more pix cont':
1st - fuel tank and front diff cover n body mounts added
2nd - radio gear, steering, almost ready for action!
3rd - servo saver, note it doesn't mate to the chassis, hence the thick plate above, and there's a substantial bolt which holds it all together
4th - just a side view of the car
5th - all complete and ready for ripping the track up :w00t:
I thought I'd do a little write-up on what this conversion entails, not sure how many people are looking into doing this – but I can tell you now, it's well worth it for a few reasons
1.you get to know your model inside out, so when something goes wrong you can have a rough idea where n what it could be
2.having that extra driving axle is bliss when the cars' pushing out so much power. My MB's been crying out for the extra traction for a long time and is a perfect complement for it
3.it looks good, you can't really tell it's got the extra driving axle until you either get up close or see it running!
One thing I can recommend – do follow the instructions and do what they say!!! I read through them first before I touched anything and did wonder about a few issues, which when it came to that part of the modification I decided to “cut the corner” so to speak and found out the hard way – which meant going back a step, taking things apart again and doing it correctly, so don't wonder about things and just do what it says. Remember, FG is German, and we all know how well renowned they are for doing these kind of things efficiently! Just look at their automotive industry.
The conversion itself..
Here's an issue I had to go back on:
Hacksawing part of the engine casing off!! WHAT THE FU*#..??!!
mg: There's a small lug which protrudes out from the fan casing on the fr'd side of the engine. When fitting the fuel tank mount plate, it has to sit higher due to the belt channel underneath. Initially when I read the instructions, I wasn't keen on chopping away chunks of the engine....I had to in the end or else the fuel tank will not fit, simple as that.
Another issue – clutch spring – a blue spring comes with the kit, and seems a lot harder than the standard spring. I haven't fitted this yet, my line of thinking with the need for it is to introduce a higher clutch release rpm – I'm guessing the 4WD drive train needs the extra oomph to get it going efficiently. I'll experiment first n see, they're easy enough to change anyway.
Gearing – it comes with a new pinion and layshaft gear. I fitted the layshaft gear as you don't really get a choice. (This next part contains my first of two gripes – as they provide a new, slightly different large engine mount, I've had to remove my alloy large engine mount
) When fixing the engine to the chassis, there is a 32mm horizontal screw which runs from the rear left side of the diff housing, and screws into the top part of the larger engine mount, helping the engine stay put along with the four main mount screws, underneath. So the position of the engine is kind of fixed, not much scope for installing a larger (or smaller) gear for different levels of performance. Besides, the layshaft gear lives in a small arched cover which completes the casing of the rear diff (when offered up to it) stopping any crap from getting in there, as the size of this can't really be adjusted. So it's fair to say the layshaft gearing can't be adjusted either.. (unless you fancy taking a Stanley to it!!) :w00t:
One thing I don't like involves offering the engine up to the rear diff housing - due to the layshaft gear cover, you can't clearly see if it's meshing properly with the diffs large steel gear, and I don't want to remove the cover as it stops any crap getting in there when blasting around the track/beach. I think this is an area I'm going to have to play with n come up with my own modification, why they couldn't have made it transparent instead is beyond me.. In all honesty, that's the second of the two gripes I've got with this conversion.
The pinion and spur gears – as my MB has a lot of power kicking out from it, using the standard size gears was just a nightmare. It would wheelie, spin out, and that was feathering the throttle aswell?! When the throttle was sharply opened, it would flip over... So, a while back I gave the car longer legs by fitting larger gears.. the model can still wheelie when you get it in its power band, but is not so unpredictable anymore, it's become more user friendly and I was then able to compete around the track
and due to the power developed it can afford to have longer gearing as it still has the torque to accelerate swiftly. I also stuck with the alloy gear carrier and single large rear brake disc, it fits fine and doesn't interfere with the new diff casing in any way. So it's staying!
Exhaust – they provide a new standard muffler. On initial inspection it is slightly different at the top of the box, not quite so square, looks like someone's taken a hammer to it in the factory to flatten a few areas out?? I'm sticking with the JetPro, as it's the main reason for the MB going so flippin' quick, I don't want it to lose that at all. And I would rather modify something else than lose the exhaust.
The kit itself from FG is fantastic. Opening the large box (because there's a chassis in there), you are faced with a well packaged selection of alphabetically labelled bags. These all contain, from A to K, parts needed for the conversion, replacing many original 2WD components. You'll be amazed how much comes with it – it's practically a whole new car!!!
you'll also utilise a few parts from the 2WD car too, like the innards of the rear diff that becomes the new front diff, shocks, driveshafts, etc... I'll draw up a list (which'll be in the order of conversion according to the instruction manual) a little later. The price too, I got mine (depending on the exchange rate) – delivered – incl tax – all for £260. I think it's a snip for what you get in parts and for the potential performance and difference of the car when it's finished. And also, I've got quite a lot of spares anyway which I've accumulated over the years, so with what's been taken off from this conversion, I reckon I'll have enough to make up another FG Beetle
The chassis – it is basically the same, slightly wider at the front due to the diff housing, a billion more drilled countersunk holes in it too. Being 4WD the car will develop more forces acting upon different areas of the chassis compared to a 2WD– so things need to be a little more secure and screwed down.
The instruction manual is good too. Usual FG style black n white photo's, most are very clear on what to do, the odd other may require a good hard look to decipher something. The grammer is also good, though remember – they just go down the route of “do it” and don't wonder why??! There's no explanation for fitting that particular part, or chopping off pieces of ya engine – just do it!
So, what components does the kit require from the original 2WD? During the conversion I drew up a list of what the 2WD had to donate:
1.Rear hubs (complete)
2.Rear driveshafts
3.Rear shocks
4.Rear lower wishbones
5.Rear diff internals
6.Front ball joints (4 of)
7.2x front wheel bearings
8.Front shocks
9.Body shell supports
10.Front body mount pillars
11.Complete engine
12.Small engine mount (they provide a slightly different shaped larger mount)
13.Layshaft bearing
14.Gear carrier and spur gear
15.Clutch
16.Fuel tank and clamp
17.Radio Gear
18.Steering arms (from servo)
19.Trackrod arms
20.Steering balljoints
21.Wheels/Tyres
22.Rear part of roll cage
23.Beetle body shell
It's an extremely snug conversion, and I'm sure you'll agree from the photo's it does look very neat and with no exposed moving parts, which are likely to trap the odd wire, finger! When I compare it to other 4WD models available, I'd have to say I'd go FG. Again, I can recommend doing this conversion to anyone who owns a 2WD FG. It's easy to convert, you can learn a lot about your car, and it's good value for money! Once I've ran the car in (things seem very tight at the moment, but that's only to be expected with it being new), I'll come back with another little review on what it's like and what's broken (though I hope nothing does), and some video too.
