Andrew Searle's 74 1303S

The car

Andy's car previously had a State Side Tuning 1776. Andy wanted to go faster (a lot faster). Paul Hamilton (at VW Speedshop) had all the parts for a 2443cc engine. We sent Andy to see Paul and he came back with several large boxes of parts.

We put together the engine and fitted along with the gearbox and a Paul Hamilton designed NOS nitrous system with progressive controller. The car has a Digital-6 MSD ignition setup. This has a 2-step ignition retard facility. We have fitted a microswitch under the handbrake (which has been modified for use as a staging brake). This operates the first stage rev limiter, which act as a launch control. The second stage limiter acts as an overall rev limiter to prevent engine damage should anything go wrong.

The Digital-6 also has the facility to retard the ignition when the nitrous is activated so we can take out as much timing as required for the level of nitrous that is being used.

A Hurst line lock is also fitted.

The NOS progressive controller is a useful piece of kit. It allows us to use more nitrous in a controlled fashion instead of one large hit. When you are only putting 50hp of nitrous through an engine, the sudden extra strain on the engine is not too bad - however, if you want to put 100 to 150hp through an engine, then if you can introduced it gradually over a few seconds, the chances of engine damage is minimised. The NOS progressive controller allows us to do this.

The engine and gearbox are solid mounted with Bugpack solid mountings, a VW Speedshop intermediate mount (fitted with Funkenblitz aluminium blocks). Funkenblitz CDS tube support bars brace the rear mount to the rear seat area. Extra reinforcing has been added to the rear luggage area.

We have fitted several saftey systems to the nitrous setup. This prevents the nitrous being activate while the launch control is being used, also the nitrous can only be used when the engine is running. The whole system is powered via a battery cut off switch - and no nitrous can be used without this being switched on. The nitrous bottle heater is also powered from this. The main arming and purge switches are fitted to the dashboard within easy reach of the driver.

Of all the Volkswagens that we have made go fast, this car is undoubtedly the most stable. 7,500 revs in 4th is a shade over 130mph. In this car, it feels safe. We put this down to the 1303 suspension setup. Personally, our favourite style of car is the old-school California look. However, it cannot be denied that the 1303 is a very stable car at speed. We would consider fitting IRS rear suspension to any Beetle or Karmann Ghia - the difference between swing axle and IRS is vast.

Andy has not had any chance to get much track time in the car yet. He has a set of Erco raceweight wheels with M&H treaded tyres for use at a track. We will be going to a Run What You've Brung as soon as possible to test the car.

Engine specification (2443cc)

Gearbox specifications (Rancho Pro-Drag IRS)

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