Lightweight Beetle

[carrollvw]

We are trying to build a lightweight beetle. It is for commuter use, not the track. We are looking for someone who has already done this or does anyone have ideas on things not saftey related that can be removed to loose weight? Our goal is to strip 300 lbs of this car keeping the airbags and a/c. Can this be done oh wide beetle org members?

[h_2_o]

things the come to mind for me anyway

rear seat
spare tire & tools
skid plate if any
helium in tires (j/k)
headliner
carpet
passangers seat (if only 1 occupant)
rear speakers
arm rest


yeah most are not do-able just trying to think of the non-essentials that can be removed

[Wingnut_rb]

Depends on how bare bones you are willing to go. Window regulators, door cards, spoiler motor if equipped, wheaties instead of doughnuts Radio, engine cover, under hood insulation, console, stock muffler (go straight pipe)

[Palmettoguy]

Originally Posted by carrollvw

Can this be done oh wide beetle org members?

I'm quite thin, thank u very much
Get rid of un-needed seats, get lighter rims, get smaller muffler, remove spare tire/ tool kit, snow snorkel, remove glove box, rear seat panels, ect, ect...

[doublebarrel]

You could also remove the radio,speakers and carpet.

[Tesla]

Get Borla cat-back. It's half the weight and double the flow Remove radio (speakers too) and heating/cooling units (this is a bit extreme but will get rid of many grams). Remove all roof racks and spoilers, stickers etc, keep the paint polished, do not fill up gas tank (go only half a tank at the time - works for me . Keep your RPMs low and use cruise control whenever it's possible.

my 02 cents

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Tesla

Get Borla cat-back.

Oh, more info on the Borla catback, PLEASE!!! Big Borla fan here! Last time I looked, they didn't offer any part of a system for a NB, catback or otherwise.

@the OPer - have you considered deleting the steel body and going to some type of a dune buggy style? Should greatly reduce the weight of your vehicle, and you'll likewise be able to delete all the heating and cooling system. Find one with an acrylic drop down windshield and you will not only reduce the weight not having glass, but you can drop it down and reduce wind drag significantly. You might even consider removing the engine and installing pedals. This should definately improve your fuel consumption and economy, to say nothing of really getting those calves and thighs in shape.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Bumpin', hoping for some info on the Borla exhaust! (see above)

M.

[Tesla]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

Bumpin', hoping for some info on the Borla exhaust! (see above)

M.

Borla is cool I installed it 2 years ago and I love it! I was looking for cat-back for a long time, waiting on a good deal on Borla system and one day a guy posted here saying he have 3 kits for under 200 bucks each. I got one for my self ( I have 2000, 2.0 manual)and my buddy got onother one for his turbo bug. It's half the weight compared to OEM cat-back, it's stainless steel, sound is just brutal, deep and rich, it gives a great performance upgrade and it looks like a jewel
Here are two videos I uploaded so you can check out the sound:

YouTube - Borla Cat-Back and K&N CAI on 2000, 2.0 VW New Beetle

YouTube - Borla Cat-Back and K&N CAI on my 2000, 2.0 VW New Beetle

Original price for 2000, 2.0 new beetle was near 800 bucks. Not cheap, but, look for a deal and be patient.

Cheers

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Tesla

Borla is cool I installed it 2 years ago and I love it! I was looking for cat-back for a long time, waiting on a good deal on Borla system and one day a guy posted here saying he have 3 kits for under 200 bucks each. I got one for my self ( I have 2000, 2.0 manual)and my buddy got onother one for his turbo bug. It's half the weight compared to OEM cat-back, it's stainless steel, sound is just brutal, deep and rich, it gives a great performance upgrade and it looks like a jewel
Here are two videos I uploaded so you can check out the sound:

YouTube - Borla Cat-Back and K&N CAI on 2000, 2.0 VW New Beetle

YouTube - Borla Cat-Back and K&N CAI on my 2000, 2.0 VW New Beetle

Original price for 2000, 2.0 new beetle was near 800 bucks. Not cheap, but, look for a deal and be patient.

Cheers

Also owning a Vette, I'm very familiar with Borla. I haven't been on their site for a while, was there looking up muffler that was advertised. From what I remember, what I found was a universal Borla muffler, not engineered specifically for the Bug, and it had been discontinued. I'm sure even the universal to pricey for the NB market. Probably what you bought. A full blown engine specific catback Borla system $800-$1500 plus install. Going to have to go there and see if they have finally engineered one for the NB.
One step down, Corsa, but ditto, nothing from them either.

Yep, went there, no universal or engineered for the NB, like I thought! But I was hopin'!. I did see a VW online Dealer with a OEM s/s Sport exhaust catback, for, I think it was $860. Probably engineered specifically for the NB. Probably lots of much cheaper "ricer" type systems around though.

MORAV

[SMG]

Originally Posted by carrollvw

It is for commuter use, not the track.

LOL! How ass-backwards. This thread is full retard.