Hey there,

If you were to do this conversion how would you do it....

1200cc original beetle engine to 1916.. remember this beetle is running 6volt... would you stick a different gearbox in it and convert everything over to 12v or better yet how can you stick with the 6v?

Timmy

Hmmm...to run a "hot motor" the preference would be to upgrade to 12V especially for the cold cranking power of the battery to turn over a higher compression engine. You know how the 6V struggles with a 1200 at times, it would really struggle with the 1.9L+ range. (I'm sure its been done before though so correct me if I'm wrong anyone reading this).

Also ignition system of choice might play a part?? Not sure.

If you are wanting to maintain the originality of the car for the 6V system, but will be running a big motor....its not that hard to convert back to 6V if necessary if you ever want to sell or go back to original.

If you ask me, I'd go to 12V for sure....stick with the 6V tranny if necessary. May have to clearance the bellhousing though and replace the starter bush (if using a 12V starter). Otherwise put in a late 60s swing axle beetle (eg. 3.88r&p and 0.89 4th gear as standard) will give a good compromise without worrying about clearancing for the 200mm clutch.

Hmmm...decisions decisions :o

Hey dasdubber thanks alot for all the help, cleared a few things up for me..
Timm

I'm kinda doing the same engine upgrade (but to to a 1916..i wish!) If you can, do what dasdubber sed and get a later gb with taller ratios. Change to 12v (brighter headlights, easier starts in the morning etc..) and it would be wise to upgrade your brakes too(if you still have drums all 'round) stopping in time is good!

What sized tyres are ya gonna be running?

good luck!

I was thinking similar, I have a dead 1200 engine and are currently looking around for a replacement engine. Once I have the dead 1200 out, what can I do with it? I am often told that you can no longer source 1200 parts......can I get it bored out safely to a larger-size engine? What are the rare parts and can I get around that if I enlarge it?

Or.....will that particular engine always have parts shortages?

If the parts are hard to find now, they ain't gonna get any easier in 5 years! yeh, ur best bet is to get a 1500 or 1600, but then you'll probably have to change the tinware, electrics?, flywheel, starter even the gearbox might be a good idea so you can take advantage of the extra power by having taller ratios for cruising... also, you may want to upgrade ya brakes..

yup.. domino effect at its best....

tim, 12 volts the way to go,and as others have said change the gearbox for a better ratio one or you will be reving the tits off it to get anywhereat top end of the scale, i too have a 1200 in pieces under a tarp as was cactus so went to 1300 but still 6 volt:cussing as she is a bit lazy at starting probably my next step in improving my Misty

aand dont forget the brakes need upgrading

Tim dont let byron drag you back in time that far join the 12volt revoultion

Go 12Volts, at least this way you will be able to see at night. I wish I could have afforded a big motor since I just cooked the 1300. Ended up with a 1500 and now need to upgrade the brakes.


Why stop at 1916, why not go to 2100 or bigger?

Hey Freddie, what did you do to upgrade your brakes? you had drums I presume?

thanks again one and all.. I have a good idea on what to go for now..