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Ah, the engine size debate - such fun!!! I'd heartily recommend at least a 1915 for some fun power. I have one from CB Performance that's really sweet. That said, Gordon Nichols' home built (I think) 2110 can blow me away.
Hmmm... What else?
Oh yeah, get disc brakes on the front definitely. The rears are of arguable benefit beacuse of the light weight of the cars. Also, get a good transaxle from a reputable builder like Rancho Performance. I'd also recommend adjustable springplates in the rear. It makes changing your rear ride height a snap. Get Kirk to put the largest tires that'll fit without rubbing - probably 185s or 195s on a standard body. I don't know what fits on a widebody.
As for other options, it depends on taste, location, and how deep your pockets are. Heck, this part is half the fun. Enjoy!
Hmmm... What else?
Oh yeah, get disc brakes on the front definitely. The rears are of arguable benefit beacuse of the light weight of the cars. Also, get a good transaxle from a reputable builder like Rancho Performance. I'd also recommend adjustable springplates in the rear. It makes changing your rear ride height a snap. Get Kirk to put the largest tires that'll fit without rubbing - probably 185s or 195s on a standard body. I don't know what fits on a widebody.
As for other options, it depends on taste, location, and how deep your pockets are. Heck, this part is half the fun. Enjoy!
Hey Phong!
Go for the 1915 & the 3:88 transaxle if you are using the VS options. Mine ran hot at first, but an external oil cooler fixed that. I should add that I live in the Sacramento Valley where a "cool" summer day can easily be 90 degrees. For the winter, I installed an inline oil thermostat & duct taped the fins on the oil cooler.
Go for the 1915 & the 3:88 transaxle if you are using the VS options. Mine ran hot at first, but an external oil cooler fixed that. I should add that I live in the Sacramento Valley where a "cool" summer day can easily be 90 degrees. For the winter, I installed an inline oil thermostat & duct taped the fins on the oil cooler.
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I would get discs up front as a minimum and front + rear if it fits the budget and absolutely if you go with a 2110 or bigger engine. Add an external oil cooler and fan like Ernie suggested with a stat and a manual bypass... do this with any engine you get (JMO). Add a Stage I Clutch. Make sure Kirk installs an IRS unless you prefer a swing axle. If you get a swing axle, then a Camber Compensator will be needed on your option list. Get a 3.88 and if possible a taller 4th gear. Ask Kirk to set up your suspension low and add sways.
IMO, forget a/c, get the best canvas Kirk offers, get both tonneaus, a bigger gas tank, go with the squareweave carpet, and get Speedster seats if you are tall or long in the leg. I think 185s fit under a VS without issues.
Enjoy your Speedster.
IMO, forget a/c, get the best canvas Kirk offers, get both tonneaus, a bigger gas tank, go with the squareweave carpet, and get Speedster seats if you are tall or long in the leg. I think 185s fit under a VS without issues.
Enjoy your Speedster.
Agree with Jim 100%; you might want to get a 2110 cc engine at a place like CB Performance or Chico Performance and get a credit from Kirk (around 2K the last time I asked him two years ago) but get him to install it at his shop; you can do the same with the transaxle; you can get a nice 3.88 one at Rancho Transmissions or KCR and have Kirk install it too; I guess he'll issue you a credit as well if you don't buy the transmission from him. With respect to brakes, discs in the front will suffice. As Jim said definitely go with the wide five or Porsche five pattern if you want to be historically accurate.
If I had it to do again: 1. 100+HP turnkey engine built to my specs. 2. wide five bolt pattern. 3. If most of your driving time is topless don't waste any money on a sound system. 4. Front sway bar.(since added) to compliment VS installed camber compensator. Things I did get right at time of build: 1. freeway gearing 2. 185-65-15 rubber 3. front discs. 4. both tonneaus.
Do your homework and get it just like you want. It's like walking into a Porsche dealer in 1957 and placing an order. Great fun.
Do your homework and get it just like you want. It's like walking into a Porsche dealer in 1957 and placing an order. Great fun.
How do I post a question? I have a 2 year old VS and the directional signals don't work. How do I fix them?
Phil, this is a topic that has been discussed before. I clicked on the search function using the search argument "directional lights" and many treads came up. This might be a good place to start.
If after reading the posts you are still stuck, you might try posting (ie. "post new topic" button) on the technical general page. Hope this helps.
PS. Do you have any manuals appropriate to the year of your VW engine? If not, may I suggest obtaining a copy of John Muir's "Keeping your Volkswagen alive. It may or may not be helpful for this specific problem, but it is a great resource for general care, feeding and maintenance tips. It saved my a$$ move than once with little problems that popped up and through it I learned how to do the periodic maintenance on my 2000 VS.
Good luck.
Hoss
If after reading the posts you are still stuck, you might try posting (ie. "post new topic" button) on the technical general page. Hope this helps.
PS. Do you have any manuals appropriate to the year of your VW engine? If not, may I suggest obtaining a copy of John Muir's "Keeping your Volkswagen alive. It may or may not be helpful for this specific problem, but it is a great resource for general care, feeding and maintenance tips. It saved my a$$ move than once with little problems that popped up and through it I learned how to do the periodic maintenance on my 2000 VS.
Good luck.
Hoss
Hey Phil!
If you have Nardi a steering wheel, you might check to see if it is equipped with the cancelling tab at the base of the adaptor. My VS was missing that part. I got one shipped from VS for 5 bucks + shipping. Next I plan to buy an after market turn signal assembly. In my experience, VW left somthing to be desired on this part!
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC%2D311%2D953%2D513%2DB
If you have Nardi a steering wheel, you might check to see if it is equipped with the cancelling tab at the base of the adaptor. My VS was missing that part. I got one shipped from VS for 5 bucks + shipping. Next I plan to buy an after market turn signal assembly. In my experience, VW left somthing to be desired on this part!
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC%2D311%2D953%2D513%2DB
Phil
When you start troubleshooting it, be aware that the steering wheel is hot. That is, it's not grounded, it is the positive side of the battery. Also, the flasher switch is mounted on the steering column, but isolated because of the reverse polarity. Just use a simple little light tester as you go and you won't have any problems.
When you start troubleshooting it, be aware that the steering wheel is hot. That is, it's not grounded, it is the positive side of the battery. Also, the flasher switch is mounted on the steering column, but isolated because of the reverse polarity. Just use a simple little light tester as you go and you won't have any problems.