MojaveRacer208 wrote:

Good job!

x2 Now your going to need better shocks.

I found my carb was giving me fits. A local guy had 2 new Brosol 30/31 carbs that were still in the box. I picked one up. Although its never been used, I bet it was 15+ years old.

I mounted the carb and it ran much better. I advanced the timing a few degrees as well. I also installed the rubber seal/fire hose at the front of the engine. I have a tapping noise still that sure sounds like it is coming from the right side. I'll check the valves in the morning.

I readjusted the valves and retimed the car again. It is really running good. The valve noise is much quieter.

I took it to the bugarama today and met some great people. I bet 60+ people rubbed the paint on my car and had positive comments. I had the only bedliner car there.

I know you caught me rubbing at least once. I love avacado and i was hungry.

The alternator bearing is already squealing at me. Less than 1 month old. You got to love Chinese quality.

Might be too much belt tension.

Might be a slipping belt.

Shim it....nice call Richard

The belt was very loose because it was the wrong size. Plus it started making a gravel type noise. I put a new belt on and had the tension with about a 1/2" deflection and the noise developed. I adjusted tension so it has 1" deflection, and it is still there. The pulley is hot to the touch. I disconnected the belt and ran it for a minute- no noise. I'll pull it this week and exchange it under warranty.

Eric did a good job on my engine. I like the power this engine has. My gearing and tire size works out well and I'm averaging 23.5 MPG. The new carb works great and I quieted the valve train for the most part. I put deck lid stand offs on today. That seems to make a big difference in the engine compartment heat level. I don't have my CHT gauge set up yet, but the heat seems less when I touch items in the compartment.

I had taken the bug to the Bug-a-rama last weekend and spoke to a lot of people. Some had seen it online and thought it was cool. I had the only bedlinered bug there! Go figure...

I stiffened the front beam by moving the adjuster. It leveled it out. The new alternator's bearing is still making noise. I'll change it in the future. Good thing the Chinese alternator has a lifetime warranty.

I had listed it for sale briefly, but pulled the ad. The guys from this club were too much fun to hang out with. They broke me like a rented mule. The bug now has 215/75r15 AP type tires on it. I prefer the size, but the General Grabber's tread looks better.

Let me know when you want to order a set.

I've not done much to the bug lately, but took it for a spin today. Sounds like the rear brakes are chirping. I am still not satisfied in the tire department.

When I built the bug, I put 225/70r15 on the 4" wide VW sport rims. I couldn't go too big because I had the little 1385cc engine. Although I have IRS and it was geared with 4.37 r/p, the little engine couldn't move the bug in 4th gear because 4th was .82. So, I bought new 205/75r15. That helped some, but as you know, I eventually sold that little engine and have a fresh 1600 SP now. That reallg made a difference. I went from the 205/75r15 Grabbers to 215/75r15 less aggressive tires a friend gave me. No rubbing, but I want to go bigger!

So, now I am in this quantry... what size? My steering stops were adjusted early on because of contact with the 225/70r15's. I have a 3" body lift AND adjusters in the front. But, my rim is only 4" wide. The 7.00x15 look cool but might be pretty rough on all 4 corners. A 235/75r15 is an option, but seems wide for my rim. The 225's seemed to bulge pretty good when they were mounted.

Here is Paul, the bug's new owner. He and his father now have baja's and will become members. I am on the prowl for a new project now.

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Well everything comes & goes in the baja world. Guess you will have to take the rally soul on the run.

That was fast. Now what???

Keep us up to date on what you end up with.