please help stupid kat

[anti-net]

Originally Posted by bafranksbro

A manual trans would help I would think. My Jetta is only a 2.0 with a manual, as you know, and I have no problems with sluggishness, the auto probably takes away any of the grunt that little 4 can manage to put out. I'm assuming though that a manual trans would cost a boat load as well.

Also got to ask, did you ever get that light checked out on the dash? I thought I read if a few places that that's usually a combined problem with the car running even more sluggish than normal, don't know if it's possible that that might be the case with yours.

EDIT: Just quickly checked for manual transmissions and although I don't know exactly which one might fit in Peggy but it's quite a bit cheaper either way than the turbo.

I agree about the transmission just having an manual would reduce the 0-60 time by nearly 2secs
2.0 Auto: 12.5
2.0 Manual: 10.6

Also, Damn the Beetle is fat:
Beetle 2.0: 1359 kg
Golf 2.0: 1184 kg

[prizrak]

Swapping in a manual might be too much work/money for what it is. I would suggest selling yours and getting one with a stick if you want a stick.

[bafranksbro]

Originally Posted by anti-net

Also, Damn the Beetle is fat:
Beetle 2.0: 1359 kg
Golf 2.0: 1184 kg

If I just did the conversion correctly my Jetta weights much more than that. The sticker in my car says 3682lbs. for the GVWR.

[MadCow809]

Originally Posted by katwalk

It is laggy and slow, and I would like to know how to remedy this best, keeping in mind that just slapping a turbo on it tends to end in disaster which is why the VW 2.0 turbo is totally reworked for having a turbo, and just chipping the engine as is now does next to nothing.

Forget about transmission swap, too much of a hassle and it's not that easy as it sounds. You are just asking for trouble.

Those VW 2.0 T plants are quite powerful when you chip it. Thats what I would recommend for you. You will see a 20~30bhp gain, with more mid range torque, that should solve your problem.

If you are still not satisfied with the power after chipping it, then parhaps you made a big mistake buying this car in the first place.

[bartboy9891]

Originally Posted by MadCow809

Forget about transmission swap, too much of a hassle and it's not that easy as it sounds. You are just asking for trouble.

Those VW 2.0 T plants are quite powerful when you chip it. Thats what I would recommend for you. You will see a 20~30bhp gain, with more mid range torque, that should solve your problem.

If you are still not satisfied with the power after chipping it, then parhaps you made a big mistake buying this car in the first place.

She doesn't have a 2.0T, it's a 2.0. The 2.0T has, for example in the Audi A3, 200hp. The naturally aspirated 2.0 in the Beetle Convertible has 115hp.

[llpc60]

sell it and buy a miata, its just as gay, er, girly =)

[chaos386]

Originally Posted by bafranksbro

If I just did the conversion correctly my Jetta weights much more than that. The sticker in my car says 3682lbs. for the GVWR.

GVWR is the weight of the car plus the maximum load it can carry.

And to all you people suggesting she buy a new car: while it's technically the smartest option, the car is very special to her, and she's not willing to sell it, even for another Beetle convertible.

[Spectre]

OK, then the cheapest option is to find someone with connections to insurance auctions (friendly licensed car dealer, body shop, etc., etc.) and get a wrecked Beetle with the powertrain that you desire. Otherwise, getting all the parts you need for such a swap will suck and be hideously expensive.

[Posmo]

Originally Posted by Labcoatguy

I LOL'd. + Rep coming your way, gentleman
"You're lucky that hundred shot of NOS didn't blow the welds on the intake!"

Oh yeah, on topic->

I suggest you just sell the car, as you said, the car means more to you than people do? You can't turn a rubbish car into a good one, unless you really want to upset your bank manager. As the other guys suggested, buy a gti, or better yet, an R32..

BTW, why did even buy the ridiculous beetle, if you dont mind me asking?

[DTMracer]

I reckon if you're going mod a beetle convertible, you might as well go crazy and slot in an Evo engine and make it really fast on the strip. If you also enjoy going around corners, why not drop the rest of the Evo drivetrain in there

[Scott]

If you are going to put a blower on there DO NOT change your cams. The Neuspeed kit is designed to run with stock cams, and if you change them you will most likely lose power instead of gaining it.

There are several very reliable turbo kits floating around for that motor, and trust me when I say that the 2 liter VW motor is VERY capable of handling just about anything you can throw at it.

Also,. have you looked at your exhaust options?

Swapping the auto for a manual is not a bad idea either, and having done it twice already I can say that you are looking at a good solid weekend of work if you DIY. If you are paying someone, figure about 15 hours of labor, and do the math....

[Steve Levin]

Cheapest and best way to improve performance is to be more aggressive with your feet. Take advantage of the auto tranny's torque converter by "stacking" the engine against it when possible. For example, when slowing for a curve, brake with your left foot and keep some power on. The fluid in the transmission will "absorb" the power discrepency so that as you release the brake, the engine will already be at a higher output. In addition, you will (by virtue of already having your foot on the gas pedal) be quicker and harder back to the power, all of which will add up.

Modifying your car's engine is the surest way to sadness. IME, there's about a 4:1 tradeoff of sadness to power. So a little power mod causes sadness, and a large power mod leads to great sadness and empty pocketbooks.

If you find the driving technique doesn't get the job done, then trade it in on a turbo. That said, you should get a lot out of technique if you work at it.

If you are near the SF Bay Area I'd be happy to teach you what I'm talking about.

Steve

[tigger]

I know you said you want to keep it, but I'd just go for something else. I'd hate to think what a manual transmission swap would take in that car . In my limited experience, I've found that a manual transmission can make even the lamest of cars slightly entertaining to drive, maybe even fun! Maybe a Beetle or some other VW with a manual and possibly a turbo would be a better starting point. Hey, you could always take your cash and put it towards a classic Bug project, getting you a cheap, light chassis with a proper transmission and tons of potential.

[prizrak]

A tranny swap in that car would be a nightmare. A friend of mine was telling me about how difficult it is working on those beetles, he basically said that to change oil you pretty much need to drop the engine out. I don't even want to start thinking what you need to do for a tranny swap.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by prizrak

A tranny swap in that car would be a nightmare. A friend of mine was telling me about how difficult it is working on those beetles, he basically said that to change oil you pretty much need to drop the engine out. I don't even want to start thinking what you need to do for a tranny swap.

ummmmmm.... no...

It is not that tough, not even close.

[bafranksbro]

Originally Posted by tigger

I know you said you want to keep it, but I'd just go for something else. I'd hate to think what a manual transmission swap would take in that car . In my limited experience, I've found that a manual transmission can make even the lamest of cars slightly entertaining to drive, maybe even fun! Maybe a Beetle or some other VW with a manual and possibly a turbo would be a better starting point. Hey, you could always take your cash and put it towards a classic Bug project, getting you a cheap, light chassis with a proper transmission and tons of potential.

That actually just made me realize something, for the money of that turbo you could buy a used VW with a manual trans and if your lucky, a turbo. I mean that $2,500 is how much I paid for my entire car!!!! Only problem with that is it would still cost that much and Peggy would still be sluggish. At least Peggy doesn't look sluggish with her racing stripes.

[bartboy9891]

Originally Posted by bafranksbro

That actually just made me realize something, for the money of that turbo you could buy a used VW with a manual trans and if your lucky, a turbo. I mean that $2,500 is how much I paid for my entire car!!!! Only problem with that is it would still cost that much and Peggy would still be sluggish. At least Peggy doesn't look sluggish with her racing stripes.

Does Peggy also have Daisy Wheels?

[Serj]

headers with straight pipe to stock muffler, ghetto airbox the intake, get a piggyback unit like a SAFCII or VAFCII (yes, the vtec units will work on non-vtec cars) and just tune every ounce on it. You'll need a wiring diagram and patience, and a soldering iron. Also, get smaller diameter rims & tires. I know this sounds counter to handling, but if you get wide rims, you can put enough rubber to add to your handling. Look for the Lightest rims available for your car. Usually a good price/weight ratio are enkeis. This will make the engine work less and rev higher for the same speed. bad for fuel economy, but better for acceleration. change out all your fluids to PAO/ester synthetics. AMSoil is recommended.

Headers run anywhere from $500-$1000 and will be the most costly next to new wheels.
Rims + tires = around $2k, give or take, but very beneficial (less rotating mass!!)
Ghetto Airbox = Free, and can add up to 12hp and 15tq depending on the engine
piggyback ECU like SAFC/VAFC = around $200-300 on ebay brand new.

it wont be as easy as a chip, but the rewards + the respect for doing your own mods instead of a bunch of cheesy bolt-ons = awesome!

[prizrak]

Originally Posted by Scott