V8 1973 VW Beetle Project by V8 Super Beetle

8 minute(s) of a 270 minute read

Well, the plan was to get it in this weekend. If it isn't one thing it's another. I didn't get the motor in this weekend much less did I get the car home. My old man and I couldn't get a hold of my uncle whom has the engine hoist we need to borrow. So the move was put off until next weekend. I'm going to try and borrow one from my mechanic. So hopefully I'll get it home sooner than this weekend.

Some pics of the engine 98% complete. Just need to install small stuff like vacuum hose for the dist., pcv valve, put the oil sender unit back in (manual one installed for pre-oil which is pictured).

8-27-2009

So I got the engine in last night. It's finally a V8 bug. Haha.

I've managed to get one bolt completely through the mount and the other is in but not through the back of the metal mount plate. I've got to move the rear of the engine about an inch towards the passenger side so it can go all the way through.

On another note, the engine fits great but I'll have to raise the body about 3" to clear the breather and the alternator. Seems dropping the body 6" around the frame was a tad too much. I might have to buy me a lower mounting alternator bracket for a short water pump. Maybe the one I have will fit after I raise the body, but we'll see.

One great thing is the dist. clears the wiper motor compartment by about 2". That's with the motor all the way forward in the mounts so I've got a little wiggle room to move the engine back slightly if needed.

9-1-2009

Well, I got the bug home and finally got everything out of the garage. I'm finally out of the apt complex. I threw away quite a bit of stuff (vent windows, spare rotors / spindles, s10 steering linkage, power steering box, etc.) because I ran out of time and space even though I have a two car garage. The fiancé likes to park her car in the garage.  

Here's a couple pics of us moving it and securing her down. That's my old man, the bald guy is my half uncle, and the boy is his son.

9-10-2009

Thanks for the links Polara426. I've found a alt mount that'll work out great.

The project is coming along well but a little slow at the moment until I can get my hands on a transmission. I'm searching for a th350. I've found some that I'm going to take a look at this weekend. Hopefully I wont come back empty handed. Once I get the tranny I'm going to rebuild it. So that should keep me busy for a few weekends.

I'm thinking about buying a roll cage once I get paid tomorrow as well. So that will keep me busy for a couple weekends too.

I bought a new set of motor mounts. I had some 4x4 s10 v8 mounts (because I originally was going to get a 4x4 frame, was a good deal) and the 4x4 mounts worked but they offset the engine to the passenger side making the fuel pump sit on the frame rail. So I pulled the motor, installed the 2wd mounts, and put her back in.

The engine sits a little lower than it did with the 4x4 mounts. Not much lower though.

Also, this past weekend I went to Pick A Part, because they had a 50% off labor day sale, and picked up a tranny crossmember. I looked for a tranny but they were all pulled and gone. I sanded blasted the crossmember here at work and it's ready for some paint.

That's about it for now. Hopefully I'll have a cage and tranny to keep me busy the next few weeks. I'll keep you posted.

9-14-2009

Well, I got some things done over this weekend.

I went to Pick A Part, because they had a 50% off labor day sale, and picked up a tranny crossmember. I looked for a tranny but they were all pulled and gone. I sanded blasted the crossmember here at work and it's ready for some paint.

Painted the transmission crossmember.

Flushed and washed the radiator. Then I gave it a light coat of black engine enamel. I was going to polish the brass but the way I plan to mount it and set up my fan shroud my efforts wouldn't have been worth it cause it would be hidden.

I used almost a full quart of Master Series in my gas tank to seal off all the garbage in the tank. Seems to have worked cause I don't hear crap rolling around in there anymore.

I also painted and put the gas tank in place. I just need to get some bolts to permanently hold her down.

Last but not least, I picked up a used good th350 for $100. Getting her ready for a rebuild which I'll attempt myself. What little fluid I poured out looked really clean.

Almost forgot, I'm ordering my roll cage today so I'll have tranny rebuild and roll cage pics coming in the next few weeks.