| Author |
Message |
DUNGBTL 
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2022
Posts: 595
Location: Ashland, OR
|
 Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2025 11:41 am Post subject: Re: So it begins |
 |
|
Nice…are you using air bags?
…wait…that’s not wiring! 
J. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2025 12:07 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
No air bags . Well I’m not at the shop to work on the wiring ,so while I’m home, I’m ordering parts that I’ll need .
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2025 5:54 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
Still separating wiring . Working on the rear wires since those seem to be the easiest. Still have to wrap and cover them . But it’s a start
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2025 9:51 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
While buying rear suspension parts I’ve been looking to the torsion bars . While the Subaru motor and trans are a little heavier than the original I was thinking I may need bigger bars. Any suggestions? I was even thinking about not running any bars and go with coil over shocks. What is everyone’s thoughts on that?
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Rob Combs
Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2020
Posts: 876
Location: South Bay LA, California
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2025 10:49 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
Porsche 944 S
They go right in IRS cars. I have a set in my Ghia. IIRC they’re 24 or 24.5mm.
Plenty of them in salvage yards. Cheap as chips. I paid $100 for mine, and didn’t even have to pull them myself. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DUNGBTL
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2022
Posts: 595
Location: Ashland, OR
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2025 9:04 am Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
Remember this conversation…
| H2OSB wrote: |
| DUNGBTL wrote: |
I was up in my ‘storage’ getting down the fuel lines for install and saw this…
I had forgotten I purchased a pair of 944 25.5mm tbars 6 months ago…I would have ordered SAW bars had I not seen those…I totally forgot I had those!
H2OSB and I had had previous discussions on tbar size. He had suggested 26mm because he had hit the bump stops on hard launches with 24’s (if I recall correctly). With the extra weight of the EJ25 motor he thought it would be prudent to go w/26’s. With my adjustable rear sway bar I could get more roll stiffeness w/o going with bigger tbars. So I got the 944 25.5’s.
Glad I saw them…could have been an expen$ive mistake buying them twice!
Pays to know your inventory of spares!
J. |
If you'd mentioned getting torsion bars I would said "didn't you get a set of 25.5s". Your memory is pretty good, but I had 23.5s (T3 Squareback as well as Porsche 944. IIRC 924 too, but I may be incorrect). I WANTED 25.5s due to the bump stop slamming from our discussion, but I couldn't find any I could afford. The 25.5s are from the M130 factory performance suspension upgrade package. They're pretty sought after by Porsche 944 guys, so often get snatched up quickly when a set appears on Ebay. I ended up buying a set of 26s. Only recently (perhaps within the last 3 months), I became aware there Porsche 968 had 24mm torsion bars. Glad you rediscovered your 25.5s. They should be pretty good for car with the additional weight over thd ass end.
H2OSB |
| DUNGBTL wrote: |
| bruceo98 wrote: |
Good find. I need to get some for my car but it’s pretty confusing with what size diameter and length to get for mine .someone told me 26-11/16 lengths for my year . I’ll have to check . I was also told at least 26 mm diameter and as much as 30 for the extra weight and power I’ll be making.
Are you done with the wiring? What’s next . You’re getting close for that first ride. |
Right after H2OSB and I talked about rear tbar choices I went on EBay and just happen to find one pair of 944 M130 option 25.5mm tbars at a really good price. Bought them, were delivered, I chucked them up on the storage shelf and forgot about them!
I don’t know for fact, however I believe your WRX motor is heavier w/the turbo, intercooler…and don’t you have AC in your back seat? So that suggestion of 26-30mm tbars sounds reasonable. Perhaps 28 should be your minimum…your 26-11/16” length is slightly longer (1/8”) than a SB…for a given diameter, the torsional spring rate for longer bars is less.
Except for the final connections to all the lights, starter, reverse trans switch, fuel gage and radiator fan…things I haven’t yet installed. I believe I’m done with the wiring. The engine harness (attached to the intake mani) is ready to be plugged into the ECM harness.
Realistically, I’m probably at least a year out from engine start. My rough plan of execution currently is: fuel tank mod (in tank FI pump) and install, fuel line/EVAC install, master cylinder and brake hardline install, pedal cluster, front suspension, rear suspension, trans and shifter, rad/coolant line install, engine refresh and install, exhaust/muffler fab…probably do the interior/doors/glass while waiting for parts. Lots to do! Last time I did a full restomod like this (‘69 912) it took 5 yrs. It’s been ~3.5.
J. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2025 9:14 am Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
| Rob Combs wrote: |
Porsche 944 S
They go right in IRS cars. I have a set in my Ghia. IIRC they’re 24 or 24.5mm.
Plenty of them in salvage yards. Cheap as chips. I paid $100 for mine, and didn’t even have to pull them myself. |
I noticed that there are different length bars. I'll have to measure mine to see what i have . the adjustable arms i bought said they are for 26 9/16 length. what length are the ones for the 944S? do you think a 24 mm would be strong enough for what i need? someone told me to go with 28mm or 30mm. from what i've read, the motor and trans from a Subaru is only about 75-100 lbs difference from the original. not sure on that fact.
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DUNGBTL
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2022
Posts: 595
Location: Ashland, OR
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2025 3:33 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
| bruceo98 wrote: |
| Rob Combs wrote: |
Porsche 944 S
They go right in IRS cars. I have a set in my Ghia. IIRC they’re 24 or 24.5mm.
Plenty of them in salvage yards. Cheap as chips. I paid $100 for mine, and didn’t even have to pull them myself. |
I noticed that there are different length bars. I'll have to measure mine to see what i have . the adjustable arms i bought said they are for 26 9/16 length. what length are the ones for the 944S? do you think a 24 mm would be strong enough for what i need? someone told me to go with 28mm or 30mm. from what i've read, the motor and trans from a Subaru is only about 75-100 lbs difference from the original. not sure on that fact. |
The 944S bars are 26 9/16” in length…same as the Super Beetles. I don’t recall the year of your car, however, I believe your tbars are shorter.
If all you need to use a 26 9/16” tbars in your early car are spring plates with a 6.12” collar…
…then you can use the P 944 bars. I don’t know if that is the case. If so, then you’re set. However, I would not use 24mm P 944 bars…not enough spring rate.
I believe your turbo EJ engine is heavier than my NA EJ25. I’m using 25.5mm P 944 bars with an adjustable rear sway bar which adds additional spring rate. I would not use less than 26mm tbars on your build…esp with your horsepower/torque levels. The 28-30mm size sounds more reasonable.
J. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2025 7:26 am Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
All this time i thought i was building a 68. looked at the title yesterday and its a 69.
looked on the net and could only find 23-24mm Porsche bars. no luck on used 28-30. only new ones.
No rush on that so I'll keep an eye out meanwhile,,,,, back to wiring. closed the shop down till Monday and told my wife i was working. Yeah, coming here Friday and Saturday to work,,,,on the car. 
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2025 11:44 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
Put the steering column in to route the wires to it and untangled some more wires .
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me.
Last edited by bruceo98 on Fri Nov 28, 2025 7:25 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
heimlich
VWNOS.com
Joined: November 20, 2016
Posts: 7577
Location: Houston, Texas
|
| Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2025 7:30 am Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
Barely looks like a bug anymore. It'll be like telling people about the Tardis - wait until you see the inside.
_________________
www.vwnos.com [email protected]
Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
5% Off your order with coupon code: 5%OFF
Restored Distributors Available (<--Click here) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2025 1:33 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
Still a bug on the outside . Just an updated one . Now I have cruise control, control the radio from the steering wheel, wipers, lights and key all in the column. Navigation and car play . And the most important thing living in south Louisiana, air conditioning, so I guess it is time machine .lol
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 10:05 am Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
These came in today. quality is real nice and the welds are perfect. I need to powder coat them since they came in raw steel.
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DUNGBTL
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2022
Posts: 595
Location: Ashland, OR
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 11:27 am Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
They do look quality.
Went to their website. I assume they offer a 2” drop installed in the OEM position (doesn’t say on the website, however the swing axle version says 2” drop)…with a +1/-1” adjustability.
Why’d you go with a dropped spring plate…how low are you going in the rear?
J. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 1:07 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
I want it to sit with the lowest part of the floor pan about 4 inches off the ground. can't go too low on Louisiana streets.
I can adjust the arms from the torsion bars and then go another 1.5 it looks like. not sure hot much lower I can go without the tires rubbing .That's the last thing I'll do after I get it all together with all the weight in it.
This is a members car here. It has the same size tires and wheels with the same size shortened beam. this is the stance I'm looking for exactly .
Now it's wire time ,,again..arrrrrgggg
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2025 4:18 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
Temporarily mounted the relay and fuse boxes to see where I have to run wires to and from . Well at least something is getting done . Relay box will be covered with the console I’m building and the fuse panel will have the foot rest covering it. Just have to make them removable to be able to get to them .
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DUNGBTL
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2022
Posts: 595
Location: Ashland, OR
|
| Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2025 7:12 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
It’s a rat’s nest to be sure. Mine was much simpler. Tedious but doable for sure…hope you’re keeping notes. I have a folder full on them on mine.
Godspeed man! 
J. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2025 7:17 pm Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
Yeah,plenty pictures and markings them.no time limit on this mess .
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DUNGBTL
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2022
Posts: 595
Location: Ashland, OR
|
| Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2025 10:48 am Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
| bruceo98 wrote: |
| Yeah,plenty pictures and markings them.no time limit on this mess . |
That’s the way to do it…unless you have a customer waiting.
I like where you have the relays and fuse boxes. I don’t see it, but I assume the ECM is there too. Way easier to access than where I stuck mine…at least when the roll cage and seats are in.
J. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bruceo98
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2021
Posts: 715
Location: LA
|
| Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2025 11:01 am Post subject: Re: So it begins |
|
|
No the ecm is on the opposite side of the battery floor pan The bcm is going under the passenger seat. I may build a fake floor in front of the passenger seat to run wires under it. Maybe about an inch high.there. There isn’t a lot of places to hide that amount of wiring on a VW
_________________
I may not be the best, but when the top 10 get together, they all talk about me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
