3k: BugStang: 1969 Volkswagen Beetle w/ Ford 2.3 Power
We’ve been critical of the Volkswagen Beetle in the past, mostly for its lackluster performance and tweedle-bleet exhaust note…no to mention sketchy handling characteristics…but that was before we found one with a Ford Mustang I-4 mounted out the back. Find this 1969 Volkswagen Beetle with Ford 2.3 liter inline-4 power for sale in Whittier, CA for $2,900 via craigslist.
What could possibly prompt someone to do an engine swap of such magnitude is beyond the comprehension of normal folk. Someone wanted to go faster would have used a turbocharged SVO engine, but the NA 2.3 liter “Pinto” engine was good for something around 88 horsepower in the late ’80s. Sure, this may be double the power/torque from the stock VW engine, but 88 ponies is easy to make with a stroked 1.8 liter V-dub engine without watercooling, high center of gravity or harmonic balancer protruding past the rear bumper.
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Don't get too close for a look;the alternator fan will rip the hair off your chest.
Those are 400lb engines, too. I bet that helps with the handling.
Any oil starvation under acceleration I wonder? My turbo 2.3 used to lose oil pressure and start tapping if I pointed it down a steep enough hill.
Did it ever happen in high speed reverse going up a hill, or would that have cured it? 🙂
I would tend towards the 3.2 liter super stroker crank and a really flashy set of Mahle 94mm pistons with a turbo on a Type4 case… well done with Pauter machined heads and 300hp should be enough to spank most of the current rice rocket crowd while giving some serious laughs to the driver…