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A volkswagen flavoured subi conversion
DaveCarter - October 25th, 2009 at 04:11 PM

How cool is this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY4Wg1VIyrc&feature=fvw 

He has a couple more videos on his channel including this one with engine sound:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coMDufAGRHI 

gerrelt - October 25th, 2009 at 07:38 PM

Why did he use the VW generator?

I thought he did it to mount a propellor on the back to create some airflow to the rear mounted radiator, but he didn't.
That would work...I think.

DaveCarter - October 26th, 2009 at 07:50 PM

I think he used the VW generator so it would look more like a VW engine. I reckon it is an awesome idea. Sleeper subi conversion

colonel mustard - October 26th, 2009 at 08:01 PM

I cant see why you couldnt modify a clutch fan to cool the radiator useing the generator.... good idea.

GeorgeL - October 27th, 2009 at 06:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by colonel mustard
I cant see why you couldnt modify a clutch fan to cool the radiator useing the generator.... good idea.


The only hangup I can see with that is that the VW generator bearings aren't designed to handle thrust loads since the stock fan is a radial flow design. It might work or, if it didn't, one could add a thrust bearing to the generator housing.

Some '70's Subarus with AC actually had two fans, one engine-driven and another electric. I forget which accessory the engine-driven fan was attached to, but it wasn't the water pump.

gerrelt - October 27th, 2009 at 06:52 AM

Another concern would be getting rid of the hot air. You don't want to dump it in the place where your carbs get their air.
Some kind of ducting to guide it out of the engine compartment would be needed. I think that would be challenging to build and esthetically not very pleasing..
Plus you would loose the "free" flow of air you normally have with a front radiator setup. The fan will be on almost all the time, which will cost hp and gas.

Mick058 - October 27th, 2009 at 06:55 AM

check this out

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=125689&sid=a64ea7b...

Joel - October 27th, 2009 at 08:38 AM

the builder of that EA81 bug is on the forums probably VWKD and has a thread on it

mechanically driven fans just draw to much HP thats why only trucks and big commercials use them these days

theres real power gains to made on old cars by switching to thermofans

my celica felt like a turbo had been bolted on when i made the change

also its been proved time and time again that rear rads in bugs just dont get the airflow at speed

that bug has a rear rad setup but its a bit of a hack job and he hasnt done much long distance stuff with it yet

still a cool conversion though

DaveCarter - October 27th, 2009 at 11:59 AM

Yeah there is another one on his channel that has a front radiator set up (i would assume cause it isnt in the back) but he hasn't gone all volksy style. I just like how it looks like it is meant to be there. That being said it probably wouldn't be much gain power wise over a tough 1916

colonel mustard - October 27th, 2009 at 10:55 PM

with the fisrt one, i cant see it being HEAPS cheaper post conversion kit, special exhaust fab, compliance....