rear coilover suspension kit for type 1s? I've heard with a conversion such as this, you can move the tranny forward (better weight distribution)... more room for engine?

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Chris
90' G60 stage IV
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Steve C · Post by **Steve C** » Fri Jan 26, 2001 2:55 am

Hi
A ghia should have plenty of room for an inline 4, have look at the pics of James car in the "conversions" subject on this forum to see how one fits in a bug. As far as moving your motor forward, reverse the standard bellhousing engine mount cradle, remove your front trans mount and fit a Berg style one & shorten your shift rod to compensate.
Regards Steve C

Superman · Post by **Superman** » Fri Jan 26, 2001 11:20 pm

I know the 1.8 base Golf motor, which the Corrado G60 is modeled after, will fit the Ghia. If the G60 charger isn't higher than the valve cover it should work. There is way more room in the Ghia deck lid, since it is square. I've even seen a Buick V6 in one,...hum, a VR6 30V Ghia.....yea!

Also, you won't have to go mid engine, the inline four will be okay mounted rear engine.

sirhcorrado · Post by **sirhcorrado** » Thu May 17, 2001 2:54 am

So I could get the car to handle decently with the rear engine configuration? I'm sure the G60 weighs at least a couple hundred pounds more...

sirhcorrado · Post by **sirhcorrado** » Sun Jun 10, 2001 1:28 pm

anyone? Can I get a ghias handling to be on par with modern cars? I know the old porsches had torsion bar setups, so they cant be too bad. Suspension ideas?

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Chris
90' G60 stage IV
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Michael Ghia · Post by **Michael Ghia** » Mon Jun 11, 2001 11:23 pm

The biggest problem which you are going to have with a VW chassis'd car and handling is front to rear weight distribution. The reason that the 356 handles so much better than a Beetle is that it weighs more up front and sticks better. If you can get a drive in one then do, you'll be amazed at the difference.
If you want to fit a G60 lump in the back, I suggest that you use a T25 diesel Gearbox bellhousing mated to a T2 box. The T25 diesel runs the Gold 1600 or 1600 Turbo diesel lump but mounts it on it's side for clearance. You could do the same.
If you want some serious HP from a G60, try using it on an 1800 or 2.0 16V motor. The Golf Limited came as either an 8V or 16V G60 lump with the Ralley running gear. The 16V pumps out over 200hp. People have been adding the G-ladder to the 2.0 16V and getting in excess of 300hp. Lots of money but lots of power too!
Mike Ghia

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