Posts: 2
Threads: 2
Registered: February 2nd, 2004
Member Is Offline
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
posted on February 2nd, 2004 at 05:43 AM
Hey all, new to VW, few questions!
Hey everyone
New over here, anyways, I have a mini which I'm trying to sell off, and get another classic. I am considering the Bug and the Ghia. I am not
looking for a restoration classic, but rather a subtle custom (no major dropping chopping etc, just some nice alloys, slightly lowered, repainted,
reupholstered etc.).
What I would like to know is about the following things:
1) Performance. Having had a 1.3 litre mini, I am used to 0-60 times of around 13 seconds, and VERY sharp handling (hardly any braking required before
corners ). I would like a car that has some pep. I live in Cyprus so
modifying engines and getting whole modified engines is not an option. I can however order some parts (cams, heads?). I do want some sharp handling
(little body roll), and will have this even at compromise of comfort. As for engine, ideally I would want a turbo (that was my next mini project), not
so much for power, but for the sound.. I will also be investing in disc brakes, as I feel these are necessary, and are not as expensive as I thought
they would be!
2) Which parts do the beetle and ghia share, if any? Ghias are pretty rare round here, so getting parts for them would be a pickle!
3) What to look for when buying a ghia? I know most of the things to look for with a beetle.. basically the pan and heater channels and around the
battery box?
4) What performance mods can be done to each car and how expensive are they? I do not want a race car, but rather a fast road car. Are there improved
shocks? Springs? What about engine parts? I do not want a complete race-spec engine, as I wil be on a budget!
5) Electrical system. What can they take? Does the ghia come with 12v? I intend to run a mild ICE setup, but I will have quite a bit of auxiliary
lighting, so that will draw some current. What's the alternator like? Are there uprated ones at a cost that isnt ridiculous?
6) VERY IMPORTANT POINT: Reliability.. I am aware of the fact that these cars are simple to fix if anything goes wrong. What I want to know is how
often will things go wrong? The same "simple-to-fix" applied to my mini, but that is quite a nightmare, as theres always problems with it
(oil leaks, brake leaks, electrical problems etc.)
7) I intend on fitting some 15-16" wheels. Are there any issues with arches etc? Does a super beetle have bigger fenders? What width of wheels
can the cars take without mods? And if they do need mods, can you get fiberglass fenders for cheap-ish?
That's probably it for now, thanks for bearing with me!
Pavel
P.S. What are some good online VW parts stores with both restoration parts and performance parts that have a large stock (w/ pictures and prices and
info) and that ship worldwide? Just so I have an idea of things!
SteveMk2
Officially Full-On Dubber
Posts: 293
Threads: 27
Registered: November 5th, 2003
Member Is Offline
Location: Canberra
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: I always cruise flippantly...
posted on February 2nd, 2004 at 06:29 PM
Just buy a Mk1 Golf GTI. Much cheaper to get performance than air cooled. Early GTI's are classic already, anyway....
Steve. Classic 85 Mk2 2dr GTI 8v Optioned sunroof and 15"BBS RS alloys. Koni yellow and H&R, Balanced bottom end, flowed top end, Neuspeed
268 cam.
lugnuts
A.k.a.: Mike
Custom Title Time!
Posts: 1070
Threads: 88
Registered: August 28th, 2002
Member Is Offline
Location: Sydney,Castle Hill
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: semi-retiring
). I would like a car that has some pep. I live in Cyprus so
modifying engines and getting whole modified engines is not an option. I can however order some parts (cams, heads?). I do want some sharp handling
(little body roll), and will have this even at compromise of comfort. As for engine, ideally I would want a turbo (that was my next mini project), not
so much for power, but for the sound.. I will also be investing in disc brakes, as I feel these are necessary, and are not as expensive as I thought
they would be!
