The Cal-look Lounge

Hey all,

Just a small note about myself. My name is Blair and I'm a 28 yr old Signmaker in Alberta, Canada. My wife and I both daily drive bugs and have a few projects always on the go.
I've never had a dedicated race car although I have been out to the track with a couple of my cars many times. We are building up a race car for the two of us to enjoy. Nothing competitive, but moreso test and tune/friday fun night type stuff.

This is the newest one to add to our collection. A 62' drag bug with a full tube chassis. Flip front end, fibreglass rear fenders, badass louvered decklid and original signwriting! Also all the panels are all matching faded pink so this one is just getting a polish and I'm running it. This car was built by High Tech Volks after they already had a blue car running the strips in Medicine Hat and Saskatoon. This one never set foot on a track as far as I know. Never leaving the stage you see it in here.

I've got a pan I'm planning on transfering over to make things a bit less complicated for me as I'm not looking at running 10's.

For drivetrain i'm looking into a built swingaxle trans and I've got a motor put together that should be great to start off with.

But this is my predicament.

Carbs or turbo.

I could get some 44 webers and some DRD heads and run like that or, pull s/p heads, drop compression and do a single port turbo build.

This is my motor as it sits. Broken in 1k miles on it, in my street car.

as41 full flowed. std/std
GB 69 c/w crank
GB balanced 311 rods
6lb lightweight flywheel everything balanced
KS bearings
26mm oil pump
scat 2 qt sump
35/32.5 worked single port heads flycut .170  36cc chambers single HD springs
.065 deck with .020 spacer gives me .300 clearance on my exhaust valves.
HD alum pushrods
Berg solid shaft rockers, stock rockers. swivel feet.
cb cheater 2280 cam
MSD dist with 6al box
OG Kadrons on single port mani's with csp linkage
9.7:1 compression


I'm looking to start buying a few parts and making this decision so I can get going on the mockup with motor and everything installed,

I'm not looking to run any cooling system but I also want some opinions because I have never done this before so I'm like a sponge.

Here are a couple pics

(http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8343/dsc04877l.jpg) (http://img139.imageshack.us/i/dsc04877l.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9404/dsc04873e.jpg) (http://img7.imageshack.us/i/dsc04873e.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/5671/dsc04878.jpg) (http://img713.imageshack.us/i/dsc04878.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4927/dsc04879r.jpg) (http://img205.imageshack.us/i/dsc04879r.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

nice car, but not digging the resto-cal rear wheel stance, you sure this is the right forum.  :P


only joking, keep this thread updated, we all need a little inspiration.  8)

thanks Lids,

I had a pair of these og cragar ss rims dropped off the other day. I could help but stick one under the wheel well.

I wouldn't rock that shitty camber on any of my cars. LOL

Your at the right forum ;D

COOL!

All right. Starting off on the right foot.

I have the pan blasted and painted. New narrowed beam getting all the bits cleaned and put back. Looking for some disk brakes for the front end.
I have the rear solid tranny mount/strap setup in right now with a older (brand new though) swingaxle trans.

I'm using this to get the car to the track and run a few passes. Not trying to go all out right off the bat.

I don't want to break this right away and would like it to perform somewhat. should I go with a jaycee spool or a Poor man posi for the time being.

I will be ending up with something good to put the power to the ground, just allocating funds accordingly.

CB Turbo kit is on it's way. Motor is going to be pulled and I'm looking for some nice D/P heads.

I'm looking at some cages from Chirco and I have a bunch more stuff on it's way. :)

Pics to follow

great looking car dude....keep us posted!

It looks like a great project, and nice idea about using the pan to get you going. You can always take your time to build up the tube frame and swap it all over at a later date, or just sell it on to fund motor parts! I like the dual port turbo idea! :)

A word on cages - I know the regs in the States aren't as strict as in Europe, but seriously look at a proper cage rather than a Chirco "show-cage". Overkill maybe for a little motor, but better safe than sorry. Go for a full 6-point right from the start, don't bother with the standard bar (main hoop, 2 rear diagonals, drivers doorbar) that a lot of people go for. Look at where you sit in the car and where the roof could end up if you (or worse still, your wife) do turn it over. Ron Lummus does nice kits - you'll need to trim and fishmouth the ends of the tubes before getting it welded in properly, but you should be ok with that. I tacked mine in place with my Mig welder then had it Tig welded professionally.

Here is a pic of the First car that was done. It' still exists and is not far from me actually :)

(http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/6177/627139.jpg)

New "old" photo for motivation.  8)

(http://i53.tinypic.com/mbl2ir.jpg)


How many times did I change my mind on the motor in this thread, at least 2  LOL


Built this motor last weekend, 84 x 92 fk8 cb mag plus 42/37.5 11:1 weber 44's

(http://i52.tinypic.com/28uibmf.jpg)

I have a rancho trans 4.125 klingelnberg with 3.78, 2.26, 1.56, 1.21

cage is welded in, should be good to 11.50 so that will be fine for some time. Going to be painted in the next couple weeks a sweet purple metal flake.

(http://i56.tinypic.com/es3sas.jpg)

Working on polishing a bit, coming out awesome

(http://i55.tinypic.com/2hd4hn6.jpg)

okay i'm stoked

(http://i54.tinypic.com/2yybh8w.jpg)

(http://i52.tinypic.com/2zeeb2x.jpg)

And the new info about history. My car was the first race car they did. mid 1987 is the pic above at Castrol Speedway in Edmonton, Alberta.

The blue car was name 'street dancer' hence the license plate, glass windows lights and everything but wipers.

I have heard this blue car is going to be racing this year so we may have a spectacular get together. :))

It has a 2272 draw thru turbo system. I've heard the blue car actually went 9.40 at one time!!

Nice thread Blair :)

It's a small world...Ron Pahl worked on my '74 Cal-Look Beetle transmission way back in the late 80's or early '90's.

With a turbo, that Rancho Pro Comp tranny that you got from me might work well...I've seen a few threads of others running similar gears and a 2-litre turbo combo.

Good luck with the project!

Hey Neil! glad your here.

I think your next in line for boost so I'll take those 48's off your hands :)


Got the car back to the shop and got slicks mounted. But now it's time to get into it. Long nights ahead just so I can be a month early as planned , aaand pass early Tech at the swapmeet in town Apr 2nd. :)

why am I sitting here typing??  ::) ::) I have shitloads of polishing to do.

(http://i54.tinypic.com/2ika1dw.jpg)

(http://i52.tinypic.com/29qb0xd.jpg)

I wasn't quite happy with the welding so decided to clean it up and tig the whole cage, adding gussets and some other bits.

Getting prepped for a heavy silver metal flake. I mean it looks like diamonds. I'm going dino purple candy in the clear over top. it's going to be badass.

(http://i52.tinypic.com/2hd5xdk.jpg)

(http://i53.tinypic.com/sc7uyr.jpg)

(http://i55.tinypic.com/2qk7yav.jpg)

(http://i55.tinypic.com/rl99j8.jpg)

CAge got Tig'd up and sprayed with silver metal flake, then candy passion purple over top. :)

(http://i52.tinypic.com/28rcopl.jpg)

(http://i55.tinypic.com/k1rtxe.jpg)

(http://i56.tinypic.com/160yoae.jpg)

(http://i51.tinypic.com/16bc0sm.jpg)

(http://i51.tinypic.com/23jocur.jpg)

(http://i52.tinypic.com/4q69ub.jpg)

Really nice polishing job on the paint  ;)

Thanks,!! got some more done

(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z477/Blizare420/photo-10.jpg)

(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z477/Blizare420/photo-9.jpg)

new stuff, getting closer, doing a mockup for a small local show.

(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z477/Blizare420/Screenshot2011-02-09at84304PM.png)

(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z477/Blizare420/Screenshot2011-02-09at84257PM.png)

(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z477/Blizare420/Screenshot2011-02-09at84329PM.png)

(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z477/Blizare420/Screenshot2011-02-09at84322PM.png)

(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z477/Blizare420/Screenshot2011-02-09at84315PM.png)

Great pictures BB! Love the way the body appears to glow because of the oxidation still on parts of the paint :) Nice,.

Great !

thanks for the comments guys!   :) :)

more updates soon. Just got back from a small meet and everyone loved the car.

I should be firing the motor in the next few weeks and my tin basher guy is going to start working on my front end firewall and rear firewall aluminum stuff.

earlier than expected because he just got laid off from his day job.  :o :( >:(   ;D ;D LOL

Engine run in was a success  ;D ;D ;D ;D One little oil drip and a p-rod popped out of it's cup.

Wait for vid...  ;D

okay, done cam break in. Here she is running still around 1500rpms....

each cylinder is adjusted half turn out from lean miss.

I can't seem to get revs out of it, I have to go back to some papers and see how these carbs were jetted. They were on a running 2180 before.

36mm vents I know for sure.

how does it sound to you guys?

Video (http://tinypic.com/r/2110405/7)

There's your problem, I would say. With the  bore and stroke you have, plus 42mm inlets, I'd say you're way too small on the venturis. Need to step up to IDAs (or 48IDFs) with 40–42mm venturis (or more...)

ahhhhhh, that would explain a lot. shoot.

These carbs were ran with these particular heads at one time. Not sure how well they ran though....

I found a set of 38 mm vents... I wonder what it's like with no vent.  :-\ just to test obviousley...

I am reading about some running 2276 with 43mm valve and 44idf's but I realize all situations are not the same.

okay I checked and the air bypass screws were adjusted out and locked  ::) ::) ::)

closed them and it fired up and revved up much better.

More time tomorrow to work on it and check the float lvl and jets. more vid soon.

Also, i'm at 10.7:1 compression on 92 octane premium. I'm wondering If I should try on some race fuel and see if thats part of the problem......  ???

new vid  ;D

View My Video (http://tinypic.com/r/2aijzf8/7)

 :P

That photo looks like it could have been taken at Seattle International Raceway and I'd swear that's Gene Berg standing with Ron.  I know Ron raced at SIR...

new pics. got tin work and axles and brakes in.

(http://i54.tinypic.com/4tvktl.jpg)

(http://i51.tinypic.com/1424h0g.jpg)


(http://i51.tinypic.com/2n8pxg9.jpg)

(http://i56.tinypic.com/mal72v.jpg)


Picked this 63' sunroof car up for the wife last week. vert decklid and CSP brakes. :)

(http://i51.tinypic.com/30m4uhu.png)

Nice work!

Hi Blair,

What elevation are you at down there?  I think you're just a bit lower than Calgary.  I don't think it's your CR causing running issues...I run 10.5:1 with 91 octane (sometimes 94 octane) at 1,000 m.

Nice job on the race Beetle!

Hey Neil,

Elevation is 721 m

I've had the engine running plenty now, a little jet change here and there made a world of difference. Now to finish wiring and all the other stuff, so the gas pedal is connected to something :)

Wiring is almost done. whew......after a couple 12 hr nights a lot of the little bits are done. Still have a bunch to do. seems like it doesn't end  ::) ::)

Would be nice to be at the track opening night this friday but I maybe pass and go on Saturday as long as my front shocks show up.

I will have some pics up in the next day or 2.

Oh Neil,

you are on the money. Clyde verified for me that it is Gene Berg standing with Ron. I'm sure thats why he has such a smile on his face!!! :)))

only waiting on lexan and a few other parts   ;D :D

(http://i53.tinypic.com/22ypop.png)

(http://i54.tinypic.com/8y8jtv.png)

(http://i53.tinypic.com/2a93dl0.png)

(http://i56.tinypic.com/vrpzz5.jpg)

Whoo hoo  ;D Drove the car around the lot today. Couldn't wipe the smile off of my face.

Still some air in the brake lines, then I can test the line Loc,  ;D

Lexan should be cut tomorrow so I'll have some new pics once they are in. Wow cannot wait. Supposed to race this coming weekend.

Congrats. What are you doing for the door glass? I presume non rolling widows? I've been scratching my head on how to do mine. I don't want flush mount or window mechanisms.

Got her ready and on the trailer to ge see if I could pass Tech, and it rained.....

(http://i56.tinypic.com/15mbwwl.jpg)

(http://i53.tinypic.com/14seddj.jpg)

Oh and for the door glass, I did a nice quick job of flush mount inside the door. I will post pics. it turned out real good. only small holes
inside to see, no damage to the outside of the door :)

 I'm going to look for window regulators and all the pieces to goto stock glass with vent wing. I think it will be worth it. But this year I will roast in that thing :0

Well that went well. We had 2 rain days, Fri/Sat so it was real busy today trying to cram everyone in. I only got 2 test n/ tune runs in but they were def. needed.

Trying to launch a car you haven't even driven around is pretty tough  ??? ??? ::)

Going easy the first time out, i did a 18 secs @ 60 mph. Didn't do a good burnout cause I only had a  3k prm chip in the 2 step. Pulled that out fast. .....  I also didn't know where the end of the track was and I let off real early. LOL  :D :D what a newbie.

2nd run went way better Burnout was real good. God lots of traction on the launch except on my launch I lifted a bit and let off right away....haha, recovered and clocked off 16.1 @ 83 mph.

And the kicker is my weber 44's are a wee bit small. I can feel it at 5k, doesn't fall on it's face, just feels a bit weaker than down low. Could be the air jets need to be lowered.

So all in all I've finally had it down the track and it was great. Went straight with 1/8" toe in and the rear end felt really solid also so that makes me happy.

(http://i55.tinypic.com/xm5tu8.png)

(http://i53.tinypic.com/vywm7b.png)

Blair,

You definitely need some IDA's to wake up that engine...or maybe a set of the JPM roller throttle bodies.  7,000+rpm is what you want ;)

What do you all find slips good for burnout.... tire pressure?? I'm at 15 psi now, was at 20, not knowing and it was shuddering  pretty bad one run. got a tip and it was a great difference after that/

I was out tonight, got 4 runs in, first, throttle cable came loose 3/4 track

ran a 13.8 @ 98 mph 1.8 60 ft. Car felt good with the new carbs EPC51. thanks A LOT to neil for the vents! Jetting seems pretty close. f11/65/150/190 but going to play with some air jets till 155/160 mains show up.

I still don't think I went full throttle. Left the car at the track tonight and going out again tomorrow.

I finally got a bit of rubber spray in my fenders. hell yes.

heres a stupid upside down video. not sure why the hosting site flipped it....

View My Video (http://tinypic.com/r/ka5x53/7)

Weird video to watch  :D but it's cool to see the car running.

Yea no kidding.  :) I will get some better vids with a real camera now. not an iphone :)

Ant, make the door glass (lexan I presume!) a bit longer on the bottom, like a Karmann Ghia glass. This will give you enough extra to drill through and fix to the door frame behind the door card. You'll need long bolts and some spacers, but it should work!

Cheers mate, I'll give that a try. As I dont have any glass to work from I need to make a pattern anyway so I'll test the mounting.