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Sun Dec 01, 2002 2:22 pm

I am moving to Phoenix in July or August of next year and it looks like I am going to have to drive my bug daily. What should I do to get it ready. I am planning on putting disc brakes and freeway flyer tranny in it. What else should I do? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Tue Dec 03, 2002 12:09 am

A doghouse cooler, fan shroud with the larger fan and a oil temp gauge are good ideas. use thicker oil, 20-50. If you are running a larger engine, dropping the timing back to 28 at 3k rpm really helps the engine run cooler. thats about all i can think of right now.

Tue Dec 03, 2002 4:11 pm

Good idea on the disc brakes, you'll be using them with these idiotic suv drivin' people here. "Jsm62" hit it on the nail for engine needs, otherwise you should be just fine. See ya down here in the "valley" soon!

Tue Dec 03, 2002 8:05 pm

have an ice chest full of beer beside you at all times but I still dont think it would help you much in ovenzona.

Wed Dec 04, 2002 9:56 am

Plenty of shops around here, Competition Engineering, Karl's Kustom, BAP, Gardners, and quite a few others. Easy to find what you need usually. You'll be just fine in the heat, even with your 1200, you just gotta take it easy when it's hot out. Although the 1776 is a very good choice, and there is plenty of knowledge and reputable shops that can help you build it or you can buy one already built (longblock) at BAP for a decent price. Good Luck and see you too, in the valley soon.

Sat Dec 07, 2002 7:42 am

Thanks guys!! That really helps. I was also wondering if you recommend an external oil cooler. I have looked at quite a few but not really sure where I would mount one. I would like to add an oil filter also, but I am not sure which kind. BTW, I have a dual port with a weber progressive carb, does that make any difference? Also, how do you guys keep yourself cool. I can only imagine 110 degree heat with no AC.

Sat Dec 21, 2002 11:28 pm

DO NOT INSTALL AN EXTERNAL COOLER!!!!!

The doghouse setup is the most efficient available!

I've used the pump/filter style on a number of engines...always had good service!

Try 115 degrees, and a dust storm...you can't open the windows, and you can't survive without opening the windows. I had that happen a couple of years ago...made it to within a mile of home...couldn't stand it anymore!!! Opened the driver's window and coughed the last mile...also, I had to peel my clothing off when I got home! I now drive a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport!!!!!!!!!!

Sun Dec 22, 2002 1:08 am

You might also want to put a larger oil sump in so that you have more oil to keep your engine cool. Just a thought.

Sun Dec 22, 2002 7:55 am

Phoenix is great from the mid October to mid April after that forget about it! I lived there for nine years and it is HOT! I now live in the high country of east central Arizona. An engine would only last me about 2 years in the desert. An no air...that was OK for the 1st year of two when you could drive from Scottsdale to west Phx and hit all of the green lites on Camelback, no stop and go just go.
There are plenty of shops like most metro areas unlike here where I am.

Sun Dec 22, 2002 8:26 am

Heres a sugestion, when you get to Phoenix. Find a Job close to home. I love it here in phoenix, but the summers are a killer. Almost unbarable. I decided in 1996 not to put myself or my cars through this heat anymore, and now I drive a new car dailey. I honestly felt sorry for putting my VWs through the heat. Like a bad dad...LOL.

Sun Dec 22, 2002 12:32 pm

I wish I could afford a few cars, but right now it looks like the 65 is going to be my daily driver for a while. As long as I can put together a reliable engine, I think it will be fine. We're buying a Jetta TDI soon, too, so if I like it then I will probably buy a New Beetle TDI as well. Any of you PHX guys use thermadors? Do these work very well, and are they easily stolen? I'd hate to buy one and get it jacked in a week.

Sun Dec 22, 2002 3:06 pm

Nothing helps much in Phx. A thermador will make you alittle cooler wile driving but does absolutly nothing when siting in traffic. As far as getting stolen, well, anything seems to be fair game these days.