Dune Buggy with FWD Mopar Engine/Transaxle Combo

The VW aircooled engine and trans are going to be getting scarcer as
the last world production aircooled VWs have recently been
discontinued. People wanting to build dune buggies are probably going
to be going over to FWD transverse packages. Is Mopar a better way to
go than GM, Ford, or Honda, and why?

 

There have been lots of buggies and trikes build using the Subaru
power train. Also some with the old Renault (which is also becoming
scarse - thankfully)
Quite a few with GM powertrains too - Fiero in particular, as they are
designed to run "out back"

You will want to use what is commonly available, reliable, and
light-weight. Being well packaged is also a bonus. I can see the
Neon/PT 4 cyls being a good choice

 

Subarus are popular because, being "boxer" engines, they have more of the
"look" of air cooled VW's. Of course, they also work very well.

 

:"The VW aircooled engine and trans are going to be
getting scarcer as the last world production aircooled VWs have recently
been discontinued. People wanting to build dune buggies are probably going
to be going over to FWD transverse packages. Is Mopar a better way to go
than GM, Ford, or Honda, and why?"

I not sure about which would be better. Someone else mentioned Subaru. I
don know a lot of people that use a Subaru in a Mud boat or on a Super Go
Devil boat since they are lighter then a Chevy, Ford or Mopar engine.

Sarge

 

I don't know if they'd be a "better" choice, but there's a lot of
potential. The FWD drag racing crowd has proven that the turbo 2.2/2.5
can be pushed to absolutely insane horsepower levels with inexpensive
modifications and remain streetable and reliable. Perhaps the 3.5 V6 and
42LE from LH-series cars might also prove interesting in that it could
be used for a mid-engine buggy setup, but it would be heavier and more
expensive to come by.

 

From your typing, I can't tell if you *do* or *don't* know of a lot of
people who use Subaru engines for such applications, but many do come
turbocharged (EA82 engine of the 80's) - pretty good power to weight.
For exceptional reliability, the EA81 engine (70's and early 80's) would
be the choice - used in aircraft primariy because cam is gear driven (a
few of those were turbocharged, but not as many as the EA82 - EA82 is
belt driven overhead cams).

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
adddress with the letter 'x')

 

There are many Subarus flying, i don't know that I'm happy with the
Eggenfellner setup though.

 

Anyone want an EA71? (just like an ea81, but 1600cc instead of 1800?
Cheap if you are close to Waterloo Ontario (100km west of Toronto)