Sold my 69 Beetle about 5 months ago......... Since then, had a void in my heart.
In the process of getting hold of a 55 Oval.
Question: the 55's came out with the 1200cc?
I'm assuming that this will be quite slow. What will my average cruising speed be if I keep this engine? will I be able to sit on 100-110km/h?
Are there any performance options for this engine or am I better off spending the money on a newer engine and g/box conversion?
I've got a Suzuki Hatch 500cc, don't really want two cars that max out at 80km/h 馃お
LUFTMEISTER 路
The 55 will be a step up from the suzuki hatch.馃槀 Hitler told porsche the beetle had to car 4 people and travel at 100kmh. So yes if it is in good condition it will cruise at the speed limit. Good Luck with the new ownership.
volumex 路
BugsyMalone wrote:Are there any performance options for this engine or am I better off spending the money on a newer engine and g/box conversion?
Best bang per buck is to drop a 1600 twin port in there, but the vintage speed stuff on a 36hp is really cool.
Something to be aware of is the 55 Beetle has a trap for young players. If it's made after Aug 1955, then although it is a 1955 production car it is a 56 year model. Not that there is anything wrong with it, just that 54/55 year models command a price premium over the 56+ year models oval. Just watch that you don't pay the $$ premium for a 54/55 and get the cheaper 56+ model.
BugsyMalone 路
Cheers for your help.
Thanks for the info on the dates, thats good to know, I'm going to have another look at it on Saterday, so will check out the date.
Supercharge looks like a winner on the 1200, definetly will have to do some good hard thinking....
wolfgang54 路
yep will do 100km/h easy BUT cross ply tyres, side winds and freeway grooves/cracks make for an exciting ride 馃槑
Bizarre 路
Can I ask if your are expecting this to be a daily driver??
BugsyMalone 路
No, not a daily, just if I need to go further than 50km for a show or a cruise, I dont want it to take forever to get there. Also everyone loves to sit right up my ass in the hatch, they must think if they tailgate me it will produce more Horsepower in the Hatch.........
Just want to be able to keep up with the speed limits.
ian.mezz 路
i have a 1200 they sit 0n 70mph all day long.
just takes a while to get there 馃槀
matberry 路
ian.mezz wrote:i have a 1200 they sit 0n 70mph all day long.
just takes a while to get there 馃槀
Yep 馃憤 any good condition Volksy will cruise at the limit. (they ALL should)
There are also a lot that aren't good condition.
BugsyMalone 路
Has anyone had anything to do with Rod Penrose's Engines?
How do they compare in price and performance with other company options available?
Cheers for the reply's, will all help to me putting another great VW back on the road 馃憤
hellbugged 路
Won't find cheaper than rod
esevwbits 路
i ahve a supercharger like the following available..
1200s get along just fine!
BugsyMalone 路
That looks ACE!!!
Is that a Speedwell Pepco supercharger kit??? Did you have to upgrade any of the internals to handle the extra HP?
BugsyMalone 路
Some pics, photos arnt real clear as it was pitch black in the container, relying on the flash on my phone
BugsyMalone 路
more...
esevwbits 路
its an AMR500. pic is not of my car, but thats how they can be mounted. For sale if interested!
no upgrades required.. only puts out about 5psi.. depending on pulley sizes.
1966 type 3 路
Hi Bugsy
Did you get the oval from Ian at Lochanvar it looks familiar I got my 54 Beetle and Country buggy from Ian.Very nice guy and knowes lots about VWs
BugsyMalone 路
Yeah mate, thats my housemates Dad, I'm often there sinking a few beers....... Good collection he has over there. Good contact to have!
Turbo54 路
Has 54 steerer but non orig door trims or window handles / door latches for a 54. Is it a clunker door 55?
Does it have h pattern seats? Heart lights?
BugsyMalone 路
Heart lights no.
Clunker door, not sure what your refering too, never heard the term.
Door handles I have been told were a accessory that could be brought at the time as an upgrade, but I'm not sure, I'm very new to th VW scene, at this stage even if they arn't original, its not a big issue for me.
H pattern seats, also not sure/nor I have heard the term, will get more photos on the weekend as car is not stored at home.
Looks like you got a late '55 oval. Pretty hard to tell from the pictures but it looks to me like non-ribbed doors. Early '55 should have ribbed doors (raised area arround the door-card) with little rubber snuffers fitted to the door above and below the latch and the latch should make a click-clack sound when closing, or as said above "clunkers". You got the early steeing wheel but everything else says it's a late oval. Not a bad thing as parts are easier to source and cheaper.