[Gene]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

[Gene]

edward ericson wrote:

Chassis flex also contributes to unpredictable cornering. This is the biggest (and hardest to correct) concern with a pan-based TD: all the stiffening properties of the old Bug body are gone.

Late to the party, I know, but eliminating the chassis flex isn’t that tough.  Well, maybe it is if you’ve already put your car together.

Welding square tubing into the channel at the sides of the VW pan will replace a lot of the stiffness previously supplied by the steel body.  (Convertibles already have the channel filled.)

[Gene]

Thanks, guys.  I’ll check out those exotic engines.  The 230 Chev weighs about the same as a Datsun Z engine but the trans may be lighter than even the later, aluminum Powerglide.  And overall simplicity will be an important consideration.  I can rebuild a carburetor but not an ECU.

Will need to build the suspension first, but it’s good to know I can plan for a six.  (I once stuffed a 280ZX engine into a Datsun 520 pickup but wasn’t able to complete the project.)

[Author]

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