63 Custom or not to custom?

Magicmrc · Post by **Magicmrc** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 10:09 pm

A 63 Ghia was given to me. The body is in really bad shape and it is missing the engine. I'd like to make it low and fast. I was thinking about a 289 or 302 V8 powerplant but want to keep the weight down. Rear or front engine? Personaly I'd like the 289 rear engine setup but don't know what trans would work. Please help me out. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

[This message has been edited by Magicmrc (edited 12-13-2002).]

airwerks · Post by **airwerks** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 10:37 pm

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

So few left please don't chop it up(beg, beg, beg)

Seriously, Go to the high perf/drag race forum and look around-theres tons you can do to the a/c vw motor and have a haulin' ass car.(Also avoid an assload of chassis/ drivetrain fitment probs)

2cents

Magicmrc · Post by **Magicmrc** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 11:25 pm

It's in really bad shape. I mean u can't go 6inchs on the body without comming to another dent. The nose will have to be clipped I think. The headlight opennings are rotted out plus theres like 1 gallon of bondo just on the nose. The roof is smooth, and the doors and rear of the car isn't too bad. I'd like to make the headlight opennings like a ghia I saw in a magazine where they slant a bit. (black ghia, don't remember the magazine)As for the VW engine sound. Arrg, I don't like it. Any other power plants that I can use? Any ideas would be appreciated. I still am not sure what route i want to go.

[This message has been edited by Magicmrc (edited 12-14-2002).]

dblcross · Post by **dblcross** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 4:29 am

Don't like the sound! Part it out and buy yourself a Chevy.

John Kelly · Post by **John Kelly** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 6:22 am

Personally I think the only thing sweeter sounding than a high performance aircooled VW engine is an air cooled 911 engine! But if you want a V8 in a Ghia you might consider mid engine. Any other choice with that much weight will compromise handling. As far as headlight modifications, the '50s Ghia headlights are hard to beat for beauty, but european 911 headlights are an option. I don't like the layed back headlights on a Ghia because they are out of touch with the style of the body. As far as customizing a rust bucket, go ahead. Despite what others may think, there are plenty of Ghias around still. Saving one from the crusher by customizing to fit your tastes is a great idea! Here is a link to give you some ideas, and also check out my web site below.
http://metalshapers.org/cgi-bin/communi ... 0093068868

John www.ghiaspecialties.com