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 RonanTheBarbarian
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 posted on June 19th, 2013 at 07:32 PM |
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Rotary Baja Beetle conversion with VSB14?
Hi,
Been lurking around here as guest for a few weeks getting as much info as i can but I've a few questions. Read all the older posts on rotary
conversions.
I'm planning to take a beetle modify it for off road a little (Baja it) and fit a rotary engine. To be used in fundraising car rally.
So I need to find a beetle heavy enough to legally have a rotary but without the mcpherson front end for ease of off road conversion?
For those who have street legal beetle rotary conversions what models are they in? What weight did the engineers use on certification?
Using the VSB14 LA engine section and the RVD (RVD database link) it looks like the
only model that doesnt have mcpherson strut front end and heavy enough it can have a rotary fitted is a 1970?
Those who have Baja'd there beetle did the rego paper retain the same weight once the upgrades were done?
Am i close or way off the mark? Appreciate everyones advice
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bugzla
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| posted on June 19th, 2013 at 08:59 PM |
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where are you located
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RonanTheBarbarian
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| posted on June 19th, 2013 at 09:35 PM |
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Mid North Coast NSW.
Been working on NSW RMS model weights from that link in my first post
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bugzla
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| posted on June 19th, 2013 at 10:13 PM |
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I have one that is engineered in qld and nsw 12a rotary if that's of any interest
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RonanTheBarbarian
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| posted on June 21st, 2013 at 01:07 PM |
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I might be.
What condition is it in?
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 barls
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| posted on June 21st, 2013 at 05:55 PM |
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start speaking to your local rms approved engineer and see what he says mate.
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RonanTheBarbarian
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| posted on June 21st, 2013 at 06:53 PM |
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I fully intend too. Just like to have as much info first to help in asking right questions.
Eg from my understanding easiest beetle to off road is the non McPherson strut models which info is best from enthusiasts that know ins and out.
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Smiley
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| posted on June 22nd, 2013 at 09:34 AM |
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You are correct, the best offroad VWs are either king and link or Ball joint front with IRS (semi trailing rear arm style) for the rear.
Have a bit of a read of this and it might be some good info for you.
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=89893&page=1
Also. I'm not sure how you intend to use the car offroad, but I'm not sure that a Wankel engine will have the torque to take on any serious
obstacles. It should be find for dirt roads and some beach work. But if you want to do some serious bush tracks you might have to gear the transaxle
down a lot (fit a 1600 "3-rib" Kombi box). I'm not having a go at your choice of engine, I'm just suggesting this notion in case you haven't
thought of it. The last thing you want to do it get to a hill and not be able to drive up it, not have to drive up it at 30km/h cause that's where
your torque is.
If you have any more questions fire away! I don't know much about engine conversions, but general Baja questions I know a little.
Smiley 
If you said I was a Volkswagen man, you'd be right.
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RonanTheBarbarian
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| posted on June 22nd, 2013 at 11:48 AM |
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Thanks smiley.
I had thought about the lack of bottom end but main use will be off road rallying kinda. Plan is to use it for camp quality escarpade and then some
beach driving.
However would the fitting of kombi box effect highway speeds? I presume it would mean revving quite hard in 4th gear. Or is final ratio similar just
lower first gear?
The idea of rotary was to give it longer legs on fast dirt tracks. The last 13b bridegy I built happily went to 12000rpm after that the extended
Webber fuel bowl wouldn't fill fast enough! Hahahah
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Smiley
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| posted on June 22nd, 2013 at 12:58 PM |
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If you look at that link I sent you there is a bit of info on gear ratios. There are 3 different IRS Kombi gearboxes all with different ratios.
First thing you want to know is what RPM the Mazda engine happily cruises at on the highway. Whatever it revs at in the standard vehicle will be a
good starting point. Next thing you want to do is work out what size rear tyres you want. In a full bodied baja with standard rear inner guards,
suspension and bodywork you are limited to a max of 31" rear tyres. Any larger than this and the tyre will hit the suspension and not fit on there.
It can also depend on the brand of tyre, as I have seen some people unable to fit 31s from certain tyre manufacturers.
There are mods you can do it fit larger tyres but we'll keep this simple for now. Besides, 31s are common, cheap and plentiful.
Once you work those 2 things out you can chose the gearbox that best suits your needs.
I think a 3-rib Kombi box would probably suit you best. It has the lowest ratios but the revvy engine won't mind that. It'll sit on about 3000rpm at
100km/h with 31" tall rear tyres.
That being said you might want to go with a higher ratio box and smaller tyres like 28-29" Won't put as much strain on the drivetrain and you won't
need as much low down grunt to get it moving.
Smiley
If you said I was a Volkswagen man, you'd be right.
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RonanTheBarbarian
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| posted on June 22nd, 2013 at 05:37 PM |
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Smiley that link answers just about all my questions on bajas. Your a wealth of knowledge!
Also checked out your build, bout page 14 of 35 so getting there. :-) how did you go when you got it certified? Any problems?
Edit: also just bought
Baja Bugs and Buggies: How to prepare VW-based cars for off-road fun and racing
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Smiley
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| posted on June 26th, 2013 at 07:55 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally
posted by RonanTheBarbarian
Also checked out your build, bout page 14 of 35 so getting there. :-) how did you go when you got it certified? Any problems?
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Certified for what?
I have a few blue plates now for different things 
Smiley
If you said I was a Volkswagen man, you'd be right.
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RonanTheBarbarian
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| posted on June 27th, 2013 at 07:11 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally
posted by Smiley
| Quote: | Originally
posted by RonanTheBarbarian
Also checked out your build, bout page 14 of 35 so getting there. :-) how did you go when you got it certified? Any problems?
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Certified for what?
I have a few blue plates now for different things
Smiley
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Now I've seen all 35 pages of build I realize Alyce has been to the engineers a few times. 
Actually after reading the baja link you sent I'm actually looking at green 76 bug this weekend, supposedly its ball joint front end and IRS
rear(after explaining to the guy on phone what to actually look for so skeptical) and 810kg tare according to RMS specs so heavy enough for 12A
rotary!
I'll probably have more questions after or even a very light wallet!
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Smiley
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| posted on June 27th, 2013 at 07:28 PM |
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I have a few more pages to add to the build now as I have recently rolled the car and wrecked the body. I'm in the process of fitting a new body now.
sigh, the work never seems to end.
Thanks for you kind words.
A 76 bug will be a good buy. As you say it should have IRS and B/joint suspension. And the late bodies look good as Bajas too.
Smiley
If you said I was a Volkswagen man, you'd be right.
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