Building a Better Bug or Beetle

Whether you know it as a Beetle or a Bug, andchromed.
whether your image of it is the classic version or theTaking the Cal Look a bit farther, there is the Resto
New Beetle introduced in the late 1990's, chances areCal look, which includes the addition of a roof rack, and
that this is the car that you associate with thepossibly wing mirrors, stone guards, and mud flaps.
Volkswagen brand more than any other. WhyFront indicator lenses, and tail lights are often changed
shouldn't you? The cute, compact car is inexpensive,as well. Even more personalized looks can be
easy to maintain, and pretty versatile for such a smallachieved by changing or removing door handles, or
vehicle.changing the hinging of the hood and trunk. While
It is because of this combination of easy oflowering the Beetle is a common modification,
maintenance and iconic styling that the classic VWhowever, another equally common element of
Beetle has becoming one of the most popular cars tonon-VW customizations, the use of tunneling
be customized. After all, it seems designed to accept(Frenching) head lights is not.
personalizations, and everyone recognizes the basicAside from cosmetic changes, popular ways to
lines of the car.modify a classic Beetle include engine mods. The
Most Beetle owners don't change much about thestandard engine is a flat-4, air-cooled engine in sizes
interior of the car. Some might add a sound system,from 1200-1600cc, but because most of the parts are
generally a subwoofer and a few speakers, andmerely bolted on, replacing them with larger or
after-market steering wheels are popular as well. Inhigher-performance pieces is relatively simple. The
addition, racing enthusiasts, or race car drivers - Herbiestandard engine has been customized into
isn't the only Bug ever to take a turn on a speedway,configurations much larger than 2400 cc by adding
after all - go so far as to strip the interior and installpiston/cylinder kits and turbochargers, Other
bucket seats, race harnesses, and a roll cage.enthusiasts have completely replaced the power plant,
The bulk of Beetle modifications, however, areusing a VW Type 4 2-liter flat-4 engine, a
cosmetic, and feature styles like the Cal Look, a set ofturbocharged Subaru flat 4, or even flat 6s as found in
customizations that has existed for more than 30Chevy Corvairs or Porsche 911s. Other power
years, albeit with some evolution over time. Generally,upgrades include the use of dual carb systems, and
the first alteration is to lower the car's suspension andstronger transmissions.
change the wheels. While period style EMPI 5- orFrom cosmetic customizations to motor modifications,
8-spoke rims are the most popular choices, otherit's clear that even though the New Beetle is sporty,
people favor Speedwell BRMs. Another changestylish, and popular, it's the classic Bug that is still in the
involves stripping the bumpers and trim, or replacing thehearts of auto enthusiasts everywhere.
bumpers with push bars, though sometimes the stockFeatures and specs of all the newest cars available
bumpers are retained and either polished, painted, ornow at CarSeek.