Okay guys I'm a noob to the baja world, although i have been involved in a few street bug builds. One a 66 with a 1641 and a 57 ragtop with an 1835. I'm only 15 but what can I say? I'M OBSESSED WITH BUGS. I have an imediate budget of 3K after I sell my CRF250. I'm going to buy a starter thats driveable. I have found some around 1500 bucks. I'm gonna build the motor a bit (Motor rebuild, carb rebuild, clean up the intake and exhaust ports,) Or I have a 1600 block that I could build. Whats a good set up? I'm thinking a 1641 turbo, 1776, or maybe an 1835. The turbo is not a thing I will have right away I will need to save for it. Dual Carbs or single progressive? Whats a good motor set up? And best bang for the buck? I need it to be caged in the cab as well as the front for safety(front end crash especially). How much can I expect to spend on a simple yet effective cage? What about suspension? I know you can get some lift from the torsion bars.. How much can I get from the torsion bars? Whats the next step from there? I'm on a budget. Also what are some cheap upgrades I can do for performance and comfort? also want a the back seat, But Buckets in the front with 4 point harnesses.

Here's the plan I have came up with.

1. Get a Driveable baja start.

2. Cage it, buckets w/ 4 point harnesses and do a clean but cheap paint job (It will be thrashed on doesn't need to be perfect.)

3. Build a motor on the side ie... 1641, 1641 turbo, 1776 or 1835 HELP ME PICK A MOTOR..

4. Do the suspension. Tips and set ups? Best bang for the buck?


5. Interior(door panels, dash etc.)

This build will be my daily driver once I'm 16 what are some hints tips suggestions? tell me what you think you would do in my situation? I will build it as I get the money 3K is just what I will have to drop in it right away. I'm looking to maybe have 8-10K into it total.


Here are some ads from craigslist that could be some possibilities. tell me what you think of them as well

1. phoenix.craigslist.org...84616.html

2. phoenix.craigslist.org...86938.html

3. phoenix.craigslist.org...14788.html

4. phoenix.craigslist.org...51714.html

If you don't want to mess with emissions, go with a 1967 or earlier (maybe 66, can't remember). If you're going to go turbo, I think you should stay single carb for now, or you'll be selling your duals down the road (unless you go TWIN turbo!)

There's a pretty nice topless baja for sale on CL that used to belong to james6168 on this board. He only sold it about 6 months ago. It's camo, and the guy's asking like $2400 for it. I believe it's pre-1965.

Good luck!

yeah 67 and newer you have to worry about emissions. I want a 66 or older for sure. Thanks Twin Turbo would be fun but not for this project. I wanna build my own street bug later down the road that would be nice, front mounted hidden twin turbo 2110 setup? so you can see em? It'd be fun for sure.

Back on topic, Thanks sounds good.

Anyone going to Karl's on sunday?

Wow. California only has emissions standards for 70-something and up, I think 74.

I'd personally rather start with a 69+ std bug. I think the IRS/Ball Joint set up is more desirable than the Swing/Link Pin. Whatever you do, try to stay away from 67-68's with Ball Joint/ Link Pin. That's the worst of both worlds.

Thats good to know..Is one cheap than the other by chance?? and what do you think about motor sizes??

I want the manual transmission as well

Motor size? Well that's a whole different can of worms. My advice: Get yourself a 1600 or 1641 for now and get the rest of the car running. Then buy the biggest baddest motor you can possibly afford that's well built, and have a tranny that will not hand-grenade when you bolt it on.

Keep it simple for now, though.

I really nice engine is going to set you back some SERIOUS dough.

Focus on the suspension, brakes, and safety stuff first. Then we'll talk about engines.

Wow, This one

phoenix.craigslist.org...14788.html

used to be mine about 5 years ago,

You could also go with this one,

www.azbaja.com/Forums/...=4032.html

Something like this would be a decent start:

1964 VW Baja Class 5 Style Street Legal Price: 1950
I am selling a clean August 1964 Baja. It has a one piece front end, 3" body lift, roll cage, racing seats with belts, custom dash, link pin front end with shock towers and limiter straps, swing axle, front and rear cages, tinted windows, roof rack, big tires, etc. I have some extra arms for it as well. All it needs is any size engine. Was a daily driver last year. Clean title and good to go at $1,950 OBO. May be able to help deliver! Please call Mike at 602.315.4892

As for an engine: 1915 044 or 041 heads VZ 14 cam single Zenith or Weber carb. Lots or torque, simple to maintain.

I think i am leaning towards the pinto idea. You can sure make a ton of hp with them for a lot less $$$