TheSamba.com :: Samba Feature Cars

When Chrys Espejo of Los Angeles, California, bought his 1963 black and tan convertible Karmann Ghia five years ago, it was in great shape. The previous owner had it restored to a vintage look but had never completed the project and had lost interest. That's when Chrys, a member of AirSpeed VW Club in Northridge, found it and decided to create a more custom look.

After purchasing it, Chrys found he just had to polish the paint and add some details: rims, trims, interior, etc. to make it a showpiece. He says although the Ghia is not flawless, it is quite a head turner.

The motor (see details below) was built by Aroa Engineering in Chatsworth, CA. The transmission is from Transaxle Engineering also in Chatsworth, CA. Other parts came from various VW suppliers, but Chrys put everything together by himself.

Chrys plans to convert this weekend driver to disc brakes in the future and he says it could use a new paint job.

ENGINE BUILDER: Russ Arao, Arao Engineering, Chatsworth, CA
CASE: VW Type 1
DISPLACEMENT: 2276cc (counterweighted 82mm crank X 94mm cima Pistons & cylinders, balanced)
HORSEPOWER: Approximately 200hp @ 5500rpm
RODS: Scat 5.5 H-beams (balanced)
CAM: Engle W140; .465 lift X 313 duration; straight cut gears
HEADS: ported & polished; 1.25 ratio rockers; solid shafts
VALVE SIZE: 44 X 37.5
COMPRESSION RATIO: 9.5:1
IGNITION: Bosch .009
CARBURATION: Dual Weber 48IDA�s on matched-ported manifolds
EXHAUST: Ceramic coated 1-5/8� merged headers
OILING SYSTEM: Full flowed with remote cooler/fan & filter
COOLING SYSTEM: 911 Porsche-style fan shroud
TRANSMISSION: VW Type 1 swing axle; 3:88 R&P; super diff; super, Beetle main shaft; spider gears; welded 3rd & 4th; Billet alum. Side cover; Sway-A-Way axles;3.78 1st; 2.06 2nd; 1.48 3rd; 1.04 4th Built by Jeff Field, Transaxle Engineering.

Thanks for letting us feature your Ghia, Chrys!


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