Let's go play .... Bluey... a '59 Beetle. Vids added 13.4.14

Well am I stoked or what.

Just picked up a very cool '59 at a good price. Spent today cleaning up and checking over the car........NICE

The best part, NO rust, pan has one section of surface rust where water has sat in the RH rear footwell, but fortunately, saved before any real damage has occured, otherwise, nothing. 🙂

Selectodrop front end with discs, 1600 dual carb engine with a nice set of 1 1/2" merged pipes with a hideaway and a stinger.

A few body and mechanical bits to tidy up but very minimal.


Alright I know ....useless without pics, been slack with the camera, only one I have.

Wow, looks really clean and you say for a good price.

You're a lucky fella, no wonder you're stoked 😁

Kev

Very cool Matt

I am loving it 😍😍

Cheers guy's

I'll get more pics tomorrow.....gotta be happy with that 🙂

Good looking car Matt!

BAJA IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Smiley 🙂

Burrelli wrote:Good looking car Matt!

Thanks Ritchie, very happy with it, since it was one of those impulse buy's.....like I really need another car....

managed to convince Donna that we need it for saving fuel for trips to town 🙂

Smiley wrote:BAJA IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Smiley 🙂

mmmm sorry to disapoint dude....not this one.

Difficulty will be not putting more horses in the back.
Not to mention a set of centerlines, some dropped spindles and ..... 🤓

sweet.....but it's too modified already 😏

hmmm another T1 for the neighborhood! sweet 👍

That is one very clean looking bug!

Can't wait to see her looking even more clean, albeit she looks as clean as whistle already!

Looks awesome Matt,

Love the wheels and nice color too.

Can't wait to see more pics when you get around to it.

Kris 👍

Looks nice Mat , i'mm betting the missus will be trying to claim this one

hellbugged wrote:sweet.....but it's too modified already 😏

Yeah right Mr Berg .. ahh Pell, no crap from you eh !!!!

h wrote:hmmm another T1 for the neighborhood! sweet 👍

Yeah mate, we need it hey!!!
Looking forward to roll'n with ya 🙂........ still stoked

SebastienPeek wrote:That is one very clean looking bug!

Can't wait to see her looking even more clean, albeit she looks as clean as whistle already!

Cheers Seb, just a vacuum and some Gibbs Brand, she's now 'protected'. Good for metal, rubber and plastic.

She'll no doubt scrub up pretty nice.

Barnabie wrote:Looks awesome Matt,

Love the wheels and nice color too.

Can't wait to see more pics when you get around to it.

Kris 👍

Cheers Kris....patience my friend 🙂

I love the colour too, matches my T3.

As for the wheels, damn Col left some Centerlines laying around and one found it's way onto the front of the '59 ....... mmmm 😍
mind you, without the caps is a cool look.

OZ Towdster wrote:Looks nice Mat , i'mm betting the missus will be trying to claim this one

Your right there Andrew, she's already claiming it for her own.... what better excuse to make it real nice 🙂

That is one very tidy looking beetle, like, woah!

Quick question though, what donk does she have in her?

Bet the misses is loving life, I know I would be if I was claiming this as my own!

Stock full synchro tranny and 1600 T/P with some wierd twin progressive dual throat carb set up with home made linkages. Look way cool, but I'm more of an IDF fan so we'll see. Fired her up today after fixing a few fuel leaks (damn previous "VW Specialist") and carbs have 'issues' so need to sort exhaust then carbs before any changes.






Front end has had a minor hit in the past, but I'll live with it. 🙂










The only real problem paint area is this patch at the LH rear gutter. Not too bad to repair 👍

Nice, they three or four bolt DCNF carbs? Nice throttle set up.

LUFTMEISTER wrote:Nice, they three or four bolt DCNF carbs? Nice throttle set up.

Nah Marcus, they are progressives, haven't looked under the blackness as access is 👎 but I reckon they are probably Weber 32/36DGAV's

Another pic of a carb. The rear apron is removable too, you get a glimpse of the join here. Not the way I'd do it but WTF




After inspection, the exhaust looks to be pretty 2nd rate, muffler sits way too low and tail pipe is unsuported so has cracked prematurely. I'll repair it and support it better for now until I mod muffler location or replace it.

Honestly, go back to the original pea shooters.
I'm a big fan of early model bugs looking like early model bugs but packing a lot of juice under their deck lids 😉

SebastienPeek wrote:Honestly, go back to the original pea shooters.
I'm a big fan of early model bugs looking like early model bugs but packing a lot of juice under their deck lids 😉

These are more my style



pic courtesy Al Das Resto Haus


pic courtesy Al Das Resto Haus



And this is just dream'n......... being rediculous of course 🙂
😂😂😂
pic courtesy Al Das Resto Haus

Ahaha and I must agree with you, those do look very nice indeed.
I'm aiming to have a 1600tp dual carb in mine come the end of next year, but I'll still have the original pea shooter exhaust.

But everyone to their own! 😀

SebastienPeek wrote:Ahaha and I must agree with you, those do look very nice indeed.
I'm aiming to have a 1600tp dual carb in mine come the end of next year, but I'll still have the original pea shooter exhaust.

But everyone to their own! 😀

Each to thier own for sure, but don't wreck your engine due to inexperience or bad engineering. Dual carbs mean more air/fuel which if not coupled with an improved exhaust will actually tend to increase internal engine temperatures. Dual carbs matched to heads and cam and exhaust make for a happy combination.

Each to thier own for sure, but don't wreck your engine due to inexperience or bad engineering. Dual carbs mean more air/fuel which if not coupled with an improved exhaust will actually tend to increase internal engine temperatures. Dual carbs matched to heads and cam and exhaust make for a happy combination.

That is true, that is true. My 73 L Bug's original engine was a 1600tp, but someone since has replaced it with a 1500sp. I'm thinking just going back to her original (only single carb) for a while and then upgrading that engine a little.

Nice one Matt - no rust is always a HUGE bonus!
Al

Dasdubber wrote:Nice one Matt - no rust is always a HUGE bonus!
Al

Cheers Al, don't we know it 🙂

I forgot to credit you for the previous pics, consider it done 👍

Very nice Matt and very clean. Looking forward to seeing it completed, but what are the plans?

Nice bug - what is the original colour called?

baghall wrote:Very nice Matt and very clean. Looking forward to seeing it completed, but what are the plans?

Thanks Bags, just a nce clean cruiser. Fixing her up for rego first, some new disc calioers and flexible hoses for starters, also exhaust repairs required and fix the carb issues.
Also needs some trim and bonnet catches fitted.

Can't help myself really, a nice set of wheels, dropped spindles and narrowed beam would look the biz.......

toonyboy wrote:Nice bug - what is the original colour called?

Thanks, looks like Dove Blue to me, I like 🙂

Sounds good Matt. I like the plan especially dropped and narrowed.

Enginebay came up a treat after a wipe with a rag and a change of carbs, also tidied up the wiring.

Looking forward to seeing you cruising in it Matt.

👍

That looks a million dollars Matt! Congrats on the purchase.

Thanks guy's, I'm looking forward to cruising in it too. 🙂

Looking very clean!

Engine wiring looks very nice indeed, want to come down and do mine for me?
:P

Get back to the Baja so we can see it at Fraser in October :P

That looks fantastic and I like your idea - stock looking car that packs a punch.

The paint is awesome - did it spend a lot of time in a garage?

dead sexy mat!
love it.

very nice,gotta love a big window !!👍

Thanks guy's

Paint has it's flaws but is nice enough for a cool driver.....I like 🙂

Looks great Matt.
Definately the look and style I will be looking for when buying/building my first Bug - Im shopping around as we speak.
Keep it up!

Sorry Matt but not enough work to be done on it. Hapy to help you out with a swap for my new ride.😁🙅🙅

benny_acko wrote:Looks great Matt.
Definately the look and style I will be looking for when buying/building my first Bug - Im shopping around as we speak.
Keep it up!

Cheers benny, finding the right car isn't easy, good luck and enjoy the hunting. I was lucky, this one found me 🙂

baghall wrote:Sorry Matt but not enough work to be done on it. Hapy to help you out with a swap for my new ride.😁🙅🙅

Bags dude, there is plenty enough to do in my shed.....no need to worry, but I appreciate your concerns.... 🙂

I can't believe how well she's responded to the addition of the 48's, even with the big venturi's she drives beautifully on cruise, and although the engine has plenty of miles on her, she certainly is a performer. When changing out the carbs I was able to sus the ports but that's all I've done, and a service of course. The heads have some nice portwork, not huge but nice right into the seat, and seems a nice seat job too. Without even any match porting and stock long manifolds so some tweaking will only improve things......🙂

Gotta love IDA's

Well got a few bit n pieces at Action Day to tidy up Bluey.

H had a few goodies that she needed.

A few parts for the decklid catch fiixed it up.




And a bit more engine detailing




But best of all, Boris sent up a few nice bits.












So it's out with the old




And in with the new, and if your wondering....STOKED, shifter is great !!!

Ummmmmm, Vintage Speed gear is the Ducks Guts!!!!!

Matt Berry ...legend! ....nice ride

Thanks guy's......you'll like the new additions, she'll be looking sweet for Warwick this weekend.


Vintage Speed exhaust fitted up and ready to throw in the engine



Mmmmmmm me like what's in these latest boxes



And she looks not too bad ....

looks sweet dude.
can't wait to catch up.
hopefully i won't spend all weekend workin on the junka and i will have some time to play.

👍 👍

sweet!

Oh wow, that shifter is pure sex!!
Nice work

Looks great! What size tires are you using on the rear?

Very nice!

1958kafer wrote:What size tires are you using on the rear?

Thanks for the postive comments. I'm stoked with the look, just the speed might be down a bit this year......jus crusin... 🙂

135's front and 225/60 rear, too big for the rims on the back, but makes up for the too small on the front😂. The tyres I had already (mounted on 8's 😂)

Hey Mat,

Frosty's older brother here. Been thinking of getting one of those VintageSpeed exhausts for a while now. Are you happy with the overall fit and finish now that you've just fitted one? Thinking of putting one on a new 1776 that Jason and I have just put together for my oval. And.. would I be better getting a 38mm or go up to 42mm? Thanks, Mark

Hey Matt,

Very impressed, keep the info and pix coming.

Old Timer

Hi KDF Mark, very happy with the exhaust. Go with the 38mm would be my suggestion.

Thanks Old Timer.

We are just rejetting the carbs. I'm waiting for a new linkage to arrive so at this stage carbs are still not quite right. They were on my 3 litre with 45mm venturi's and Col's engine had been running a very streetable 38 vent on a 2332, so since Blue's engine is a worn out 1915(?) my best guess, we are swapping vents tonight and re-tuning.....off to the shed 🙂

damn thats a nice car you got loves it

Thanks Buzz

We got the vents changed over and the throttle response has obviously improved (it was surprisingly good before).
Also nearly finished a typ 3 rear brake conversion. Shame really as she had nice og drums with the oil slinger and all. Had to as the too fat rear tyres had clearance issues with the body mounts on the shock towers, looks sweet now (pics hopefully tomorrow)

Loved it Matt!

I also checked the car out at Warwick.

Stance is perfect, wheels and tyres look great.
Car is in fantastic condition, love the colour.
And I bet you're glad the no history engine didn't let go.
You should be very proud of it.

What times did it lay down??



Smiley 🙂

great weekend , thanks matt

Thanks guy's, we certainly had a great weekend. Bluey caused quite a stir at Warwick and amazingly ran quite well with her tired mechanicals. My slowest racing ever, but we had fun cruising the pits and generally enjoying ourselves. She managed consistant 10.0 - 10.1 sec passes at 67mph and still managed to drive her back onto the trailer with no issues. 👍

Beetle looks great!
T3 Pano awsome!!😎

Didn't realize that thing was yours matt!! Thought it was a customers car! Saw you drive past us in the pits while trying to coax the junk to life and I love the looks of it. Not over done or under done just nice!!

Love the shifter!!

Hi Matt,

Bluey sure looks great, I'm loving the rims and as empi says, Love the shifter too.
I bought their front number plate brackets to suss out what their quality was like, and if the rest of their gear is as good (I'm guessing it is) I'll consider buying from them again.
That old "Made in Taiwan" moniker doesn't seem to apply anymore - excellent gear.

On another note, I'm thinking of getting some suspension stuff done to my '67, (I've already got most of the bits, just need 'em fitted really) and was wondering if your interested and when would be a good time to give you a yell?

Cheers,

Old Timer

Me again,

I forgot, I want disc brakes fitted too - front and back. Get those too.

Old Timer

P.S. Could you let me know if your interested either way? Cheers.

Thanks for the comments everyone.

The Vintagespeed gear is certainly very good and I have no problems recommending them.

I've been away at Bathurst for the weekend so appologies for the late replies.

Old Timer, feel free to call and I'd be happy to help in any way I can. The workshop is quite busy but I will always do our best to accomodate your needs.

Cheers
Matt

matberry wrote:Well got a few bit n pieces at Action Day to tidy up Bluey.

H had a few goodies that she needed.

A few parts for the decklid catch fiixed it up.

👍 no worries 😀
happy that some usefulness went your way
hmmm shiney

Man I love the Porsche in the background!

ZoumbaZoumba wrote:Man I love the Porsche in the background!

And I bet you had rainbow's for breakfast too..... 😂😂

ZoumbaZoumba, If you are talking about the 356 on the previous page it LOOKS nice in the photo. If you are talking about the type3 in the above photo the owner sometimes imagines it's a porsche as well😂😂

Burrelli wrote:ZoumbaZoumba, If you are talking about the 356 on the previous page it LOOKS nice in the photo. If you are talking about the type3 in the above photo the owner sometimes imagines it's a porsche as well😂😂

😂😂😂

At last my new linkages arrived and are now fitted. Arrived Monday after Warwick.......Doh 🙂

Some new pics

Fuch Im jealous matt!!!!😎

Hey Matt,

Are the new photos for me? 😁

Lovin' the stance and the rubber on the back 👍, but those 135's look too small to my eyes. 🤪

As you say, we'll need to experiment a bit to get 'em right.

Cheers,

Old Timer

What can I say Isaac?.......tough. Comes to mind (in the nicest possible way 🙂 )

Yes Oldie, thought a little perspective may help with your decisions. 🙂

drool

point taken. 🥲

Well she's been registered and cruising for a while now. I've been fixing some issues with the engine, she's very long in the tooth, but now performs really well, so I've been able to cobble together a few bit's and pieces to keep her going a little longer. Changes are all bit's that are needed for any performance engine, including Berg Linkage, Kennedy clutch, full flow relief valve oil pump and cover, swivel feet valve adjusters wiyh a Berg solid rockershaft kit, and obviously the carbs and exhaust. She made it down to the Goldie to Al's Das Resto Parts opening after I fixed a few oil leaks amongst other things, but have only now got on top of the worst one at the crankshaft pulley. The oil had been hosing out from behind the pulley whenever at any speed over about 80km/h, so a slip in sand seal pulley has cured it.👍

I'll update pics but untill then, here's two vids driving the old girl, 1st I posted on Al Resto thread but here it is again, I was one up so the camera work is a bit shakey



This one was thursday night Pizza run, Tony threw together this from his phone, a bit of wet country road at night with some IDA tunes but you get the idea 🙂 ...... and yeah, I live out in the sticks 🙂

My second favorite bug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

good stuff Matty .......sounds nice, looking sweet!

Thanks Ben and Daimo, I'm lov'n driving it, but still a list of things to do.....you know how it is, the more you drive it, the more you want to play 🙂 ......

The engine bay is progressing with a few little visual changes, needs a proper detail/clean as I've been having to wipe oil spray every other day......not now though with the new sand seal pulley. 😀


Bit of a story with the oil lines. I've been selling and using Phenix performance fittings for a year or so and they are so good at the right price, I fitted a full flow hose kit that I bought from the US as it was to expensive comparitively so I thought I may as well use it on my car. What a mistake. The kit was supplied with fittings with a big R stamped on the side......damn things were crap. First one failed on the first test drive, emptied the sump in about 2k's. Replaced that and noticed one of the others begining to leak. I removed them all and have fitted Phenix Industries Performance Fittings
http://www.phenixindustries.com.au/




Still want to relocate coil and get rid of the mechanical fuel pump.

keep going, February is almost here.........are we cruising to the drags in a "48's" convoy or you trailer queening ? 😀

I've got Dave thinking tranny atm, supa-diff arrived Friday ......but with a 4 dowel crank, I think I'll be a queen this time but you never know.. 🙂

Anyway, the last IDA cruise I organised, I was the only one. 😂

sweet.......Col will be up for it i'd hope

Well DB has worked his magic again.

Stoked to have this getting ready to go into Bluey

Looks fantastic. Try not to break it!


Smiley 🙂

The magic of Mr Butler

At least I know you will be kind to it Matt 🙅🙅🙅

Convoy to Sydney then!!!!!..... Or risk CLA expulsion I think

Spoke to the illustipious leader this arvo.... And it's thursday at mine before Friday road trip.... Or die 🙂

mmmm, I don't like the options, looks like I am traveling light......

Smiley wrote:Looks fantastic. Try not to break it!


Smiley 🙂

vassy66T1 wrote:The magic of Mr Butler

At least I know you will be kind to it Matt 🙅🙅🙅

In the context of the above smarty pants comments, that really I feel have no real relevance to the way I drive or treat my cars so I have no idea why they would have said such things... 😉 here is a pic of what I prepared today fo Bluey

From this...std VW short axle (thanks Rick)




to this




this



to this




still std VW, but hopefully the polishing helps stress relieve the axles for a little longevety, I'm only running radials and a little motor so everything should be sweet as.
But, if anyone knows of some old Sway-a-way short axles that need a home I'd like to talk to them.

Shiney!!!

What's the new weak link in the system now? 😂


Smiley 🙂

Smiley wrote:Shiney!!!

What's the new weak link in the system now? 😂


Smiley 🙂

The new weak link is negative camber and old BFG radials.....hopefully set before the 4 dowel crank lets go....after all, I fitted a Berg nut and washer and torqued to 450 ..... she'll be right 🤪😂🤪😂

Smarty pants comments ??? ... now don't let it hurt your feelings😏

Looks good Matt.

What ratios did you get in the tranny?

vassy66T1 wrote:Smarty pants comments :

said in the nicest possible way 🙂

Burrelli wrote:Looks good Matt.

What ratios did you get in the tranny?

Hi Ritchie, ratios that Dave recommended and could supply after a few trade-ins and whatnot
Final drive: 3.875
First gear: 3.80
Second gear: 2.0588
Third gear 1.412
Fourth: 0.931

puts 3rd where my 4th used to be so should cruise well.

Good compromise ratios.

No laying down in 3rd .3rd is going to be the fun gear. 🤪

Yeah mate, looking forward to running it. I think 2nd & 3rd will be fun, 3rd's nice and close, just hope the tall diff doesn't take the edge off overall, should be ok as it sure is too low now with the 4.3.

why not 8 dowelll the crank while its out?

mactaylor wrote:why not 8 dowelll the crank while its out?

Because doing an 8 dowel job with a hand drill is not the way I do things.

Latest upgrade to Bluey is this wonderful custom built transmission by the one and only DB




Fitted fulcrum plates and axles


















A few more tweeks to the engine.... converted to electric fuel pump so removed the stock pump and relocated fuel lines behind fan housing

Now that looks tidy 👍

Cool side plate 😉
.....and is that a " poor mans posi" slipping in there too?

Yes Daimo, your goodies helped out in a big way. Cheers dude

I did a more detailed post originally but somehow lost it, so only a few words this time.

The ratios are fantastic, a very nice compromise of performance and highway cruising, it has transformed the car.

I'm liking the fuel hose routing at the back of the fan housing👍

Did you skim the axles on the lathe first, then polish them to finish off or just polished from the start?

Special Air Service wrote:I'm liking the fuel hose routing at the back of the fan housing👍

Did you skim the axles on the lathe first, then polish them to finish off or just polished from the start?

Thanks mate, I didn't want to reduce the material too much so I just polished them with an 80G disc sander, then 120 then by hand with emery and then wet&dry. Overkill really but I enjoyed experimenting as I haven't had the lathe all that long.

did you need to take that thrust ring out of the pressure plate for the later throw out bearing..........❓

hellbugged wrote:did you need to take that thrust ring out of the pressure plate for the later throw out bearing..........❓

Yep, KEP clutches they are removeable. Took some modifing to get the late clutch fork with the big shaft into the small shaft housing, machined shaft and modified early bush. 🙂

Been ages since an up date so.......here we go.

Thanks to the fellow AVD members whose pics I stole. 🙂

Bluey ran at the VW Showdown at WSID in Feb.

Had a great trip down, although I admit to being a self confessed trailer queen.....The engine and front suspension both need a few tweeks/rebuild before I would be comfortable driving and racing over that distance.






Ran a best of 16.223 @ 78.62MPH. Full weight all interior, worn out bottom end 1915 with Vintage Speed Muffler and 42mm headers, 48 IDA's with 37 vent's. Daves trans is great on the street, but fourth gear is a bit too tall for good 1/4 mile times with the 3.88 CW/P, but worth it for nice street cruising.

Here's Bluey dusting Birch in his Orange smoothy, also 1915, but fresher with efi 😂😂








And here he is as of tonight. I did some mods to the IDA's on the weekend. Tricked them up with a clean up, inside and out, a bit of polish even here and there. Also enlarged the fuel bowls, profiled the throttle shafts and shortened the butterfly screws. Also did a mod to the secondary venturi that has really cleaned up some top end and smoothed out the already nice power delivery. Very happy with the modifications. Sorry no detailed pics, but here's the engine after refitting the IDA's




Bluey has some cool friends at the moment.

A few random shots taken tonight.

Oh... here's the business end of the run with Dave

Hey Mat!
Looks awesome, Bluey is definitely one clean car!

I have a question though, the car behind the bus/in front of Bluey.
The exhaust looks a little lop sided. Now, Zelda has the exact same issue. It isn't as bad of a lean, but has one nonetheless.
Is this caused by a faulty engine mount or something like that?

This is the image I'm talking about if I didn't make it clear enough...

Clear as in the pic. I was thinking it was in the pic as I hadn't noticed in the flesh. That car only hit road yesterday after having the exhaust fitted with engine out due to needing trans mounts done as well. Being quite low in the rear we don't get to see the muffler unless way back like in the pic. I'll measure up tomorrow and come back with the results. If it is lopsided, you should be able to loosen the rear engine mount to frame horn cross brace bolts and rotate engine/trans some.

Yeah, I noticed it first thing, only because I have the same issue in Zelda. Mine isn't as bad as what it looks like in the picture but is definitely noticeable from a distance.
I'll have to talk to a mechanic down here as to what needs to be done to get it all fixed up, I hate not having the tools to do stuff myself!

But regardless, Bluey is looking awesome.

SebastienPeek wrote:Yeah, I noticed it first thing, only because I have the same issue in Zelda. Mine isn't as bad as what it looks like in the picture but is definitely noticeable from a distance.
I'll have to talk to a mechanic down here as to what needs to be done to get it all fixed up, I hate not having the tools to do stuff myself!

But regardless, Bluey is looking awesome.

Mate, the job I mentioned only needs two 13mm spanners. That's it. You could even park over a gutter and do it without even jacking up the car. (Might be awkward but hey, nothing free is meant to be easy 🙂 )

Thanks for the nice words.

Well if that is the case Mat, I might be able to get it done myself.
Will still give my mechanic a call, want to get the oil leaks fixed and that is a heads off kinda job...

Anytime, been watching your cars for a while, love them all.
Your baja is epic, like, extremely epic.

SebastienPeek wrote:Your baja is epic, like, extremely epic.

Ha ha, cheers mate. Be more epic if I could find a starter motor with enough grunt to start it !!!! 🙂

Any plans for the motor Matt ?

you've seen these Matt?

http://www.crankykits.com.au/ck002.html

Craig Torrens wrote:Any plans for the motor Matt ?

Yep......was going to use Zanello's crank etc, but thought 2.0 was too easy. May build up a 1915 but I have a set of 90.5's so it's either a 1998 or 1776. i'm thinking of the latter...... 🙂

All ready started sourcing a few parts for it
These arrived from Sweden today for it.

hellbugged wrote:you've seen these Matt?

http://www.crankykits.com.au/ck002.html

thanks Damo. I haven't tried one, Matt R the Miniman gave it 👍 but I've heard others say they aren't much more power than the Bosch. I need a 2 litre style so the big auto version is out.

My vote is for the 1998cc

Your going to need some torque to push your gear ratios.

Unless you are going to have a small cam and heads but I would not think so..😂🤪🙅

I hear ya Ritchie, making sense as usual. Oh, and your right about the cam.......

Hey that bug that had the lopsided exhaust looks familiar ?

Go the 1998 ... then I'll race ya 😉

tar76 wrote:Hey that bug that had the lopsided exhaust looks familiar ?

Well actually it's just an optical illusion as everything is all nice and square in the flesh 👍

More bits for Bluey's engine arrived today. And decision made......case, bearings and hardware are presently enroute to Crankshaft Engineering to say hi to an old 77.5mm crank. 🙂

vassy66T1 wrote:Go the 1998 ... then I'll race ya 😉

mmmm don't tempt me..... 🙂 1998 it is 👍

sounds like more herbs for Bluey!! looks like Warwick is going to interesting this year 👍

tar76 wrote:sounds like more herbs for Bluey!! looks like Warwick is going to interesting this year 👍

A few herbs, yes, Warwick....who know's.... crikey, we got Valla in August 🙂

sounds good Matt.........should honk something like this!!

I wish daimo....I loved the scream of Jeffs old engine. 8500 rpm iirc

what ever happened to that car????

yeah sweet it is.........can't wait to see what you cook up!

whathaveidone wrote:what ever happened to that car????

Rolled at Amaroo Park 🥲

Craig Torrens wrote:

whathaveidone wrote:what ever happened to that car????

Rolled at Amaroo Park 🥲

anyone got any footage of it? was an iconic car!

Sure was, i really wasn't into the race seen back then but you still would here and know about hell bug.

I just found an old VHS tape of Jambo No.2 that I'm sure has Jeff doing a huge insanely long burnout in it.

I have no way of playing it and no idea how to get it on the net.🥲

Matt, Jeff told us that engine made 140hp atw and I think it had a FK87?? cam in it.

Thats a manly set of manley valves you have, I assume they will go into a set of Matt ported heads and a little smaller cam than Jeff had (maybe😂)

A 120hp atw street/strip version would wake Bluey up.

Are you thinking of one of Johannes's cam and lifter combos as well?

Burrelli wrote:I just found an old VHS tape of Jambo No.2 that I'm sure has Jeff doing a huge insanely long burnout in it.

I have no way of playing it and no idea how to get it on the net.🥲

I have video of THE burout too, but also no digital converting.....

Burrelli wrote:Matt, Jeff told us that engine made 140hp atw and I think it had a FK87?? cam in it.

Berg cam if my memory isn't dead, was a 319A and your about right re hp although I think possibly a little more eventually.

Burrelli wrote:Thats a manly set of manley valves you have, I assume they will go into a set of Matt ported heads and a little smaller cam than Jeff had (maybe😂)

A 120hp atw street/strip version would wake Bluey up.

Are you thinking of one of Johannes's cam and lifter combos as well?

.......yes, to most of the above 🙂

hellbugged wrote:yeah sweet it is.........can't wait to see what you cook up!

Cheers Daimo, but I think it's best we leave the cooking to you. I do hope I can piece something together that's ok.

Woah, Bluey is going to fly!

Wish I had the nohow to make a 1998 for Zelda, sounds like they're a really good combination!
For 120hp atw, that's pretty insane in a two litre engine, especially in a bug when the power to weight ratio is insane as well.
Hmm, now I'm thinking of new things, bugger! More money into the engine department here I come!

tar76 wrote:Sure was, i really wasn't into the race scene back then but you still would here and know about hell bug.

I don't think anyone could miss the Hell-enterprise.😂

SebastienPeek wrote:Woah, Bluey is going to fly!

Wish I had the nohow to make a 1998 for Zelda, sounds like they're a really good combination!
For 120hp atw, that's pretty insane in a two litre engine, especially in a bug when the power to weight ratio is insane as well.
Hmm, now I'm thinking of new things, bugger! More money into the engine department here I come!

Mate, take your time and do your research, and anything is possible. Daimo's 1776 (69x90.5) is 100rwhp so remember it's all in the combo. Put the best parts in that you can, and quality that work, that will give longevety. It's not just about what parts sound good in your spec sheet. Col's 2332 (84x94) is 130 rwhp and is 30 000km old and was refined from essentially 'a box of second-hand used parts' that looked like an engine. After careful refinements, it runs smoother than ever with no oil leaks and runs as cool as, without an oil cooler with 9.7:1 CR and close ratio gears. I know Daimo's 1776 is similar. My most recent build is a street trike with CB efi 2447 (88x94 and auto trans so therefore actually has a cam actually smaller than stock but as a combo it aslo runs cool and has awesome torque.

So Bluey will be getting a 1998cc 77.5x90.5. Hopefully an improvement on the present dying 1915 (69x94). As for hp predictions.....we'll see. I'm not sure what heads yet.

Yeah, Zelda's current engine just keeps pouring out oil, cracked case sounds like the problem, or even displaced heads.
Regardless I'll need to replace the top end so it might be worth me just getting a new case and all of that. I find out this afternoon, but we'll see what happens.
Regardless, the current engine is dying and I need to see what I can do to get Zelda working A1.

I may PM you in the near future about the sort of things I'll need to purchase to get a monster one day.
Nothing too big, but something big enough to give some people a little scare when I take it down to the Adelaide 1/8 strip.
If the engine is good, the body doesn't matter, and I might even try and source a new 1303 body later down the track.
For now it is just getting her working A1 mechanically, then I can start on the body work.

Sebastian get a gear box first! Preferably a DB one! It's an investment that you won't regret.

mactaylor wrote:

Craig Torrens wrote:

whathaveidone wrote:what ever happened to that car????

Rolled at Amaroo Park 🥲

anyone got any footage of it? was an iconic car!

I have several photo's taken in a row that shows it......I just need to find them !

Wish the car wasn't retired....it needs to come back out 😎

Craig Torrens wrote:Wish the car wasn't retired....it needs to come back out 😎

Hell yeah.👍

time we all paid Jeff a visit.......and have a working bee !!!!

would be a big working bee!!!!!!!! any pics of it now???

sorry about hacking your thread Matt😀

whathaveidone wrote:would be a big working bee!!!!!!!! any pics of it now???

sure would, a rebody is prolly the way to go......be worth it tho.

I did hear half a rumour ...........

whathaveidone wrote:sorry about hacking your thread Matt😀

Yeah, like I care....all this VW racecar talk is good for the soul. 🙂

matberry wrote:All ready started sourcing a few parts for it
These arrived from Sweden today for it.

so what are these springs?

might be my glasses but they look chevy size???

so we have so far 1998cc 48ida 44X 37.5 valves?

what cam Matty? Secret one like Marcus's???

will it be a driver like Cols or queeny?

hellbugged wrote:so what are these springs?

might be my glasses but they look chevy size???

so we have so far 1998cc 48ida 44X 37.5 valves?

what cam Matty? Secret one like Marcus's???

will it be a driver like Cols or queeny?

Springs are JPM Oteva 75 with Ti retainers, stock diameter, best specs. I like.

Yes 1998cc, IDA, 44x37.5 (or so I thought when I ordered them....)

Cam....TBA. Not really a secret, just these things take time. 🙂

Definately a driver.

Ti valves?

nothing wrong with Queenys🤘🤘 They help me stay out of trouble😂😂
Will this be on the track at warwick Matt????
Geez its 6 1/2 months away and imalread looking forward to it🤪🤪🤪

Will you be seeing what the heads flow before you pick the cam?

Custom or one of the standard grinds?

Suppose it all depends.

Questions questions questions.............

Mac, Ti valves...if you have some for me, otherwise I think I'll be sticking to the Manley staino's

Warwick.....hope so, even earlier would be nice

Itchie, well I think you answered your own questions. 🙂

Its funny how no one has commented on there being 16 springs 😂😂

^^^Not many of us can count that high......🤓

I thought Matt was doing a boxer 8 😏

Awesome car dude. I've just come on here looking for info on building a trike but seeing all the cool old bugs is making me want to get one again.

cheers
Damo

Cheers mate, welcome to here....I know exactly how you feel. Don't worry with the trike...just buy a good bug and enjoy it. 🙂

matberry wrote:Cheers mate, welcome to here....I know exactly how you feel. Don't worry with the trike...just buy a good bug and enjoy it. 🙂

I second that!

hey
love your work so far...... wish i had such skills and $...
keep up the great work!
👍
Mike

69bug wrote:hey
love your work so far...... wish i had such skills and $...
keep up the great work!
👍
Mike

Thanks for the kind words Mike, just remember tho, this is a VW forum, I don't think any of us have too many $$$. 😂 👍👍👍

So when is bluey booked for the hoist?

tar76 wrote:So when is bluey booked for the hoist?

mmm not sure what you mean Tarin. Engine will be some time away yet......

vassy66T1 wrote:I thought Matt was doing a boxer 8 😏

Now that would be something....

yeah i thought bluey might of been going under the spanner sooner than expected.

tar76 wrote:yeah i thought bluey might of been going under the spanner sooner than expected.

I think my car might be the problem there!!

Dropped it off to Matt on Monday.

Saw your car,.. looks great!!

toomanybugs wrote:

tar76 wrote:yeah i thought bluey might of been going under the spanner sooner than expected.

I think my car might be the problem there!!

Dropped it off to Matt on Monday.

Saw your car,.. looks great!!

cheers man... your car has gone to the right place!

A new addition arrived in the post yesterday

So you should have shown us yesterday....🙄

Well I had to get them fitted

EAT356 😂

What ya reckon......

Great thread, love the car and the progress.

I'd prefer to be a bit higher up the food chain .....like EAT911 !!!

JohnnyMac wrote:Great thread, love the car and the progress.

Thanks mate. 🙂

Craig Torrens wrote:I'd prefer to be a bit higher up the food chain .....like EAT911 !!!

Yeah, good point Craig, but no 911's in 1959.....thinking period here dude. 😂

Been cruising Bluey lately, been going great. First big(ish) hiway run to Hervey Bay recently to pickup Richie's new '71 standard was fun. Really loving the 3.8 cw/p.

And today been for a little blast with Deluxe66.......Damo's awesome ride is certainly that, one Deluxe '66. 👍👍👍 She rides sweet as. 👍👍

Stopped at our local park for a few pics.

Nice Pics!!

Could Damo keep up 😏

Happy daze

very nice gents😎

Thanks guy's, Happy day's for sure, the two cars looked sweet together on the road.

vassy66T1 wrote:Nice Pics!!

Could Damo keep up 😏

I don't know what you mean? My old shagged std swinger out run a hipo machine like that????are you mad?.... 😉 Bluey went quite well actually, although we never had a chance to properly compare, due to us both being law abiding citizens. It;s cool to cruise you know. My speedo never went past oil pressure 😂

still the coolest bug in oz,I think

hellbugged wrote:sounds good Matt.........should honk something like this!!

Daimo, Burelli (Itchiebumhole to his mates) has a clean but ..... '76 shell that he mentioned he would like see go to a certain resurection project .... if it was being thought of.

whathaveidone wrote:still the coolest bug in oz,I think

Keep saying it Ben. 👍 👍 cheers mate.

whathaveidone wrote:still the coolest bug in oz,I think

Yes it sits nice doesn't it! I love the wheel colour combo 2

both great lookin rides fellas,luv the pics

matberry wrote:Thanks guy's, Happy day's for sure, the two cars looked sweet together on the road.

vassy66T1 wrote:Nice Pics!!

Could Damo keep up 😏

I don't know what you mean? My old shagged std swinger out run a hipo machine like that????are you mad?.... 😉 Bluey went quite well actually, although we never had a chance to properly compare, due to us both being law abiding citizens. It;s cool to cruise you know. My speedo never went past oil pressure 😂

I thought it wasn't the size of the dog in the fight, but the amount of fight in the dog 😂

Chasing Matthew on the highway was fun. Ole Bluey just takes off.

Good on you Damo!
I am hanging for that blocky 😀

Love the new plates too Matt

OZ Towdster wrote:Love the new plates too Matt

Thanks Andrew

😍😍 me too. 🙂 🙂


Andrew you'd be interested, I have been away for the weekend racing in the Bay 2 Bay yacht race. Had a great race. Light conditions but full of action never the less, with 120 boats competing over 2 days, 40 miles day 1, and 50 day 2.

I like your seat belt set-up Matt. I'm guessing the lap part mounts on the floor on either side and the rear between the rear seat then through the floor?

JohnnyMac wrote:I like your seat belt set-up Matt. I'm guessing the lap part mounts on the floor on either side and the rear between the rear seat then through the floor?

That's right Johnny, rear has two holes about 150mm apart and a large backing plate between the rear seal swabs, laps go to the floor with backing plates.

any chance u could take a pic of the end of seatbelts

Hey Mat,

Sweet ride. Great thread too, good to see the progress and evolution of your beetle.

I saw it at WSID earlier in the year, and look forward to seeing it down ere again once the engine work is done.

Keep up the good work! ... One day my project will be finished, if I get it looking and running half as good as yours I'll be a happy man.

Hus

Here's the belt anchor points Lachlan (excuse the pics please)

hus22l wrote:Hey Mat,

Sweet ride. Great thread too, good to see the progress and evolution of your beetle.

I saw it at WSID earlier in the year, and look forward to seeing it down ere again once the engine work is done.

Keep up the good work! ... One day my project will be finished, if I get it looking and running half as good as yours I'll be a happy man.

Hus

Thanks for the kind words Hus. My cars always seem to be a work-in-progress.....but I always try and enjoy them....to the max. 🙂 Just come for a ride........ 🙂 🙂 😂

matberry wrote:Andrew you'd be interested, I have been away for the weekend racing in the Bay 2 Bay yacht race. Had a great race. Light conditions but full of action never the less, with 120 boats competing over 2 days, 40 miles day 1, and 50 day 2.

now that sounds like fun!

never seen them that way before but looks great im getting a bar made that goes along the top of the back seat for my harnesses (btw ur car sits fatt) i likey

Thanks Lachlan, still plenty to do but ol Bluey is shaping up nicely.

The latest upgrade is nearly finished, just need to get Bob or h to read this and come over to have a beer and help bleed the brakes...... 🙂

I have finally got around to putting the correct master cylinder in. The old one was an early single circuit drum brake model, and with the disc brakes that were fitted on the front, the master needed to be changed to the dual circuit disc brake type. The residual pressure valve is a lower value with the disc brake master and although it had a good pedal before, the discs were constantly dragging. It also burns out the brake light switch, so that will be all good now. 👍👍


So....it's as usual.... out with the old




New parts ready to fit. Thanks Vintage for your constant supply of necessary obscure parts. 👍




Once the master is fitted, the fluid res needed a custom mount fabricated.




It picks up the mudguard bolts and uses a stock res mount spot welded to the new mount. Once sandblasted it's ready for a bit of paint




Folded edges and pressed dimples make it nice and rigid and looks factory




All mounted



Ready to refit the tank. Don't mind the wiring and paint, that's another job.....

Sweet as install Matt. Lovely

Bout time dude. I just done the same weeks ago on my gals bug as you know.

Very nice ride! In that engine bay photo are you running the carbs with no filters? I think thats what i'm seeing, just always curious.

Looks like its Beetle Day at our place tomorrow hey? 😉

bajachris88 wrote:Very nice ride! In that engine bay photo are you running the carbs with no filters? I think thats what i'm seeing, just always curious.

That's right Chris...no filters.

MISS VDUB wrote:Looks like its Beetle Day at our place tomorrow hey? 😉

If I can get some progress on the jobs that have squeezed in.....typical, meant to be a 3 day week here!!!

Thanks Daimo and Damo. 🤓

Damo, twas your instal that I needed for inspiration....never did get to see it tho !!!

Gotta make you work, i cant be the only sucker working 😉

Saw the blue man today and got my fix,thanks Matt.
Still reckon that green bug could be my first

Good to see you and hear of your footy antics 😉 today.
Got the clutch replaced this afternoon on Nick's 58 'the green bug' and trans input shaft seal replaced. He left before 6. Only went on the hoist at 2,30.
(old pic)

nice matty,😎

Cool Matt, yeah footy really got some foot today!

told the boss wife about the 58 and were going through pics as we type

Here's another ... for comparison

it had very ugly late tail lights

If it's the same bug i owned it in 98-99....i hope it is as i did get to say hello and touch it again.

tar76 wrote:If it's the same bug i owned it in 98-99....i hope it is as i did get to say hello and touch it again.

Cool,..

Well,.. Tarin,.. now you can keep tabs on it,.. and if it ever comes up for sale again you know what you have to do. 👍

Soo,.. start a savings plan now. 😂

I'll need a bigger shed!

You'll have to get it off Nick first....mind you, he's always looking to upgrade to a razor.

Tarin , when ever is a shed big enough 😉

Tarin , when ever is a shed big enough 😉 [/quote]

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever,... 🤪

and my problem is when ever I have some free space, other people say,..
"hey!! can I store _______ in your shed for a while???"🙄

I swear one day I'm going to start charging rent, and then I won't have to work.😂

Oh,. and before you ask,.. I"M FULL!!! no more room. 😂

Oooh yeah, we know how that feels.......

matberry wrote:Oooh yeah, we know how that feels.......

Yeah Matt, everytime i go up their your shed seems to always have another dub in it.

Crikey Tarin, tell me about it. T3 is outside in the cold tonight......Bob just dropped Ethel off

Might be time to build another shed out the front 🙂

Matt!

Is that a photo of Bluey with a broken windscreen I see in Valla Photo's???

What the !!!

How? When? 😢

Yes Carl......

UPDATE REQUIRED

the weekend prior to Valla, I had finalised all the customer work and got stuck into fitting a few new goodies to the bug. The front end was still 'as purchased'. Riding on the stops was not cool, I had some dropped spindles but needed to narrow the beam to get everything under the guards. I went with a 2" aftermarket beam with factory needle bearings for the torsion arms. I didn't want the shock towers to rub the body at all and without cutting the body the 2" is a compromise. I might sneak a little more down the track....so to speak.

Beam in LHD configuration






So.... as usual, it's out with the old




and in with the new




assemble kingpins with new German link pins



I also fitted a Scat deep sump since a thrashing around Raliegh raceway was on the cards




and some thermal covers on the oil lines for the highway running




All was completed in time and I headed to Valla Wednesday 1-8-12

Bluey was looking sweet with her new stance
first fuel stop, Tweed

Looking good for sure, and the ride with the 3" spindles is smooth as......... until .....1/2 hr north of Balina, 110km zone of beautiful new highway, following behind Brad for the first time.........BANG



I wore the lot




Rest stop for more layers of clothing



if your good, you might be able to count the bugs splattered on the inside rear vision mirror🤪




Four hours later at Valla boozer, I was greeted by our mate Luke

lucky I packed a beany, balaclava, scarf, wet weather jacket and a few jumpers..........

So Bluey made it to the track on Thursday with a screen fitted that morning kindly delivered by Luke to our cabin



2.09 on 135's........gotta be happy with that






Saturday .... cruise to Nambucca. So many cars we didn't make it to the main street. Luke was getting worried about fitting in all the cars.... he asked me to park in the weeds




Sunday... parked up with some buddies






Homeward bound Monday.....running freight too 🙂

Looks tuff 😎

It needs to because the owner is a big softy! 😍

And a crazy driver! Keep popping up behind me on the way back from Valla 🙂

Nice work Matt 👍

Gold!

Looking sweeter everytime it leaves the shed

tar76 wrote:And a crazy driver! Keep popping up behind me on the way back from Valla 🙂

Try having him as your neighbour... bloody hoons! 😎

Gee thanks Ash, I love you too. I thought normally you don't mind it fast. 😘😘😘
And thanks to all the nice comments, both here and at Valla. Sure makes you feel good. Bluey is looking the part, but as always, there's plenty more to do 😉

Sssshhhh! 😁

One of my favourite threads, love this car 👍 👍

Looking great!

I had a passing truck throw a rock into my windscreen; heard the rock fly by my head and the whole screen went.

Unfortunately I had to drive from Bendemeer to Newcastle for a new windscreen; going through the hunter my face slowly got blacker and blacker!

You'll be loving the new laminated screen though if it happens again; or you could get one of these (and I don't mean the old women.. unless you're into that)

Hey Matt just read your whole thread and i must say i love your car mate, well done its a verry cool ride. 😎😎

Henk.

hey matt, awesome car mate.... have seen it at most shows around brisbane.... have always wanted to meet you as i have herd alot about what you do by marcus and ash and bob 8)

you/your car drove up beside mine at valla (another blue 58) one night and you gave it abit of a rev... sounded awesome! and sounded like it would eat up my okrasa 36 :P i followed you round the park for abit but never got to say g'day....

maybe when ash and bob have a house warming dub show at there new place i can come say g'day

anyway the new stance looks heaps better

Thanks for the cool words fellas' Bluey pulls heaps of attention. He loves cruising.

When I arrived in Valla without a screen, Luke gave me an old Armourplate from his collection at Nambucca to get me by, cheers mate.

Have to admit tho, driving back from Valla I expected every passing truck to throw up a stone and I'd wear the screen again, so (like you say Sander) I nice new laminated screen is in and lookin clean as. 😉 (Sorry Luke, the og screen wasn't the correct year 😉 )

Wanted to post this pic for Carl and Emily, two screen changes and the sticker lives....couldn't leave it on the side of the road in northern NSW

Nice work
Where did you get the new screen from?

69bug wrote:Where did you get the new screen from?

Screen is from Vintage Vee Dub Supplies, that way I knew it would fit first time 😉

JohnnyMac wrote:One of my favourite threads, love this car 👍 👍

I must agree - one of my faves as well. SO tough looking!

zoofish wrote:

JohnnyMac wrote:One of my favourite threads, love this car 👍 👍

I must agree - one of my faves as well. SO tough looking!

👍👍👍 thanks mate. Sounds like a good excuss to post a pic or two 😉.
This one is a fav, thanks to Tam



Cruis'n with the good neighbours Bob n Ash






At the Nambour pcyc show




Heading to Rick's Diner

love the way you make billy drive so the cops cant take any points off you matt👍

kombibob wrote:love the way you make billy drive so the cops cant take any points off you matt👍

Wasn't me officer 😂😂

I'm EXCITED

Oh Dude. Look at those.

oh yeah,..

Life doesn't get much better! ^^^^

A man, his dog, and his dub with some go fast bits.

What can't that dog do, saw him checking the gear box oil on some dubs today!

Billy is a legend >>> Matt is just the sidekick 😂

😂😂😂😂

You guy's crack me up......... 😂


Funny thing is, .............. your right

Here he is backing out a bus to do a test drive around the block. What you can't see, is that it's a team effort. Lucy is in fact out of sight operating the pedals. 😉

I tell you, bloody flea-bay is a horrible place to go. It's a long story, but I'm sure you've all experienced it, a bargain, surely they'll go for 3 times the price, I won't get them because the freight will be killer, they are pick-up only anyway, Bluey's seats ARE damaged, and bloody uncomfortable after a short time, and I was wanting to upgrade to something....wasn't too sure what. I had some 914 seats but they need retrimming and don't allow access to the back without some serious compromise or work. Cut to the chase, how's this sound, a set of 1965 356 Porsche seats, good condition (one tear) starting at $200 dollars !!!! Well 1st bid won them and h was able to do a door-to-door the following week and hey presto........I'm broke but it's worth it.
I think they look sensational, they are absolutely as comfortable as anything, they are oem material and suit Bluey perfectly. I was thinking of all red interior, but looks like black front and rear seats to start the ball rolling. 🙂 I'm going to need some stock bases if anyone has any for early runners.

This is just a mock-up on blocks of wood, but you get the idea.

I'dd like to see lucy push in a 2700 lb kennedy pedal

The seats look great matt.

Do they recline?

Better in the flesh Richie. They fold fwd and have adjustment for the angle of the back that stays set when folded fwd, no catch as norm for the vintage.

Yep those seats are classy and gives a new meaning to your number plate.😎

Yep, and they match the steering wheel and black wheels. Even the rear swab I have is from the baja, a 1500 model in black, need a rear back to match and we're set. They are sooooooo comfortable. Stoked 👍🙂🙂👍👍👍

I was putting groceries in the front at the local IGA, this old guy walking past says, 'ha, look at the plate, says EAT, and he's feeding it!'

Had a little chuckle at that Matt, was admiring your bug from a far. mighty impressed!

Cheers kaiisons, enjoy the ride. 🙂

good story, hope more people do the same

any JPM motor updates ???? C'mon Matt, time to pump bluey with some HP !!!!!!

john1960 wrote:good story, hope more people do the same

Thanks John

Craig Torrens wrote:any JPM motor updates ???? C'mon Matt, time to pump bluey with some HP !!!!!!

Patience grasshopper

Would you believe I'm still sourcing parts for final machining, namely I've sourced a set of Mahle 90'5B's from the states. As I've got long 5.7" rods and the 78mm stroke, to make it fit into my early engine bay it was a necessity to use B's. This size Mahles are getting hard to find.

Don't worry Craig, no one is keener than I....if left parked for a week or so, the old donk rumbles like a Qld thunderstorm on start up...she is not real well.

Matt, this ride is getting better and better.

petemart wrote:Matt, this ride is getting better and better.

Thanks mate.

Plenty to do ........

Case has been inspected, measured and machined.

Since I'm a poor mechanic and Bluey is an old car, I'm happy to ue some of the less sort after parts.... ie. junk I have aquired that is stacked up in the corner. Case is a freebee std/std AS21 single relief that on the outside looked a bit unloved but after some tlc came up ok
Pic is of one half bead blasted





I've roughed out the case internals and last night did the first clearance checks. Due to the beautiful Carrillo rods, the 78mm stroke only requires minimal clearancing under the barrel locations for the rod bolts, about 2mm of material off should do it.

Good to see you have begun 👍👍

Ohh...bluey is getting some love. 👍

Slowly slowly

Today's progress, all on the case still, fully clearanced and internal case prep 90% done. Tomorrow complete internal prep and drill n tap oil galleries, hopefully spot face perimeter bolts.....

Nice Matt. I put my 78 dpr crank in my case and it didnt need clearancing but still to get rods yet then hopefully only a little removal and should be ready to build.

Great work Matt !!

matberry wrote:Case is a freebee std/std AS21 single relief

Mat

Why the single relief??
Because its a freebee??

I thought single relief was a no no for hi po?
Then again, I didnt think AS21 came in single relief??

Whatever - love your work 👍👍👍

Thanks everyone for the encouraging comments, it helps thats for sure....

Bizarre wrote:Mat

Why the single relief??
Because its a freebee??

I thought single relief was a no no for hi po?
Then again, I didnt think AS21 came in single relief??

Whatever - love your work 👍👍👍

A combination of things really. Yes I owned it already and I like the fact it's a 'seasoned' case, and AS21 is supposed much stronger and better lasting in high performance aplications. It measured std on the tunnel so that's definately a plus. The fact that it's single relief is a negative, but I like to tempt fate and push the envelope with the old tech stuff. Not fully sure what I'll do with the cooler. I'm thinking I might delete the cooler in the fan housing and let the full flow cooler with thermostat and thermo fan do thier thing. That way, #'s 3 & 4 will get a good air supply but retaining the narrow fan to leave the decklid og (not requiring extra air vents)
My old race motor in Joint Effort was 2165 180hp built on an AS21 single relief case and had no problems with it. It was a better version being filled behind #3 where this one isn't, but we'll just have to see how it lasts.....

Today I have all the major work done inside the case and the oil gallery plugs have been removed and the galleries drilled and tapped. Even on a clean case, trapped junk came from some oil galleries. This is a must do on any rebuild IMO.

Sorry I rushed the pics so they aren't that flash 😉 , I'll get some more as things progress.



Did I say 90% done yesterday?
This case had a mega amount of casting flash so I've ended up doing a heap of deburring and blending to remove stress risers and improve internal windage and also speed the return of oil back to the sump.

Looking forward to getting all this together.

More detailing on the clearancing, and preparing everything.






Number umpteen eleven trial assemble

sorry i missed you call today,left my phone at work again.
asian rang me at home ,wow there light pushrods,i am jealous.
and wow you a smashing it,you'll be finished with time to spare at this rate.
i better pull my finger out of stock's arse,it will be easier with both hands i guess.
i am gona dumby up tommorrow night now so i can catch up.

I've had a hold up, the rods hadn't had the pin bushes done so have to get that done before I know where I'm at with the deck and heads cr etc. Need to balance all rotating so plan to run to Bris later this week. Got a few customer engines that need delivering too...... 🙂

And yeah, they are light, even the ends are too at 6.2g each

Loving it Matt. What rockers did you end up going with?

Push... push...push 👍

vassy66T1 wrote:Loving it Matt. What rockers did you end up going with?

Push... push...push 👍

Thanks Marcus,
running with some Scat 1.4's until something better comes along 😉

matberry wrote:

vassy66T1 wrote:Loving it Matt. What rockers did you end up going with?

Push... push...push 👍

Thanks Marcus,
running with some Scat 1.4's until something better comes along 😉

the 1.4 pauters are cheap!

mactaylor wrote:the 1.4 pauters are cheap!

Thanks for the suggestion, but I prefer the wiping pad type like a Berg or JPM. The Scat will be ok, biggest hassle with them is they don't run stock diameter shafts so you don't have as many shim options.

westi wrote:sorry i missed you call today,left my phone at work again.
asian rang me at home ,wow there light pushrods,i am jealous.
and wow you a smashing it,you'll be finished with time to spare at this rate.
i better pull my finger out of stock's arse,it will be easier with both hands i guess.
i am gona dumby up tommorrow night now so i can catch up.

😂😂😂😂

Did you do a run to brisbane this morning matt??

I did Mick, came home empty handed though as far as my engine was concerned. 🙁

Tomorrow I hope the balancing and rod small end pin fit will be ready.

Bummer, yeah I was on my way up the coast and thought I saw the a blue flash if your van going the other way!

Picked everything up this arvo. Just home and had pizza n a bundy 🙂
Balanced and rods fitted to pins.

Nice one!
Will kayak down tomorrow for a look.

kombibob wrote:Will kayak down tomorrow for a look.

Yeah, feast or famine...heavy rain all the way to Bris and back, 350k round trip.

What a mission.

66deluxe wrote:What a mission.

... two days running .....felt like a mission all right. T3 cruises well on the highway though.😎

Whats the specs of the raptor cam mat

Cheers

Raptor cam Specs???

Something like ... "This is the one you want" JP

You got it Marus.

It's split duration but the details ..... well, I told Johannes what I had and what I wanted and he sent me a cam. 😉

vassy66T1 wrote:Raptor cam Specs???

Something like ... "This is the one you want" JP

😂😂

Saw that cam not long ago 👍

I have no doubt it will be the goods

Looking forward to it

tar76 wrote:Saw that cam not long ago 👍

Did it have lumps in all the right places! Mmmm lumps!

Come on Matty how's this going

Nothing exciting happening here......

Last night Bluey's old engine was removed and stripped of all the bits that will be used on the new engine, carbs, tin, exhaust, full-flow system and oil pump etc etc..

The workshop is absolutely chockers, Volksies stacked and racked everywhere so our plate is definately full up this way.


Since the last up-date, bottom end has been dummy assembled and deck-heights done, so with the info the head mods have been confirmed for compression ratio flycut. Pistons and cylinders are at Competition Coatings getting some attention, the rotating assembly has been balanced, the last pieces for the puzzle have been ordered from the US of A so things are ticking along nicely.......how long have we got?🤪😁😂

never long enough.🙅🙅🙅🙅🙅🙅😠😁

Suffering widthdrawals here matty 🥲

Anything?

Bloody head dude is holding me up...........where have I heard that before????? 😂 He said Friday.....for mine and a type 4 I'm also trying to finish before Sydney.

I'll get some pics of what's been happening in the meantime.

One new/old Porsche seat installed on Sunday (one more to do 😉 ), case still getting detailed of an evening on the dining room table 👍, one package from the states arrived today. so definately getting closer.

We got plenty of time yet haven't we Westi?

The Porsche seats, forgot about them man they are going to look good!

Pics of the seats Matt ???

Seats ?? blah blah blah ... get your fricken engine built you pussy 😬

Sides wrote:Pics of the seats Matt ???

Seats are unfortunately quite heavy, but they are extremely comfy, so I'm happy so far. CB John pressed up these great side panels so I just attached them to shortened og runners from Al. Thanks guy's.

toooooo much time polishing 🤪 !!!

Can't speak......................polishing 😂😂

😂😂😂

p.s. is that a rust hole in the drivers sill near the b pillar ?

Good on ya Craig....yep, a little repair required where the sill had been patched.


Heads were cut for dual springs

Better picture there Matt 👍

Do you have any fingerprints left now or are you good for that "job"????

Fingers are just stumps now mate......may be able to do that 'job' for ya, when they stop bleeding.

so what is the gain of all the "inside case polishing" work ? I understand that the oil will run down quicker, but is it worth all the man hours for the gain ?

After a trip to Brissy yesterday, I have most of my parts in one place...... most 🤓🙄


Pushrod tube seal locations perpared




Cylinders honed to size to 500G and coated externally with thermal dispersant ceramic




Piston cowns coated with thermal barrier ceramic and skirts with wettable friction ceramic.




Valve job done, here's the seats. I will be finish detailing ports and chambers yet




One order of a few goodies, one is still MIA. Doh !!!




And for those interested, here's the cam spec sheet

👍 Looking good Matt

Interesting cam Matt 😎

Craig Torrens wrote:so what is the gain of all the "inside case polishing" work ? I understand that the oil will run down quicker, but is it worth all the man hours for the gain ?

Good build up Matt....i.m keen to know this as well. Interior looks great car and case

The heads are interesting too.......CNC combustion chambers and CNC ported 043's, but they weren't cut for dual springs...where did they come from Matt ?

Yeah is that how they were left from the CNC ?

Thanks Tarin....plenty to do yet 🙂

The internal case work is something I do to varying degrees on all my engines.
It starts with clearancing and deburring, that then leads to improving internal air-flow by radiusing the edges under the barrel seats and around the bearing saddles. A little more detailing and removing excess material also helps windage but also helps remove case stress risers. Plus I love engines and making them the best I can and the magnesium alloy feels beautiful when polished 🙂
So it's a three edged sword (can you have that?)....oil flow/return, reduction in windage and increasing strength of the case.

Cam is interesting, funny how it is VERY close to the GB310 we put in Cols 2332 with similar heads.

Heads are Los Panchitos from CB Performance. 40 x 35.5, 174cfm @ .500 IIRC. I have upgraded them to Manley valves and JPM dual springs/titainium retainers, also flycut chambers to 48cc to increase compression. Yes, thats how they come from CB, the marks are from the CNC cutters, same as on thier 044's, quite a course finish but takes no time to tidy up. Some of the finish is desired in the intake.
I definately prefer the VW castings of the 043.

matberry wrote:The internal case work is something I do to varying degrees on all my engines.
It starts with clearancing and deburring, that then leads to improving internal air-flow by radiusing the edges under the barrel seats and around the bearing saddles. A little more detailing and removing excess material also helps windage but also helps remove case stress risers. Plus I love engines and making them the best I can and the magnesium alloy feels beautiful when polished 🙂
So it's a three edged sword (can you have that?)....oil flow/return, reduction in windage and increasing strength of the case.

Cam is interesting, funny how it is VERY close to the GB310 we put in Cols 2332 with similar heads.

Heads are Los Panchitos from CB Performance. 40 x 35.5, 174cfm @ .500 IIRC. I have upgraded them to Manley valves and JPM dual springs/titainium retainers, also flycut chambers to 48cc to increase compression. Yes, thats how they come from CB, the marks are from the CNC cutters, same as on thier 044's, quite a course finish but takes no time to tidy up. Some of the finish is desired in the intake.
I definately prefer the VW castings of the 043.

Err,.. have you read this back to yourself?
We must be watching toooooooooo much BIG BANG THEORY at the moment because are you sure your real name is not Sheldon.😂

Seriously though,.. looks great.

and you say i do weird stuff!!!!!! All those long lonely nights in your shed feeling polished magnesium!!!!!!🤪🤪🤪🤪 I dont even want to know😀😀

Great work Matty!!!! Case prep A++++

Thanks Isaac, Ben, you'll keep batman, Carl, I think your watching too much tele, and don't worry, your '68 may have a hernia with this new donk, a DB tranny required as minimum requirement 😉....


Good news, missing package, parts from Pierside arrived oz this evening. phew!!!!! sent 26-1-13 Priorty Mail !!! Hopefully get it tomorrow or wednesday I guess.

Yeh heaps off time.
As soon as my shit turns up from the states. The sleepless nights will begin. And if that enough of a headache.
Power has been going on and of for about 2 weeks now. So if the aus grid people get there act together I can stop working by f-- ckin candle light.
Tig don't work with out power and you can only Tak shit together with a battery for so long. Lol.
But we'll be right.
When I finish the junka . There may be a little roundy roundy car to build before the nationals.
So if I thought I was broke and tired now. I think it's only just begun.

Yeah mate, I'm still waiting for parts.....Funny how I live in the bush and we've had no power outages, but during the recent floods, people in Bris were without for day's. Maybe you could hook your pink pushie up to a generator and get Stocko to pedal off some Macca's....he dose have nice boobies tho.

As for your roundy roundy car....go for it. Sports sedan under 2 litre my 2c

Some quick-pic updates

Seats both mounted




Chambers nearly finished, !st pic out-of-the-box (bar the seat job from Swift Engines)








LH head closeest only had seat job, RH my 1st stage of chamber clean-up




Parts from Pierside arrived today.....finally everythings here. 🙂

You'll have it running for the show on Sunday then 😵‍💫

vassy66T1 wrote:You'll have it running for the show on Sunday then 😵‍💫

We'll have to see about that....a few customer cars snuck in....slowing progress and I'm not rushing it, yet 😂

Looking good Matt!! And always thinking outside the box and not following the sheep of the mainstream VW society!! Look forward to seeing Bleuy run with his new heart!!

Thanks Brenndan, I'm happy to try new stuff, that's for sure, especially if it means more power and longevety.... 🙂

show on sunday is looking mighty good.

^^ I wish Westi...customer cars bummed that plan yesterday, but here's some pics of the old dunga engine, to show how an old shitbox can still go with a few extra's, and how it could have been so much better.

This engine, once I fixed a few oil leaks, replaced exhaust and carbs, and gave it some fresh rockers swiel feet and what not.....she ran 10 flat on the eighth and low 16's on the quarter, all without blowing up. 😂

Probably the biggest surprise, and the reason for posting, who has seen 311 twin-port heads with 3/4" reach plugs without welding??? So far, without cleaning, there is no sign of welding around the plugs......ports are not quite as good as I expected from prior look-see, but have 40 x 35mm valves and certainly went ok. Displacement was also a surprise, 92 x 69....yee-ha 1835 big banger

Hooley dooly.... She a bitza alright!

We're calling it 'tunnel ignition', it's the latest development in sparkplug location techmology.

And it ran okay .... 🤪

work on your car mate,not many hours left now.

Ohh yeah Westi, been workin on it.... even today had customers take too many hours......

Heads finished and closed up bottom end. Not happy though so strip again tomorrow. Even with a million trial assembles, cam has gone slightly tight on final closing ....

Looks good mate ... tick tock tick tock 😉

Tick tock, tick tock, yeah yeah

Found the issue today and closed her up again

The culpret

lappin paste,it'll be right.it's only a cam bearing.

Looks great Matt!! Gotta get it done. Shake down run Saturday morning. Hahaha!!

Here I was balancing piston assemblies to 0.1 gram. Rotating assembly is quite light with Light tool steel gudgeon pins, Carrillo rods, super light flywheel and smaller 90.5 pistons.





Finally heads go on with 0.040" deck and 10.2:1 CR, Bugpack head studs, Scat 1.4:1 rockers and the awesome JPM dual taper pushrods......mmmm 🙂




Phenix fittings throughout, stainless steel braided for the oil system and cloth for the breather.




Had a few issues with end float that took hours to resolve, finally hand sanded shims and flywheel to achieve 0.003" endfloat







Ready to install




Oil system pressurised and ready for initial start and cam break-in, will get vid of engine start once I extract it from Tone 😉

That's looks real nice !


Isaac, we need to tidy up the engine in the DG, we have MORE time now, lets start......how's May 29th ? 🤪
Nath

👍 nice Matt

The Jaycee crank pulley looks nice but don't fit properly for the price. I spent a fair bit of time sanding it with emery paper with pulley mounted on lathe to achieve the correct clearance. The engine is a little beast and was happy to help Matt finish to get it in bluey.

That's some beautiful work Matty !!!

Thanks guy's, I'm very happy with both the performance and looks.

As Damo said, the JC pulley needed some work as it was too tight for the crank, even tho the balancers had it on, we needed to get a bit more clearance.

To get it in the car and running on time (albeit later than planned), I had a lot of help from friends, that I'm extremely grateful for. From Swift Engines that rushed through the valve job, Competition Coatings for the ceramics and honing, Crankshaft Engineering for the internal work and balancing, to mates Col, Damo and Tony, without whom I would not have come close to making the date. The last few days were trying to say the least, two days running we worked over 20 hour days......ouch! Biggest bonus is, we were going to make race day with an engine that is extremely note worthy.

She performs like a ripper. Beautiful smooth, torquey power delivery that makes great power and revs like a beauty when the throttle blades are cracked. 👍👍👍

Good work Matt, just need better weather now for you to run the 1/4 !👍

Thanks Craig, don't worry, we'll get it to the track......

To add to Damo's Jay Cee comment on the pulley fit, IMO tight is better than loose any day 😉, too loose will hurt cranks, too tight are awkward to work with but at least can be worked to size where as a loose fit can't.

Fantastic work as usual Mr Berry!!
I'm loving the attention to detail and the quality of your build.

I might implement a few of you processes on my next engine build. I love the deburring and smoothing the engine case 👍

Can't wait to hear/see it run 😀



Smiley 🙂

It would be great to see a video of your new engine running Matt. I bet it sounds as light and responsive as you've built it.

Thanks Smiley and Zac, vid of initial start just needs to be recovered from mate Tony and uploaded. I'm looking forward to doing more miles in it, also have some JPM IDA upgrades that need fitting and tuning. 🙂

Here's Tony's video. 7 minutes of cam break-in is a little dull, especially in the low light of the workshop at 3am

Nice work matt! Looks good, be even better once its all broken in I'm sure!

If I was breaking in my cam at 3am at my place I'd be shot (not just by the neighbours)

Road testing it later in the early hours of the morning was better.

Sunday got "told"....needed to settle with Beer. 🙂

I thought I was safe, not nearly as bad as last time (pre Warwick some years ago), 1am with stinger, then blocky......boy, the neighbours didn't like that.

Do you ever sleep Matt? 🤪

Looking great?

Sounds epic matty

Get the JPM doo hickeys buzzing in those 48's and I might be impressed 🙄

Thanks fellas, and Marcus, dem doo-hickies of which you speak are coming very soon.....watch this space 🙂

I have been holding my breath with a sense of anticipation 😁

(no sarcasm, I am interested because it is an intriguing idea)

How does it go Matt?
Going to the dyno soon?
Should get 'pickup' with that cam and comp!

Fantastic looking motor right there

^👍

Luv to hear it with a stinger

Needs a Berg breather instead of that CB one.....just to keep the Berg theme going !

Dave, yes it has plenty of pickup 🙂. So far I'm very happy with it. I've been playing catch up in the workshop and have a few jobs to do on Bluey before I venture out again. Hopefully I'll get some done over the weekend. Still some mods to do before dyno too.

Thanks Bugboymatt, that was a late night pic just before putting the engine in. Shame we didn't have time to put leads and belt on and tidy up things. It is what it is... 🙂

Same to Tarin and Craig, cheers guys and ..... it is what it is

ha love the statement! IT IS WHAT IT IS! better than moving forward!

Moving forward....???? nothing to do with moving forward Mac. I use what I recommend and most clients I build engines for are looking for a breather system that is not quite so exxy as a Berg or CSP breather. The CB breather is adequate and consequently I'm using one. I modify or rework as necessary, but essentially I think they work fine.

Over the weekend I caught up on a few jobs that we ran out of time for prior to the Sydney trip

I made these thermostat style flaps for directing air better onto the heads. An instant change in reduced oil temps was noted (secretly glad the Sydney Showdown was postponed).





Valve adjust and oil change



Bit of a squeeze, cooler, thermo switch, oil thermostat.....

Built to go and built to last👍👍👍

LIFE IN THE LOW LANE wrote:Built to go and built to last👍👍👍

Thanks man, it certainly goes. I hope it lasts, all indications are it's a nice package.

I am stoked with the combo. Tune is sweet as, power is smooth and man it HAULS A$$. I AM STOKED.

Now to put in the rest of the JPM goodness ......

Vids Vids Vids !!!

Hauls Ass??? i almost fell asleep when i was in it!!
Ok more like i almost blacked out lol
Yep goes hard 👍

Craig Torrens wrote:Vids Vids Vids !!!

I need to go on that private road with my camera...... Craig, you'll have to come up to Noosa, have a holiday and take Bluey for a spin. It needs to be experienced 🙂😂😍🤓🤪👍👍😎

kombibob wrote:Hauls Ass??? i almost fell asleep when i was in it!!
Ok more like i almost blacked out lol
Yep goes hard 👍

Had to ease you into it Bob, I know how easily frightened you are. 😂

Hell ye, lets see some vids 🙂 Looooove it

What a good read.... Cheers for sharing such and awesome build up Mr Berry.

^^^ Thanks fella's

At last I got to fit the last of the JPM goodies. I've been waiting as I wanted to get a feel for the engine with the normal IDA setup before fitting the awesome JPM velocity stacks and venturi's.

So as usual ... it's, out with the old ..... and with the new







No rtestrictions there !! 🙂




The new look

been waiting for an update thanks matt!

Yummy!!
Very interested to see how tuning these is

Looks sweet dude. Bluey the ball tearer.

Hey Matt love this car- looks great!and the thread so informative...

Any video footage with its new engine?

Thanks guy's, vid will come, better still, come for a ride... more fun than a video 🙂

Nationals....May!

Geez Daimo, 135's, a narrowed beam and no sway bars. That'd never make it around a track !!! 😂

Craig Torrens wrote:so what is the gain of all the "inside case polishing" work ? I understand that the oil will run down quicker, but is it worth all the man hours for the gain ?

Hi Matt, super envious of bluey. Awesome stance, motor and overall package. In the top 5 of mine on this site.

Would you please be able to answer craig question above. I saw he posted it a while ago and then forgot about it.

I also would like to know if it is worth it as my case is sitting there waiting to be assembled and could be done.

T54

Turbo54 wrote:

Craig Torrens wrote:so what is the gain of all the "inside case polishing" work ? I understand that the oil will run down quicker, but is it worth all the man hours for the gain ?

Hi Matt, super envious of bluey. Awesome stance, motor and overall package. In the top 5 of mine on this site.

Would you please be able to answer craig question above. I saw he posted it a while ago and then forgot about it.

I also would like to know if it is worth it as my case is sitting there waiting to be assembled and could be done.

T54

Thanks for the positive comments T54, always nice to hear 🙂

As for the case prep, I did mention it prior to Craigs question but here's my reply to Craig in case anyone missed it 😉

T54, if your case is sitting around waiting for other parts, it certainly doesn't hurt IMO (doesn't hurt the case, fingers, well thats another story 😂

matberry wrote:The internal case work is something I do to varying degrees on all my engines.
It starts with clearancing and deburring, that then leads to improving internal air-flow by radiusing the edges under the barrel seats and around the bearing saddles. A little more detailing and removing excess material also helps windage but also helps remove case stress risers. Plus I love engines and making them the best I can and the magnesium alloy feels beautiful when polished 🙂
So it's a three edged sword (can you have that?)....oil flow/return, reduction in windage and increasing strength of the case.

Well after pulling more fuel out she runs like rocket. Very happy with all my JPM additions, Raptor cam, Al dual taper pushrods, valve springs, Ti retainers, and now venturi's and stacks. More power with JPM

Vid vid vid 🙂

Vid vid vid!

Yeah fella's I hear ya.....need some time to set it all up....wet road today so not possible, hopefully on the weekend...... 😂

Hi Matt, just read this from beginning to end. Great read! Great looking car, awesome stance, overall fantastic package. One qick question regards your front suspension, did you say they were 3" drop spindles? If so, what brand are they? Do you get any tyre rubbing with the 2" narrowed bean & spindle set up. Again, awsome work and fantastic bug & read, keep it up. Cheers

oildrippa64 wrote:Hi Matt, just read this from beginning to end. Great read! Great looking car, awesome stance, overall fantastic package. One qick question regards your front suspension, did you say they were 3" drop spindles? If so, what brand are they? Do you get any tyre rubbing with the 2" narrowed bean & spindle set up. Again, awsome work and fantastic bug & read, keep it up. Cheers

Thanks oildrippa, glad you like it. Altho I think it looks great too, I actually can't get over the quantity of good comments I get when driving Bluey 👍 👍
As to the spindles, I think they are the CB ones and the same as many available (I have seen differences tho with some giving poorer suspension geometery than others) and I call them 3" because when measured they are closer to 3" than 2.5" as advertised.

Sorry fella's, tried for vids on the recent cruise to the Goldie show...unfortunately techmology beat me. 🙂 😂

Woohoo, is that my exhaust Mr Berry?

Engine looks good, and Bluey looks amazing.
Nice work!

Should of asked Matt!! I could of recorded something from the front seat.

I reckon you had that rotary covered on Sunday 👍

SebastienPeek wrote:Woohoo, is that my exhaust Mr Berry?

Engine looks good, and Bluey looks amazing.
Nice work!

Thanks Seb, similar to your exhaust mate 😉

LIFE IN THE LOW LANE wrote:Should of asked Matt!! I could of recorded something from the front seat.

Yeah mate, didn't realise at the time.....all good. Sounds awesome whenever I hear it from outside, the IDA's just sing....out LOUD... 🙂

tar76 wrote:I reckon you had that rotary covered on Sunday 👍

Thanks Tar, he only had one IDA....he didn't have a chance... 😂😂 I never saw him out the back window so I thought it was close, I also got the jump, but you had a better view so good to hear from your perspective... 👍

SebastienPeek wrote:Woohoo, is that my exhaust Mr Berry?

Nup, your exhaust is sitting on my office floor !

Hey Matt, was that fan shroud you added the vanes to an aftermarket job that was empty in the airflow direction dept. before? Were your additions based on the factory style vanes or your own experiment/experience? I only ask because I have a non vented aftermarket shroud and was thinking of what you did and toying with the idea of removing the factory vanes and fitting them to the new shroud

DubbyDo wrote:Hey Matt, was that fan shroud you added the vanes to an aftermarket job that was empty in the airflow direction dept. before? Were your additions based on the factory style vanes or your own experiment/experience? I only ask because I have a non vented aftermarket shroud and was thinking of what you did and toying with the idea of removing the factory vanes and fitting them to the new shroud

Alright alright Im a dumbarse🤪think I just answered my question by pulling my finger out and going back 1 page and reading it

Hi Dave, sorry mate, just saw your post, to add to your answer, yes you can fit original flaps to an aftermarket housing, no sweat. And my fan housing is an original 36hp version as I didn't want to run a doghouse cooler.

Another appology required, tried for more videos yesterday, no matter what I do I can't get the volume to work properly on my Go-Pro copy......looks like I'll have to get a real one, as usual you get what you pay for !!!

The footage taken is not worth posting, again a damp road and with wheel spin up to something over 100km/h I couldn't even apply full throttle. Fine day today so we'll see what happens.......I need some tyres with GRIP. 😂😂😂

Some fresh pics from last weekends Gold Coast show, by Andrew Seymour.

Looking good!

Wht did you not want to run a doghouse cooler?

vassy66T1 wrote:Looking good!

Wht did you not want to run a doghouse cooler?

No body likes to be in the doghouse

Exactly, no fun out there in the cold.... 😂

Reason is it's a small oil gallery, single relief case that isn't designed for that oil system and I didn't want to bother with the extra vents in the decklid that are without doubt necessary with the larger fan in the offset cooler (doghouse) set-up. So I decided to run an experiment and use no factory cooler in the fan housing at all. Relying on the external thermostat and cooler with fans, so both sides of the engine receive cool uninterupted air flow. Temps seem fine at this stage, not even got to 90* oil temp.

90* ??
oh 90° 😵
😂
nice pics of blue Mr Seymour btw 👍

I'm looking at doing a similar thing matt; remove the cooler and run a thermostat cooler to a front mounted cooler. Steve Carter doesn't seem to have issues with this with dave's bug

I have been running that combination for several years, i have a large oil cooler at the front, no cooler in the shroud and steel lines running foward with a thermostat in system, be carefull what size lines you run, i have 16MM steel tube, should be a minium of 12MM ID.

The boozo bug has been running without an OG cooler for well over 10 years now without an temp dramas

It's time for an update (thanks for the info, re. Boozo Bug engine temps Nils and yours too Shayne)

After fitting a narrowed stock sway-bar, Bluey was ready for the track, but not before a little road trip of around 1250km (one way).

I left on Thursday morning with plenty of time up my sleeve to do any running adjustments enroute. The plan was my usual overnight stop at Valla and hook up with some Pells and convoy down to Goulburn Friday. There was a Porsche event on at Eastern Creek so we encountered a few Porsches along the way. Started with this beautiful 997 GT2 that after checking out each others rides we exchanged picture taking on the road (instigated by them with some cool words of apreciation of my ride 🙂 )




Rest-stop pic




Cruising with Daimo and Jack Pell in the Grouch south of Nambucca. We had cyclonic wind and rain for most of the 700km to Sydney and cold drizzle the majority of the rest of the way to Goulburn.
This was a rare drying line occasion.




Booking in to the Motel in Goulburn




Preping the cars in the pits, here a young VW enthusiest gets the feel of an old Vee Dub




And here 's the proof....135's and a 2" narrowed beam dosen't necessarily mean it handles like sh1t

Bluey ran consistant 1.21's pretty well from the get-go. Yeah better front rubber and the times would improve, that is probably more true for the rears, once a bit of temp in the tyres, the bagged rear tyres (225 on 5" rim!!!!) would chatter and so really front and rear had a sort of equalising balance.
The other problem I was having on the track was on the main straight my over zealous revving in 3rd gear was to much for the stock size pulley and it flicked the fan belt ending each of my sesions prematurely....(7000 150km/h)

Here's Daimo contemplating, and parked next to me is Huey's very cool mock split with blown type 4 and electrtic cooling 8-)




Grouch and Bluey in the 'For Sale' section at the Sydney Nationals on Sunday




I made a purchase from Rod while I was there, this is a little later doing some carb adjustments

Hi

Thanks for making the effort Matt and Damo, I hope you both had a good time.

Both cars sounded sweet

Steve

Thanks Steve and Club Vee Dub, we had a blast.

Was good to catchup with you both on your trip home, and to cruise with you for a few k's up the freeway 👍

Yeah Craig, good to see ya mate. Man you peddle hard, I was just warming up and you exited off the free way...next time 🙂

"Carb adjustment" ..... 😀 .... Great Roady!

Thanx for coming Matt

Drags next!

hellbugged wrote:"Carb adjustment" ..... 😀 .... Great Roady!

Thanx for coming Matt

Drags next!

Looking forward to it Daimo... 🙂

Did I imagine it, or were there 2 grooves in the road to Wakefield Park....about 135mm wide❓😁

Hey Matt, just been reading through your post for the second time. Just a quick question re your gearbox - is it a rebuilt 6v swing axle box or a 12v swing axle box.

Spewing I missed out on seeing you run a Wakey Matt!!

1:20's are good numbers on that setup. I'm chasing 1:15's on Monday providing the Weather permits!!

Are you making the trek down to WSID next weekend?

Isaac

oildrippa64 wrote:Hey Matt, just been reading through your post for the second time. Just a quick question re your gearbox - is it a rebuilt 6v swing axle box or a 12v swing axle box.

I used a new case for the tranny rebuild, a VW casting in mag but with extra strengthing ribs, but essentially you could call it a 12V.

IWL_86 wrote:Spewing I missed out on seeing you run a Wakey Matt!!

1:20's are good numbers on that setup. I'm chasing 1:15's on Monday providing the Weather permits!!

Are you making the trek down to WSID next weekend?

Isaac

Thanks Zac, I was stoked when you compare the times to some of the others running, especially considering I had only about 4 hot laps.....
Yep, she's ready for another thrash on the 1/4 mile.....hope to make the pizza run on Friday night, then racing Saturday. 🙂 Looking forward to it.

Overdue for another update....


Bluey's little 2 litre is going great, performance and driveability is just as I'd hoped, strong and smooth

A week or two ago a few dubbers got together at Willowbank Dragway for a test and tune so as I'd had no tracktime to date (not for lack of trying that's for sure), Bluey and I went to play.
It was a great night even though we only had two passes due to a major track oil-down.

My two passes ...

1st 2nd
R/T .273 .513
60' 1.929 1.909
1/8 8.746 8.795
MPH 78.76 78.73
1/4 13.76 13.81
MPH 96.10 95.86

And here's the vid thanks to Dave Richardson


Pretty happy with the results and with about a 500km round trip, not only is Bluey a cool daily, but also a top performer

nice times 👍

Love it mate!! Sweet ride and the power is linear ... smooth as and keeps hauling👍

Nice work Matt; impressive times!!

Great job Matt!!

Its Nice to see your car doing so well on many levels! It's proving to be a very capable all rounder!!! 🙂

Thanks for the comments fellas.

Anyone is welcome to come for a spin in Bluey as it is the performance and 'capable all rounder' that I am promoting with this car, any quality built car can do this and I like to share the joy.... 🙂

Awesome ride mate.

Fun everyday when out on the streets.

Hey Matt... is your Beetle pulling the front wheel off the ground? That launch photo is the ducks n_ts. Just loving it 😁

Jamie

Thanks Matt, and Jamie, I'm sure it is....in my dreams 😉 lol. Nah, VERY much doubt it with the sh1tty BFG's on the back, and didn't feel like it even launched very hard, but lets not spoil the imagination 🙂

I love the pic too, just peeved I moved the LH wiper up earlier so my screen mounted GPS was legal for the trip down !! (it looks shite)

Can i see the wear indicators on those pooy BFG's? .. Slicks for Warwick ?? yup....

DakDak67 wrote:Can i see the wear indicators on those pooy BFG's? .. Slicks for Warwick ?? yup....

Doing my best to make my own slicks Chris. lol

Results for VW Warwick 2013

R/t; 60'; ET; MPH

0.120; 2.082; 9.021; 77.96 1st qualifer
0.122; 2.078; 8.991; 78.32
0.176; 2.044; 8.835; 79.83
0.025; 2.002; 8.824; 79.16

0.202; 2.018; 12.933; 35.59 1st round, win with big back off
0.019; 2.054; 9.009; 78.19 win by 0.504
0.097; 2.035; 9.278; 58.51 win with back-off by 1.445
0.169; 1.976; 8.930; 71.06 win by 0.351 with a small lift with an 8.90 dial so I dropped dial to 8.70 for the final
0.057; 1.921; 8.788; 75.69 FINAL 🙂 win, a small lift when near the line as Frosty was a length and a half behind me and again I was concerned of a break-out

Appologies for some incorrect data I spread around on Saturday night, the beer goggles blurred my eyes.......I was sure there was a 8.3 there somewhere %$#@!

Good show matty !

Same old tyres on the rear ?

Cheers Daimo, yeah, same ol worn OUT bfg's, hence the trailer queen status 😉

Finally caught up on this bug. Definitely love it. Well done Matt!

Said i once and and say it again. In my top 5 vw's on this site. Just backs it up with the performance to go with the looks.
Well done Matt.
T54

Sexy looking car dude. Can't go wrong with black wheels they look awesome on everything!

quote]Originally posted by baghall
Finally caught up on this bug. Definitely love it. Well done Matt! [/quote]
Thanks Bags. Keep welding that Baja mate 😉

Turbo54 wrote:Said i once and and say it again. In my top 5 vw's on this site. Just backs it up with the performance to go with the looks.
Well done Matt.
T54

Thanks T54....only top 5, I'll have to keep working on it. Maybe the interior next......

vduboy wrote:Sexy looking car dude. Can't go wrong with black wheels they look awesome on everything!

Cheers vduboy, yes black wheels do look good on anything, just better on some 😂 😂

Congrates mate. Again.2 years running.

The cars hold up well , it's you that starting to show your age.
That's what I would have said if you weren't so bloody consistent.
It must be the vitamins. Hehehehehehehehehe.

Thanks again for the tip on the cooling vanes. Enjoyed reading about the build.. One kick ass bug!

Thanks Lunar and Westi too. I need to do an update since competing in the last VW Showdown 2014.....

Short version, came home runner-up with off the trailer performance or 13.46 @ 97 mph..... 🙂

Well done Matt!

Just watched the video from willow bank - sensational!

They aren't by any chance 51.5mm Ida's??? 😉

Nick

this thing is badass 😎

just read it from start to finish and feeling motivated! love ya work matt

Hey Matt what raptor cam and gear ratios you running??

I did not realize u were running Paul's old crank,I thought it was a 78x94 donk....anyway luv your ride....

Yeeha

Thanks guy's, cam spec sheet and gear ratios are all in the build thread.
I love the Raptor valve train 🙂

We had a great trip down to Sydney doing an overnight run on the Thursday. It gave us some time to catch up on Friday and grab some goodies with the locals, and then get to the track nice and early. This year I decided to tow the 2500km trip so that we had sleeping, food and supplies all on board, and of course, then you can always concentrate on racing!!!
Thanks as always have to out to the track staff and Craig Huges for another great event, we were even lucky enough to not have rain. 🙂

Here's the time slips from VW Sydney Showdown 2014

RND R/T 60' 1/8 1/4 MPH
Q1 0.076 2.012 8.557 13.465 97.37 My only Qualifier as I missed rnd 2 due to being too casual and rnd 3 I oiled the start line with a blistering high rpm burnout that filled the breather with oil which spewed everywhere, rnd 4 missed by 30 seconds as I was busy cleaning oil.....oh well, Bluey can do the work 😉
RND1 0.082 1.958 8.576 14.556 72.03 WIN On the brakes across the line racing a 2300cc ratty split bus
RND2 0.148 1.947 8.578 13.637 88.68 WIN Off the gas across the line after a nice chase down with Isaac in the Pizza car
RND3 0.152 2.036 8.701 13.628 96.90 WIN Drove this one through against Michael Clark I believe (race # 4946)
RND4 0.107 1.993 8.623 13.600 94.82 WIN I think this was against Andrew Ermel(sp?)

Semi 0.030 2.223 8.887 13.830 92.82 WIN against our mate Birch, I bogged slightly on the line but pedaled the throttle and ran it hard 🙂
FNL -0.027 2.027 8.693 13.614 97.59 LOSE to Dave Becker who was on fire and I gave it to on the line anyway....some say I choked 🙂 Thanks for the race Dave, wish I made a better show of it....next time mate.

Well done Matt, we were both runner up in our bracket, and in Warwick we both won our bracket, we're channelling each other.

Thanks Steve

So close to a trifecta of class wins.......

Gotta say, I was sooo happy with the on track performance of my little 2 litre streeter.

I weighed the car in Sydney (825kg race weight with me on board) so on the Wallace calculator by MPH the calculated hp is 138.94hp and by ET the calculated hp is 147.25hp. GOTTA BE HAPPY WITH THAT 🙂 🙂 🙂

I little vid to give you an idea of how well the 2 liter is going, and DBs tranny 😂

Great video
This is my favorite car on this site

Hoon!!!😂

matberry wrote:I little vid to give you an idea of how well the 2 liter is going, and DBs tranny 😂

Been following this build for a long time & loving every bit of it!!!

One of my favorite builds on here full of great info & details. (which alot of people don't normally do!) & also actually using it for road trips & different sorts of racing duties. Multi-purpose cars rule!

Goes to show the reliability of your bug Matt. & you can cut mean lights too!!!!!

When ever I have thoughts about wanting a fast daily driver type 50's bug, I look at this build thread.

I just don't have the room for another project or even just another car!

Thanks again guy's, it's nice to get such positive feedback, and Carl, it's not hooning at the drag strip 😉

Here's a vid of one of the dyno pulls prior to heading to Sydney in Feb

Love this car

motha wrote:When ever I have thoughts about wanting a fast daily driver type 50's bug, I look at this build thread.

That's awesome. 🙂 Thanks mate, it means a lot coming from you. You build a mean car yourself.

I just wish I could have the drive some others have and get my cars finished. There always seems to be so much to do on house, cars, shed, yard, jobs etc etc

nice man. Ideally what my '59 will end up like 🙂

Boozo wrote:nice man. Ideally what my '59 will end up like 🙂

Thanks Bodo

Well, this thread needs updating.....
How to load pics again.... seem to remember it ain't too easy

Test

Good to see your [sorry, I meant you're] back Matt. 😏

Those smoke machines are great! Is it one of these? https://djcity.com.au/category/lighting/atmospheric-effects/smoke-machines/

Cheers, Greg

cool photo, you can add up to 3 photos per post Matt

Thanks guys, been a long time

Good to see you back Matt. I assume that was at Warwick?

Pic was Jambo 2015..... 3rd gear burnout make lotsa smoke 😀

Some later pics as Bluey has kept morphing....

Best 1/4 to date, 12.52@105mph at 2017 Jamboree last month.

Nice to see you back man!
Car looks great.
😎