13b ROTARY POWERED 64' BEETLE
 

Hello Rotary heads out there.

MY name is Rich and Im from Bakersfield California. I Have a 64' Volkswagen Beetle. I have some experiance with Rotary engines but my latest projects is going to push the envolpe for me. I plan to place my 6-port 13b in to my VW with some of the highest constraints. First and possibly the most difficult rule, NO CUTS to the car. TWO, deck lid must close. Three, must be a daily driver. Four, would like to have the radiator in the engine compartment (REAR). I know Im asking much, but I'ts my goal and I feel I can do it. Here's the real catch. I'm broke!! I make 10 bucks and hour and I have three kid's, So you can see where the real constraint is. Later I would also like to have some boost and A/C.

So far I have the engine in and running with bypassed radiator and a short exhaust header. I was able to take it for a test run and all I can say is WOW!!!!
So I you have question about the build feel free to ask. Also If you have any info that could help me please do so. I am looking for people with the highest of custom info and what the engines full capabilities are such as, will I save cooling effectivity if I run the exhaust sleeves. Can I have power and good fuel economy N/A or with a turbo.

Thank you all for checking me out, Hope to hear from you all...

R.HOLGUIN

the layout is going to be weird but all you need are some good friends that can fabricate

Pics please! I've heard of this setup before. I can imagine it Would be great.

welcome rich. when u can, check out the "old school and other rotary" section. several ppl have done rotary bugs. shouldn't have any trouble getting all the help u need.

Got Three pic's posted, hope you can see them. Still getting used to the site...

looks nice. how long u been working on it? i've always wanted to do a rail buggy.

Cool project, keep us updated!

no oil cooler?

what trans do you have to use for this?
i love when ppl mod old beetles.

Nice, ive seen something similar on a older Porsche.

Welcome.

I've been Idling my mind around this project for about 3 years now. But I just got the engine 2 months ago. I actually got this engine from a rail bug. The guy I got it from said It was a beast, and that the front wheels would get off the ground. Give it a go bro, it's the best way to max out your rotary with out having to mess with smog (I'm in CA). I've only spent $700 so far and I'd bet you can get a set up for under 3 grand. This is my way of getting killing 2 birds with one stone...Stock bug engine (STOCK 1600) $2500 maybe more or less but then you have all the issues of that engine...


Not in these pic's, but I do plan on running dual stock fc3s oil coolers in parrallel on the sides of the engine. I might change the configuration later if I find something more effective, so until then I'll stay with in my buget and use the two available one's I have...


I'm using the stock swingaxle transmission for now, which I was convinced by VW heads that it could handle 200 ponies so as long as I don't drop the clutch. There are many other alternatives such as the Rhinocase beefed up trans that can do 400+hp, so the drive train I'm not to worried about since all I want for now is a good daily drive. The setup I have now should be capable of 14 second quarter mile times, but well see...

Wow! Mean...

That's awesome. I really like this idea, I've seen a few civics and other cars that run rotaries but not may and never a VW Looks good great job

I have a 12a in my 63 bug. I just did it about a year ago.
It looks like your well on your way with yours. I run my radiator up front with the hoses running through the tunnel but with no holes in the hood just a small scoop under the front apron. I would be concerned with air flow to the radiator putting it in the back.
Also mine runs in low 14s so you should definitely be in the 14s or better with your 13b.

Sounds like a sweet build. Post some pics!

that looks like it would b a very fun ride

I like it, I built a bug while in college, belonged to a friend of mine, we rebuilt the boxer that was in it and it ran for 3 days until the car caught fire because my buddy didn't attatch all grounds. >.>

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the support, I used to get alot of funny looks and negative remarks when I'd mention the thought of this project. Then I get even more mixed thoughts when I mention the rad set up's. But don't worry, I'm staying positive and pushing through all the B.S. Right now I'm fabricating the intake manifold to a motorcraft 2100 (1.21) nice and low so it will sit flush with the top of the engine. I'm also fabing the exaust system, and building my own alternator relocation bracket all out of stainless steel. I might even do some custom stuff for the use of an electric water pump. Everything is going to be stainless steel (because it's available) so I think it will be pretty cool and original. Oh and I'm also going to get rid of the stock oil fill tube, so you will mostly see a bare engine. Later I would like to run a stand alone F.I. system so I can make my own plenum (stainless of course) and utilize a crank angle sensor getting rid of the distributor (or maybe still using the regular CAS) making the engine as naked and simple as possible, leaving lots of room for a rad in the back.

Thanks everyone see you soon....

Update,

finished the custom exhaust. Went with a simple wrap around system using 2.5 O.D. stainless .065 inch thick. headers are approx. 3' into a 2.5 inch "Y" that is also approx 3' into a cherry bomp type muffler. Over all sound is tolerable. Idle is quiet, mid is mild, but top is pretty loud. Having problems with high exhaust temps (headers are glowing bright red at 4000 RPM). Hope fully will have the problem ironed out soon...

very cool:icon_tup:

I can't even imagine how quick that little thing will be. Gotta love the old Beetles.

hey all whats up ? my name is Vino im doing the very same project my car is a 64 as well but i have a 12a FI blow thru i cant seem to get an info on the ECU i have been told its never gonna run right, I have been told its to expensive and so forth and so forth any how i went with this project just on the power to weight ratio has got to be wonderful anyhow im new to this sight and dont know much about posts and what not, but the motor has really big ports and i have a Janvey 50mm throttle body on the racing beat wrap over style manifold with a FC3 turbo. So i am hoping the next puzzle piece (the ecu) will bring this thing to life. : )

Looking good Rich!

sounds like an awesome challenge! i would like to see a picture of it when you get the radiator in there :)

awesome swap. help a buddy years ago with a 13b swap in a bettle and having an exhaust about 6in. long you could probably imagin the amazing sound coming from that!

how did you attach the rotary motor to the vw transaxle? Adapter im assuming?

Yes,

Kennedy engineering makes adapters and all the necessary equipment to do the swap. Hardest parts is finding an autotrans counter weight.

not for me not sure about rich ill be putting my motor in this weekend and ill upload some pics

what a great match, beetle and rota!!! yum:bigok:

Hey thanks guys,

I will post pics as soon as possible, I will include the engine with my custom exhaust and with a stock S4 turbo bolted on so you can see how it looks in the VW.

this looks like an awesome project. always love the old beetles. so much potential.

Here is a quick pic of my current exhaust system that I built.

And if you were curious if a stock turbo would fit, it does...with no trimming of anything. this one is a S4...Hope to make a plenum and intake that I can fit in there to use this...

Sounds fun, welcome aboard...

nasty! (in a good way ;)..)

Love the project Rich, I can't say I've heard of a Rotary Beetle until now although I'm new to the forums and haven't been exploring yet so as I spotted in another post there's a few more for me to see in the Other Rotaries section. Good work though fella

looks like a fun project car. would love to see more pics and vids of it running when you're finished!

that is bad ass

really cool and unique!

never would have thought of a 13b in a bug haha. love it.

Video when you can.

Unique swap, please show us a finished result.

that looks awsome and it should be quick as hell

Fairly easy swap, a couple of friends from PR have Rotary Vw's (i.e Ghias, things, and Beetles).

I like rotary beetles, they look like it came like that from the factory.

I'm sure the hardcore vdub people hate this, but man this is awesome.

Awesome

Rx-8 13-b
 

I need some help finding a shop to finish my project. 05 RX-8 13-B heavily ported running a single T-70 turbo, Tial 42 wastegate, FD Tran, Microtech ECU. I need one motor mount set, Three oils lines made and installed, One throttle body cable, and the wiring finished and all the unused hose blocked off. If you know any shops in Southern California please let me know. I need to finish and get her running again. Thanks

Very nice Rich. I love seeing swaps in older vehicles as well :). Keep it up.

Just awesome. Theirs a guy I work with and he was thinking of doing a rotary in a VW Bug. I'll have to show him your pics.

I seen it done before it should be cool good luck and welcome.