Hey everyone
New over here, anyways, I have a mini which I'm trying to sell off, and get another classic. I am considering the Bug and the Ghia. I am not looking for a restoration classic, but rather a subtle custom (no major dropping chopping etc, just some nice alloys, slightly lowered, repainted, reupholstered etc.).
What I would like to know is about the following things:
1) Performance. Having had a 1.3 litre mini, I am used to 0-60 times of around 13 seconds, and VERY sharp handling (hardly any braking required before corners 😀). I would like a car that has some pep. I live in Cyprus so modifying engines and getting whole modified engines is not an option. I can however order some parts (cams, heads?). I do want some sharp handling (little body roll), and will have this even at compromise of comfort. As for engine, ideally I would want a turbo (that was my next mini project), not so much for power, but for the sound.. I will also be investing in disc brakes, as I feel these are necessary, and are not as expensive as I thought they would be!
2) Which parts do the beetle and ghia share, if any? Ghias are pretty rare round here, so getting parts for them would be a pickle!
3) What to look for when buying a ghia? I know most of the things to look for with a beetle.. basically the pan and heater channels and around the battery box?
4) What performance mods can be done to each car and how expensive are they? I do not want a race car, but rather a fast road car. Are there improved shocks? Springs? What about engine parts? I do not want a complete race-spec engine, as I wil be on a budget!
5) Electrical system. What can they take? Does the ghia come with 12v? I intend to run a mild ICE setup, but I will have quite a bit of auxiliary lighting, so that will draw some current. What's the alternator like? Are there uprated ones at a cost that isnt ridiculous?
6) VERY IMPORTANT POINT: Reliability.. I am aware of the fact that these cars are simple to fix if anything goes wrong. What I want to know is how often will things go wrong? The same "simple-to-fix" applied to my mini, but that is quite a nightmare, as theres always problems with it (oil leaks, brake leaks, electrical problems etc.)
7) I intend on fitting some 15-16" wheels. Are there any issues with arches etc? Does a super beetle have bigger fenders? What width of wheels can the cars take without mods? And if they do need mods, can you get fiberglass fenders for cheap-ish?
That's probably it for now, thanks for bearing with me! 🙂
Pavel
P.S. What are some good online VW parts stores with both restoration parts and performance parts that have a large stock (w/ pictures and prices and info) and that ship worldwide? Just so I have an idea of things!
Pavel Learner Dubber
2 posts · joined Feb 2004 ·