any tips or ideas on making a beetle handle better?

[Chickensoup]

i currently have a 66 bug and im putting in a beefy irs transmission and trans axle. what are the best ways to make a beetle handle better. thanks.

[empi3]

Try this.

http://www.aircooled.net/vw-handling-suspension-tuning/

Steven
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The fact someone posts a thousand messages a month does not mean the messages contain anything worth reading.
Bob Hoover

1970 Beetle
1956 Ragtop Beetle
1968 Ghia

[Chickensoup]

thank you but i have already read this.

[Sharp64]

Pretty comprehensive article. What other info are you looking for? Have you done a search for “suspension” and read through? Kind of hard to point you in the right direction without more info as to exactly what you want to do with it. Another search would be “rally”, I remember there are some good threads with info on that. Think member “docholiday” has some threads and input that are interesting. “Slalombuggy” actually runs autocross so maybe look for threads he has input on.
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1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine

[andk5591]

Without rereading John's article, I have done quite a bit of work on several of our cars and have made them handle very well. I also have a 66 bug project with a Subaru engine conversion that may be autocrossed some or at least made to handle extremely well.

Here is the recipe for the 66:

- 2" narrowed adjustable beam. Probably a CB Performance with the heavy sway bar. Have one of those on my wife's 61 and its awesome. 1 or 2 caster shims depending on the rake.
- Most likely 205 series tires all around. Not sure on the profile since I am flip flopping between 15 and 17" wheels. Leaning toward the 17's. The shorter sidewall will help firm up hard cornering.
- Overall lowering the car - about 1" or so in the rear with a little more drop in the front. Exact amount TBD, but lowering the car some makes a HUGE difference.
- Sway away style camber compensator. As far as I know its not supposed to help handling, but it does. Was very noticable in our Manx clone when I added it.
- Because of the Subaru engine, I will be running a Kaefer bar in the rear..
- KYB Excels All around - MAY use Gas adjust in the rear. This is TBD and I will probably try both to see. Yeah Konis and Billsteins are awesome, but the KYBs work well for me in our other cars.
- Disc brake conversion initially in the front. Thinking the rear drums may be OK.
- Obviously the steering box needs to be good and tight and things like tie rods, ball joints etc need to be in good shape.

That's pretty much it - nothing exotic or real expensive. Oh yeah I am using the Subaru Impreza seats because of the side bolsters. But there are similar VW seats out there.
_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone 1914. Ex wifes car.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Ex-wifes car.
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...

[HippyTom]

Raise it up where it was meant to be and put some big wide tires on it. And some coil overs on the back.

[Chickensoup]

ok, i will test that idea.

[andk5591]

[Chickensoup]

sorry but andk answer definitely makes for sense. i was trying to be respectful.

[Slow 1200]

converting to IRS (if done properly) is a step in the right direction, regarding lowering, yes, lower center of gravity is better.... but only as long as suspension and steering geometry are not compromised by excessive lowering

[Abscate]

Chrome polish or a rechrome will do it, worst case.
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[HippyTom]

[andk5591]

Not a fan of small front tires particularly if you want to stop and turn...

We have 185s and 205s on my wifes 61 with a similar recipe as the 66 I am planning. The car rides very well....a little firm, but no worse that something like my last Subaru WRX. I have followed her as she blasts around windy roads and the damn car stays flat and doesnt break loose at all. Works very well.
_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone 1914. Ex wifes car.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Ex-wifes car.
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...

[bluebus86]

the quality of the tire is a prime importance in regards to handling. some tires are made of a formula that sticks better than others. often these tires wear faster, but deliver improved road handling. old tires, hardened by age can make a good handling car go bad. as can tires that promise low wear rates.

Bug On, Handling Surely as Your Journeys Take You Along the Road!
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Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[andk5591]

[Chickensoup]

also please check this out.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=694694&highlight=

[Chickensoup]

also i need/want wider rims. where can i find them. im having trouble finding any and the ones that i do find are ugly as hell.

[HippyTom]

I ordered custom 6" wide VW rims (5 wide lug pattern) 4" offset on the outside from Stockton wheel years ago. Had them finished chrome instead of powder coated. I just pop a VW hubcap on them. I'm running BF Goodrich white letter tires 215/60r15s all the way around.

[andk5591]

[HippyTom]

My Stockton wheels were $200 ea shipped. Chrome finish was more expensive than powder coat. That was 12 years ago though. I figured if I want to change to a colored rim at some point I can always vinyl wrap it or plastidip. But the redneck in me loves chrome!!!!!