1973 V8 VW Super Beetle Build - Dial-up beware, LOTS of images.

Interested Post: 47

Here's a few pictures of the size on my garage, per RaidMagic's, request and some shots of how the black vette wheels look.

Interested Post: 47

Received my new pistons and crankshaft for the 383 build. I have to send the crank back though cause there's a scratch on the one of the rod journals from shipping. It's from one of the shipping staples poking up into the box. You would think it's from the box the luxury treatment. LOL, look at that box. Oh well...

Match set is always good.

Made in India, that's good too right? LOL...

This is exactly how I received it...great job UPS and FedEx!!!

It looked OK. There was a little rust on of of the bob weights, but then I found an unacceptable scratch...back it goes.

A plastic bag of this weight really shouldn't have tears in it like it does. Wouldn't you think?

Interested Post: 56

looking good keep those posts coming can't wait to see it at the shows. cheers

Apprentice Post: 14

Wow

you should have kept a log of how many hours you put into this. Excellent job. I eagerly await more Very Happy

Interested Post: 47

Thanks guys. I'll keep everyone posted. I have put in quite a bit of hours. Wish I would've kept a long, but I'm too far in it now.

Well, I got my engine back from the machine shop and I'm starting to put it together. I'll post pics as I go.

I've upgraded the valve springs on my vortec heads.

Removed the inner dampers (too much seat pressure).

The stock spring (right) compared to the beefy upgrade spring (left) which are Lunati.

Good ole spring compressor. Compress, remove keepers, decompress, remove retainer, spring, install need spring, the retainer, compress, install keepers with even spacers between gaps, and decompress.

Heads ready to rock at high rpm!

Check all my clearances.

Finally, got my engine block and rotating assembly back from the machine shop. Had it hot tanked, magnafluxed, decks set to 9.020, hone, new pistons pressed, 383 ARP rod bolts pressed in, rods resized, and the rotating assembly balanced. Total cost was $590. Looks like they did a great job.

Then, I started running into problems. During the preassembly process I notice the bearing clearance wasn't right for the rod bearings. Narrowed bearings solved that problem. I dropped a piston and then it wouldn't go in right anymore. Rolling Eyes

Order a replacement piston. Then, I managed to put a scratch on the crankshaft because the rod caps are darn near impossible to get off. So I had to take it to the machine shop to get polished. Last but not least, I wanted to install my own bearings, and messed up a bearing. I bought new ones and they are currently in without any problems.

Took the block to the machine shop for a thorough cleaning before final assembly. Tonight I'm going to paint the block and start the final assembly this weekend.

Interested Post: 47

It's been a little while since an update.

Here we go. Here's some pictures of the build.

Here's what the crank looked like when I got it back from getting it polished after I boogered up the crank (small scratch). When I got to the machine shop I thought, "Wow, what kind of crank is that with the gold journals?" Haha.

I wish I would've take a few more pictures while we were building, but I was so into the build the last thing on my mind was taking pictures. The day flew by fast.

This last picture the intake, valve covers, carb, and air cleaner are all just sitting there. I was anxious to see how it would look.

I'm going to work on it some more throughout the week and I'll hopefully have it finished by the weekend. Putting an engine together takes much longer than I thought.

Interested Post: 47 Location: Houston (Cypress), TX

Well, the plan was to get it in this weekend. If it isn't one thing it's another. I didn't get the motor in this weekend much less did I get the car home. My old man and I couldn't get a hold of my uncle whom has the engine hoist we need to borrow. So the move was put off until next weekend. I'm going to try and borrow one from my mechanic. So hopefully I'll get it home sooner than this weekend.

Some pics of the engine 98% complete. Just need to install small stuff like vacuum hose for the dist., pcv valve, put the oil sender unit back in (manual one installed for pre-oil which is pictured).

Interested Post: 47 Location: Houston (Cypress), TX

So I got the engine in last night. It's finally a V8 bug. Haha.

I've managed to get one bolt completely through the mount and the other is in but not through the back of the metal mount plate. I've got to move the rear of the engine about an inch towards the passenger side so it can go all the way through.

On another note, the engine fits great but I'll have to raise the body about 3" to clear the breather and the alternator. Seems dropping the body 6" around the frame was a tad too much. I might have to buy me a lower mounting alternator bracket for a short water pump. Maybe the one I have will fit after I raise the body, but we'll see.

One great thing is the dist. clears the wiper motor compartment by about 2". That's with the motor all the way forward in the mounts so I've got a little wiggle room to move the engine back slightly if needed.

Administrator Post: 1123 Location: Lone Oak, TX

Looking good for sure...

I figured you would need a little KY gel to get it in there. Razz

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Cell # 972.310.9904

'68 Beetle · (herbie tribute project)
'73 Bay Camper · (T1 Conversion Under Construction)

If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around...

Interested Post: 47 Location: Houston (Cypress), TX

Interested Post: 56 Location: Amarillo, Texas

Hey man I just got fineshed looking at all the pictures, Great job man! You give guys like me inspiration to build stuff like that! I would really like to see some more pictures! Hows the progress??? Keep up the great work!

Interested Post: 47 Location: Houston (Cypress), TX

Thanks, I'm glad my project has inspired you. I've made some more progress lately.

I bought a tranny. th350, which I'm in the process of rebuilding.

I also bought a tranny crossmember, sandblasted it and painted it.

Got the gas tank sealed, painted, and sitting in it's place.

I flushed the radiator and painted it.

Last, but not least, I bought a rollcage and I'm working on getting it installed.

So within the next month or so, I should have the cage finished, tranny in and be working on getting the driveshaft and flooring fabricated.

Interested Post: 56 Location: Amarillo, Texas

Sweet. Oh and the black rims are gonna look great if you decide to go with them.

Interested Post: 47 Location: Houston (Cypress), TX

Sorry it's been a while since my last post. Check this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvUaSOQgPYQ

I also have had the trans rebuild, it's installed, driveshaft shortened and installed, exhaust ran (FlowMaster 40 series), plumbing ran for rear radiator, and part of the floor done. It'll be a driver soon.

I'll post pics soon...

Administrator Post: 1123 Location: Lone Oak, TX

Sounds sweet, got a good lope to it. Twisted Evil

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Cell # 972.310.9904

'68 Beetle · (herbie tribute project)
'73 Bay Camper · (T1 Conversion Under Construction)

If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around...

Interested Post: 47 Location: Houston (Cypress), TX

Thanks! I still need to tune it (degree in the timing and adjust the idle). It should have a little more lope once I get that done. Very Happy