stephenianjames Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Jun 2004 ·
I'm pondering a Subaru engine conversion for the Karmann Ghia. I know this may anger some folks, but what is the general consensus?
Thoughts on Karmann Ghia-Subaru conversion
kombi_kid Moderator Good Kid too many projects
124 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
go for it dude i recon it would be mad!!! theres enough karmann ghia's around !!!
cheers
rhys:P:P:P:P:P
cheers
rhys:P:P:P:P:P
it aint just cool its aircool'd
bajachris88 The international telephone dialing code for Antarctica is 6
6,661 posts · joined Apr 2005 ·
Go for it mate. Its ur car, and its modern day. Time to give it a lil' freshen up i say!!! Its got so many benefits, its not funny. As long as it has some form of vw component on the car, its still a vee dub, so go for it.
Lets see, theres extra power, less fuel consumption, greater reliability, better emissions, better sounding, noice to soup up, efficient .... blah! blah!
ANd of course, it comes with all that computers and stuff that tells u whats wrong when something is not going right in the engine, even when u don't notice that there is anything wrong in the engine. (thats what i luv about it)
If u wanna do it, go for it mate, i'll back u up the whole way. Just keep us posted on it!!! U could even possibilty try to work out where to put the radiator in the bonnet with a bonnet scoop cooling it if u wanted to, if u were willing to freshen up the whole look.
The idea is that it gives personality and originality to u and ur ride. And plus all those other benefits i said before with the engine. But ay, im the kind of guy who would baja a ghia (crazy and senseless person), cause i believe that if its urs, u have a right to do what the heck u wanna do to it, no matter what others say!!!
😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
Lets see, theres extra power, less fuel consumption, greater reliability, better emissions, better sounding, noice to soup up, efficient .... blah! blah!
ANd of course, it comes with all that computers and stuff that tells u whats wrong when something is not going right in the engine, even when u don't notice that there is anything wrong in the engine. (thats what i luv about it)
If u wanna do it, go for it mate, i'll back u up the whole way. Just keep us posted on it!!! U could even possibilty try to work out where to put the radiator in the bonnet with a bonnet scoop cooling it if u wanted to, if u were willing to freshen up the whole look.
The idea is that it gives personality and originality to u and ur ride. And plus all those other benefits i said before with the engine. But ay, im the kind of guy who would baja a ghia (crazy and senseless person), cause i believe that if its urs, u have a right to do what the heck u wanna do to it, no matter what others say!!!
😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
(ô_!_/ô) (ô_!_/ô)
69' baja: kombi box, thing spindles, irs, disc front, type 3 rear drums, 2 inch lift kit, 31x10 rears. 👍
New engine in process: 94mm p&bs, 74mm C/w chomol Crank, 35.5x39 SP heads, turbo. Wierd combo, hopeful torque monsta!
69' baja: kombi box, thing spindles, irs, disc front, type 3 rear drums, 2 inch lift kit, 31x10 rears. 👍
New engine in process: 94mm p&bs, 74mm C/w chomol Crank, 35.5x39 SP heads, turbo. Wierd combo, hopeful torque monsta!
helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body
7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·
No anger here. I think you will get some interesting looks when it is finished
bajachris88 The international telephone dialing code for Antarctica is 6
6,661 posts · joined Apr 2005 ·
I can see it and hear it now. Oh my god that would be awesome with metallic paint, bagged suspension and shiny mags, and with that subi reving. OHHH! (drool drool)
soz, Just the possibilities of fully pimping a ghia. Cost a bit though, but subi it for sure!!!
soz, Just the possibilities of fully pimping a ghia. Cost a bit though, but subi it for sure!!!
(ô_!_/ô) (ô_!_/ô)
69' baja: kombi box, thing spindles, irs, disc front, type 3 rear drums, 2 inch lift kit, 31x10 rears. 👍
New engine in process: 94mm p&bs, 74mm C/w chomol Crank, 35.5x39 SP heads, turbo. Wierd combo, hopeful torque monsta!
69' baja: kombi box, thing spindles, irs, disc front, type 3 rear drums, 2 inch lift kit, 31x10 rears. 👍
New engine in process: 94mm p&bs, 74mm C/w chomol Crank, 35.5x39 SP heads, turbo. Wierd combo, hopeful torque monsta!
VWCOOL 23 Windows of Awesome
5,158 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·
Nice big engien bay for all those cam covers... but the radiator... :duh
Pay your debts, CxxT
Boostn Wolfsburg Wizard
657 posts · joined Apr 2005 ·
Hey even a better idea, buy a subaru and save a ghia.
Che Castro ankle straps
1,945 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Go for it. Just don't put mesh in the bonnet for a radiator 😉 I think that looks terrible when its done on beetles.
Or just buy a subaru 🙂
Or just buy a subaru 🙂
Jon
VWFREAK VWFREAK
2,577 posts · joined May 2004 ·
Being a KG owner myself I would consider that to be a real shame given there the ultimate vw.
Thants just my opition
Thants just my opition
matara Custom Title Time!
1,342 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Those nostrils would make good radiator intakes! Be careful though, as you are limiting your potential resale audience for a modified ghia!
I would still like to see it done!
Cheers
Steve
I would still like to see it done!
Cheers
Steve
Brett Seriously Crusin Dubber
155 posts · joined Feb 2005 ·
Go Porsche aircoled motor, it will cost more but you will get most of the benifits with less mods
68 bush bashing ex beatle
72 Bush rig ex superbug
72 Bush rig ex superbug
Grey 57 Old Grey Cruiser
2,937 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
do it steve. as the owner of a seriously modified ghia i reckon a subie motor is a great idea. If the porsche motor in my T34 gave up the ghost it would be replaced with a subie motor for sure. Plenty of room up the front for a radiator and having a proper heater and good power and fuel consumption are bonuses.
Would sound great too with the right exhaust.
What about 5 speed subi box too. Is this possible? Can you reverse the crown wheel on these like you can with a VW gear box.
Would sound great too with the right exhaust.
What about 5 speed subi box too. Is this possible? Can you reverse the crown wheel on these like you can with a VW gear box.
Menangler Custom Title Time!
1,991 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
I'm with you Pete (bone collector) would be a shame.
Whats wrong with a VW engine anyhow, if you can afford a Ghia surely you can afford to rebuild a nice VW engine.
Whats wrong with a VW engine anyhow, if you can afford a Ghia surely you can afford to rebuild a nice VW engine.
FAHRVERGNUGEN;
Description of a pleasurable sensation,
Experienced when a car and it's driver are in mutual harmony, A unique driving experience, Pleasure, Satisfaction,
A feeling experienced by Volkswagen Drivers.
Description of a pleasurable sensation,
Experienced when a car and it's driver are in mutual harmony, A unique driving experience, Pleasure, Satisfaction,
A feeling experienced by Volkswagen Drivers.
Che Castro ankle straps
1,945 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
I would have thought the nostrils may have been a bit small for an air intake? A flat 6 would be cool, but if you are going to chop the body, you might as well just put in an EJ20T. Much much cheaper for more power.
Jon
stephenianjames Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Jun 2004 ·
Hmmm...some interesting responses! I am erring towards the conversion but the radiator issue is the only real issue for me.
As for originality vs modified debate, I guess that any mods can theoretically be undone with enough work. As my car needs quite a bit of rust work done anyway, I feel I'm not really butchering good metal in the first place.
I'd be really interested to hear thoughts on possible cooling situations, and also possible gearbox alternatives. I wont go through with the conversion if an ugly front radiator is the only solution. I am thinking a couple of subtle side vents might be the go, but I guess I really need to find out how much cooling I'll actually need.
I have only had the car for 6 days now (but who's counting) and I'm unlikely to get started on any rust repairs within the next few months.
As for originality vs modified debate, I guess that any mods can theoretically be undone with enough work. As my car needs quite a bit of rust work done anyway, I feel I'm not really butchering good metal in the first place.
I'd be really interested to hear thoughts on possible cooling situations, and also possible gearbox alternatives. I wont go through with the conversion if an ugly front radiator is the only solution. I am thinking a couple of subtle side vents might be the go, but I guess I really need to find out how much cooling I'll actually need.
I have only had the car for 6 days now (but who's counting) and I'm unlikely to get started on any rust repairs within the next few months.
MikeM Buggy Head
1,429 posts · joined Aug 2003 ·
I say do it but don't modify the body externally at all. Keep it sleeper look.
Maybe you could do like Wes did and put the radiator above the gearbox.
More photos here:
http://www.offroadvw.net/bajawes/V6_baja/december.html
Or click on V6 Transplant Diary up the top here.
http://www.offroadvw.net/bajawes/
Maybe you could do like Wes did and put the radiator above the gearbox.
More photos here:
http://www.offroadvw.net/bajawes/V6_baja/december.html
Or click on V6 Transplant Diary up the top here.
http://www.offroadvw.net/bajawes/
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eirecooled Officially Full-On Dubber
308 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·
buy a subi if you want subi power. halfbreeds are for people with too much money and love lining engineers pockets for approvals to change any part from standard. Ghias are top of tree as far as air cooled models are concerned for me. (Hebmullers are just dream material) resale value will be affected by any modified drivetrain that is not easy to reverse. Just remember all those Splitties with the round rear wheel arches that were also a popular mod. and now are regarded as a horror story.
But you put the money down, you decide.
But you put the money down, you decide.
Problem: I got probed by Aliens last night...............and I think I like it!.........E.T call ME.
pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome
6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·
you can say that again. Have you listened to the movie file of the EJ22 powered manx? Better than your average rexie.Grey 57 wrote:Would sound great too with the right exhaust.
What about 5 speed subi box too. Is this possible? Can you reverse the crown wheel on these like you can with a VW gear box.
sadly, you can't flip the crown wheel in suby boxes.
[Edited on 24/6/2005 by pete wood]
"stoopid is stronger than axles"
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/
Grey 57 Old Grey Cruiser
2,937 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Sleeper look is the way to go I reckon, the radiator grills could be placed under the front bumper to hide them a bit.
Dunno about the "half breed" comments. If we all drove Resto custom VW's with roof racks and empi 5 spokes the shows would be pretty damn boring. !!!
Late model mechanicals into old VW's will keep them were they should be. On the road.
Bugger about the subie box. I was hoping that it was possible
Dunno about the "half breed" comments. If we all drove Resto custom VW's with roof racks and empi 5 spokes the shows would be pretty damn boring. !!!
Late model mechanicals into old VW's will keep them were they should be. On the road.
Bugger about the subie box. I was hoping that it was possible
jnr356 Wolfsburg Wizard
603 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·
save the subi for the eureka steve
stephenianjames Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Jun 2004 ·
Mmmmm...I'm getting more and more excited about the conversion. I appreciate everyone's comments..both for and against. I guess it's do or die, because I keep thinking about doing a conversion on a great car and if I dont do it now I never will.
If the car was mint I wouldn't go through with the mods, but as it's fairly rough anyway I think it's begging for a new lease of life! As for cooling issues etc, I think almost any problem can be solved with some lateral thinking, so I'll concentrate on getting the guts of the conversion done first, and then worry about cooling etc.
If the car was mint I wouldn't go through with the mods, but as it's fairly rough anyway I think it's begging for a new lease of life! As for cooling issues etc, I think almost any problem can be solved with some lateral thinking, so I'll concentrate on getting the guts of the conversion done first, and then worry about cooling etc.
jvl054 Wolfsburg Wizard
403 posts · joined May 2005 ·
Come to the darkside my friend,you will benifit from the grunt of a subie:vader You dont have to buy a big oversize radiator to keep it cool.Just remember the lenght of water hoses all the lenght the water travels is part of the cooling.Design a radiator,design a scoop and feed the air to it.Thers no need to do any urgly cutting to keep it cool,just think about it.😉JVLRacing
stephenianjames Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Jun 2004 ·
OK I'll do it!
Now just have to figure out where the hell to start.
As for resale value, I'm not really that concerned as I plan on keeping the car long term and getting enjoyment out of it.
Thanks again for everyone's opinions.
Steve
Now just have to figure out where the hell to start.
As for resale value, I'm not really that concerned as I plan on keeping the car long term and getting enjoyment out of it.
Thanks again for everyone's opinions.
Steve
jvl054 Wolfsburg Wizard
403 posts · joined May 2005 ·
Keep us posted ,love to help you!😉JVLRacing
helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body
7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·
You may be able to get finned stainless pipe to run to the front of the KG and that would really give you an edge on the coolio side of things. I have seen 3/4" stuff, so maybe there is a 38mm type? Would be very exy, but work cool.
helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body
7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·
You may be able to get finned stainless pipe to run to the front of the KG and that would really give you an edge on the coolio side of things. I have seen 3/4" stuff, so maybe there is a 38mm type? Would be very exy, but work cool.
stephenianjames Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Jun 2004 ·
Just a brief update.
Havent had a chance to start on the car however I have sourced a couple of suby EJ22's (one complete with loom, ECU etc and one basically complete minus a few bits). I am also buying a rust free IRS pan which will speed up the process (even though I've part paid for some floorpans).
For those morally opposed to chopping up a ghia I apologise, but this is what I want to do and I'm not really concerned about resale prices etc. For those not morally opossed to Subaru-fying a KG then I'd appreciate any tips and advice along the way!
This is gonna be sweet
Havent had a chance to start on the car however I have sourced a couple of suby EJ22's (one complete with loom, ECU etc and one basically complete minus a few bits). I am also buying a rust free IRS pan which will speed up the process (even though I've part paid for some floorpans).
For those morally opposed to chopping up a ghia I apologise, but this is what I want to do and I'm not really concerned about resale prices etc. For those not morally opossed to Subaru-fying a KG then I'd appreciate any tips and advice along the way!
This is gonna be sweet
MikeM Buggy Head
1,429 posts · joined Aug 2003 ·
Were did you source the EJ22's? Did you get them from a wreckers or from an Auction etc?stephenianjames wrote:I have sourced a couple of suby EJ22's (one complete with loom, ECU etc and one basically complete minus a few bits).
Thanks
Michael
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Doug Sweetman Nil Bastardo Carborundum
2,128 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·
Go for it, but do it properly I reckon. If it is a rough one, then think of it as giving it a new lease on life. Its not like KG's are really rare anyway - They made 365,000 coupe's and about 79,000 convertibles 🙂
Everyone thinks ovals are rare too, but they made half a million of them too.....
There is a KG in Perth with a 12A rotary in it.....
Everyone thinks ovals are rare too, but they made half a million of them too.....
There is a KG in Perth with a 12A rotary in it.....
helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body
7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·
Gee my EH Holden is rarer!