I am looking at one a buddy owns and trying tofigure out if I can make it handle in an autocross. It looks pretty light, has 69 beetle axles and a 2000 cc van motor with two largish two barrell webers.

I am wondering about weight, weight distribution and how much it can be hunkered down and still keep some suspension action?

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I bet it would flip

My guess is that excessive oversteer would be a real problem.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Those can be made mid engine! It is my understanding that you can remove the crown gear from the transaxle and reinstall it on the opposite side of the pinion which would reverse rotation of the trans output.
You can do this!

I don't think so after a few tweaks.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I am much more concerned about understeer! I am pretty sure it will be too light in front.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Yes, I am aware that is possible, and I am trying to find out exactly how to do it.

my goal would be around 40% front and 60 % rear weights for optimum handling, braking and acceleration.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

check out

www.thesamba.com

they have a sand rail discussion area

Thanks, Don. I will.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I always mix-up those two. I meant understeer.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

IIRC, Tom, there is a guy who is into them on Henry's site (or he had one in his avatar). I believe he is the young guy from Oregon who has all the VW's father.

Thanks, JD I will check that out.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Brandon and that is his father IIRC

Brandon--thats him--I was going to say "McGuyver" but didn't know if anyone else had followed the dude's amazing ability to improvise.

Might as well set it up mid engine as it has the 914 engine already. The 5 speed 914 (901) gearboxes are pretty cheap. I have a spare tail shifter trans if needed but a later (>1972) side shifter is much quicker.

I have a bunch of 914 stuff in the barn that needs to find a home.