13b ROTARY POWERED 64' BEETLE
Thread Starter
Pretengineer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield, CA
Update,
Well, after attempting to do a test run and finding that my clutch was fried, I completely disassembled everything. And I mean everything. I was looking to purchase a better trans, but after pricing it out to nearly $2000 I decided to try and rebuild my stock trans. It's a good thing I took matters in to my own hands. Now I have a rebuilt stock trans with welded 3rd and 4th gears a super differential and new syncros + a new pinion bearing. I also will be using a Kennedy stage 1 clutch that is rated for 176 ft. lbs torque. perfect for what I'll be using.
I have everything back together and managed a short run with my radiator in the back, and all I can say is that I smiled the whole day after that. Now I will be plumbing the coolant line up to the front and I will try to squeeze a mazda protege or honda accord rad in the front.
I also got another 13b engine as a spare. This one is an actual Turbo that I hope to have in the bug soon. Take a look at the STUD I broke off it during my removal and inspection of the engine. I was lucky enough to weld another stainless screw back on...
Well, after attempting to do a test run and finding that my clutch was fried, I completely disassembled everything. And I mean everything. I was looking to purchase a better trans, but after pricing it out to nearly $2000 I decided to try and rebuild my stock trans. It's a good thing I took matters in to my own hands. Now I have a rebuilt stock trans with welded 3rd and 4th gears a super differential and new syncros + a new pinion bearing. I also will be using a Kennedy stage 1 clutch that is rated for 176 ft. lbs torque. perfect for what I'll be using.
I have everything back together and managed a short run with my radiator in the back, and all I can say is that I smiled the whole day after that. Now I will be plumbing the coolant line up to the front and I will try to squeeze a mazda protege or honda accord rad in the front.
I also got another 13b engine as a spare. This one is an actual Turbo that I hope to have in the bug soon. Take a look at the STUD I broke off it during my removal and inspection of the engine. I was lucky enough to weld another stainless screw back on...
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: GA
Glad to see you still at it. I Just order the adaptor/flywheel/stage 1 from Kenney. I maybe premature in ordering the parts since my big requires a lot of work.
I’m going carb but haven’t decided witch on, Doll 48mm maybe… curious how easy/painful is the fuel injection conversion?
Keep the build alive, lol. It’s going to be crazy fast.
I’m going carb but haven’t decided witch on, Doll 48mm maybe… curious how easy/painful is the fuel injection conversion?
Keep the build alive, lol. It’s going to be crazy fast.
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
I had the 12a in my 63 for about 2 years and it was a lot of fun. But I have gone to the american muscle dark side with a 350 small block up front. 
Get that thing on the road so you can enjoy your hard work.
Get that thing on the road so you can enjoy your hard work.
Last edited by 12a 63; Mar 19, 2013 at 01:33 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: seattle
Hopefully this will be some motivation. I picked up this 12a converted bug a while ago. I've since pulled it from that bug and getting the rag top you can barely see in the video ready for the conversion. It currently has a Delorto carb which you can tell doesnt work all the greatest. I've since changed it over to a weber, which runs much better with better top end. New rotary Bug - YouTube .
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Riverside, CA
Woah 12a 63. Thats pretty wild. I have never seen the whole small block up front thing on any beetle.
Thread Starter
Pretengineer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield, CA
