Hey all!

I've had my '71 S for a year now and am still a very happy Beetle owner.

It's completely stock as best I can tell (not a mechanic!) and runs very well save for an odd stall when coming to a stop on a downhill slope (guessing its a fuel-flow issue). It's cosmetically so-so but I'm more interested in it driving well than winning any beauty contests.

My question is, what sensible upgrades could/should I be thinking about to achieve Beetle nirvana?

I'm thinking:

• Suspension (Sydney roads are hell!)
  
• Improved exhaust / catalytic converter (Am I correct in thinking this will improve its pollution output? Is it likely to eek out a little more performance? Will it ruin my beloved DAK DAK engine note?)
  
• Gearbox (Syncromesh is worn out - shifting down to 2nd / 1st requires some serious shuffling to succeed)
  
• Brakes (front disk conversion)
  

hey hey.

You will proabably find that there is no syncro between 2nd and 1st. I cant confirm that, but cars from even the 90's have issues going back to first whilst moving over 10km's and hour.
Beetles dont have a cat converter. Changing your exhaust will give you a dffierent note. Keep in mind that not all systems retain the heater boxes. so if you want your car warm in winter, think about that. Be sure to shop around and get a suitable size exhaust for your engine.
Brakes, John sherman at Volkscoversions is the man to talk to about brake conversions. he is always up for a chat, I was on the phone to him for an hour on friday.
John also deals in suspension for supers, he has lowered mc'pherson struts on various sizes, and super bug strut braces to stiffen up the front end.

Thanks for the fast reply!

Even going 3rd into 2nd is a bugger.

I'll def look into Volksconversions re: the suspension though. Thanks for the tips!

Suspension

are you after better/firmer handling?
For the above you need
*KYB gas shocks on rear
* type 3 torsion bars
* new inserts on struts (adjustable truts are the go)
* poly urethene bushings all round
* decent rubber - 6" wheels require the right offset (ET36) and thin springs on struts

Exhaust
the stock aint bad for stock
have a read here http://www.vwtrendsweb.com/tech/0109vwt_volkswagen_exhaust_test/index.html 

Gearbox
* change front bushing and rear coupling
* short shift kit
* change oil
If you do all that and you box is nox silky smooth then it really is shagged

Brakes
you should have discs if it is a super
These will be fine
Change fluild, pads and may be discs and rotors

V Force in Sydney likes Supers and can help you with all this

Whats your budget?
If its a super you should already have disc's on the front.

agree with what bizzare said, go talk to v-force, more pricey than volksconversions but more convenient to you since your in sydney, that being said volksconversions also has the right bits for stopping & steering on supers, all depends on how many $$$ your prepaired to throw at it, installing it should be possible by yourself with basic tools, & perhaps 2-3 specific types but v-force should be able to tell you, consider vwcool's brakes that can be found on this forum if you want 4 wheel discs without the porsche expense, hope that helps, oh & please dont cut the roof off it!

the stalling when stopping at the bottom of the hill is just classic old carby icing
just means the preheater on the exhaust and inlet manifold is either not connected or blocked up with carbon
its a pretty common problem and not a hard fix, just fiddley and messy

it sounds like your more after a nice daily driver than a race car
few minor suspension jobs like new quality strut inserts, rear shocks, replace all bushings and ball joints if needed and a good wheel balance turn most supers into nice riding cars, better than the old tractor front end bugs anyway

stock brakes actually work surprisingly well if everythings up to scratch, and a few engine mods like a good extractor system and twin carbs gives plenty of poke for a daily

Just got it back from Mark Hammond who cleaned out the carb and points today - running v smooth! His wife was amused that he is famous on the internet.. lol.

Joel is right on the money - not trying to win any races, but would like to have a little bit of fun whilst cruising around.

Looks like I'll focus on the suspension and gearbox - thanks for your advice.

Oh and p.s. the roof is staying attached!

also before you make and decisions on the struts consider first what your doing rim wise

as stock struts wont fit anything bigger than 15x6

if your buying adjustable struts theres no point buying stock size ones if you plan to fit bigger wheels further down the track