Re: Racing engine is older style bug....

Had a nice street bug when I was in high school. Bug motor, nicely built 1835 cc, massive carbs, cam, beefed-up close ratio tranny and a seriously strong clutch.

Smoked more than a few Mustangs and Camaros up to about 105, which was when my car's gearing started to run out. You just have to choose your course...I never chose a place where you could hit 100 before you had to make a turn or two.

Yeah, built bugs can be a bit light up front. Mine had a one-piece tilt 'glass front end and aluminum fuel tank so it was extra light...it had very little trouble lifting the nose with good tires. The weight distribution is good back there though...great hook up. Far better traction than the imports you see today with front wheel drive (there's a reason they have to put those ridiculous tires on the import racers). With the bugs, the more the thing rears back, the better the hook up.

I'd be curious to find out what he plans on putting in there. Some good VW motors out there, and like Klick mentioned, reasonably easy to pay for and work on.