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Thu Jul 07, 2005 1:48 am

Found a wagon cheap...wondered if i could put a beetle engine in it...understand it is a upright and the mods I would have to do....but just to make the thing driveable and beat around have fun...

anyone done this ?

Thu Jul 07, 2005 8:30 pm

can it be done...412 freaks?

Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:07 pm

I know it can and has been done, but I doubt you'll be happy with the results from what I've heard. They engineered a whole new engine for a reason. Maybe you should look for a good used Type 4 engine?

Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:15 am

I just found out the wagon is an automatic...so that shoots the beetle engine idea in the arse...

Fri Jul 08, 2005 4:34 pm

I believe most, if not all, Type IV wagons sold in the U.S. were automatics. Some apparently have been converted to Type IV 4spd., which are rare in North America, but can be found, in fact some have been for sale on the classifieds on this very page. If you are in the UK or something, you might be able to find a 4 spd. since they were common elsewhere in the world in all bodystyles, but I don't know if it could mate up to a Type I motor. Now, I don't really know much about this type of swap, but I've read that the Type III automatic is virtually the same as the Type IV automatic, if that helps anything. A 901 Porsche transaxle could be adapted relatively easily I bet. I still think your best bet would be to find an OK used motor from a 914 or late bus and just drop it in if you want cheap and simple. Of course, if you are in the UK, that might be more difficult.

Mon Jul 18, 2005 5:26 pm

bastardbus wrote: I just found out the wagon is an automatic...so that shoots the beetle engine idea in the arse...

It still can be done, you'll just have to be more resourceful. First off, I'd highly recommend getting a Type 4 engine to go in there, but if that isn't an option.

Get the torque convertor and related hardware from an automatic Type 3. With that, the Type 1 engine will bolt up to the Type 4 automatic. You might want to check out the Type 3 Bentley manual (the brown one) and study the automatic setup.

Tuna

Mon Jul 18, 2005 5:57 pm

Thanks for the info but i passed on the car...I have lots of other projects to do...lol and this sounds much more then i wanted to do...
thanks

Sun Aug 28, 2005 10:44 pm

If you are still looking for a motor for your car, I am the guy to talk to. I have a good spare motor if you need it. Any other info on the car ask me. My e-mail is bugfreak1966@yahoo.com. Let me know if your interested in it.