Ecotec Test drive in the Baja Bug.

Finally I get to drive the Bug around with the Ecotec. In this video I have her insured and titled so I can do some good testing of the Ecotec.

[@jonathanharrison9497]

That looks incredibly fun! Great job yet again! Your hard work is very inspirational for me on my projects. Thanks! It’s so cool to see it driving on the dirt.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks buddy. It looks fun and it was fun. lol

[@IllusoryRedoubt]

Great job Doug, it looks like a heap of fun. I think Mrs Doug would appreciate a heater 👍🏻 when you have it all dialed in it will be unstoppable. Congratulations on a great achievement mate 👍🏻

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks Craig, Not sure adding a heater would help with the wife. She doesn't really care to ride in it. We'll see once it has paint and carpet and a little quieter exhaust. Thanks for the comment, always good to hear from ya. ;-)

[@tracyjamestavares3255]

I am SOOO envious of you folk out the left of the Mighty Miss . You get to ride an Reg. Sand Rails , Baja Bugs , Etc.. Here near Boston you would have a S.W.A.T. Team on ya before U could get out of town . What ya did 2 Bug was great . I will stick w/ my air cooled

[@AIRMANDEBAR]

Hey Doug, great work man. I’ve been following along for awhile now and appreciate you posting everything up. I’ve got a 71 beetle, you’ve been giving me ideas for. Thanks man

[@DougBugBuilder]

Cool man, I hope the videos help with your bug! Good Luck.

[@DesertRatFabrication]

Hey Mike, the beast is alive, great test drive looked like you had a blast, the cutting brakes are really nice I have them on the Baja and the Buggy, you will have to eventually have to get some suspension seats like PRP or something like that, I have nice seats in both of mine and it makes such a big difference on comfort, I made a pattern out of wood for the rear set area in the Buggy and sent it to PRP to have them cover it in my color choice also I had them make the front seats low back with removable head rests, I am really glad I did that I love the low back look in the Buggy. Your Baja is super awesome now you can tweak and dial it in you have done most of the hard work, great job

[@juyoleyva9330]

... with all set and done a “ score-international “ sticker will make it a Bajaofficial* my man (JustSaying) great build man can’t wait for the finish work God bless ‘ Doug

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks man for the support! Who knows what I will do with her once she's up running and dialed in. Would like to take her to a couple events.

[@TheEZGZ]

Everything is a compromise. It makes one appreciate all the amazing engineering that goes into automobiles and race cars. The reason I have so many cars is that each one does a particular job better than the others. I have not found one magical set up that does everything well. I would like to suggest that I bring one of my cars down there to your place with some of my wide 5 VW wheels and tires so you can do in car test drives with my set ups on your car. My experience doing the math always seems to result different than planned. I would also suggest that you just leave the interior noisy and unfinished. The dirt and dust builds up everywhere no matter what and having it bare allows you to see and work on problems as they come up, and they will come up. Those heim joints will just get noisier and noisier as time goes on. Better to invest in a comfortable headset with person to person capability although I'm don't think that is legal on the street???? I would argue that if I got pulled over. It cracked me up when your wife was screaming about the fishtailing. LOL Your right about the cutter break too. I've been thinking about adding it to my Baja bug even though it's so heavy. When you get on the road marbles just a tap allows you to start a nice controlled drift. I love that Ecotec set up. I'm watching you closely. hehehe I fully appreciate you following your own idea's and path. We have the luxury to look at all the technology thats out there and experiment with what looks good to us. These cars are never done.....

[@DougBugBuilder]

EZGZ, man I'm street legal now. Once it gets a little warmer we need to do a meet up. That would be so fun! I'll take you up on that offer to try the wheels, that would be helpful.

[@TheEZGZ]

I agree on warming up. How far are you from that pueblo motorsports dirt play area? I haven't been there in a couple years so I don't know if it's still open. It was a great FREE place to roam around in the dirt. Just below Pueblo reservoir dam

[@DougBugBuilder]

I'm not sure, I'll look that up and let you know.

[@darylarmentrout252]

Again amazing work, I’ve been messing with Baja bugs here in the Appalachian mountains since the 90s and can honestly say I ran nothing but junk compared to you guy out west

[@DougBugBuilder]

Weather or not it's junk is in the eye of the beholder. 😁

[@fredpadilla210]

Hi Doug, I don’t know if lm right but lt looked like your front tires were not always touching the ground,maybe that may be the reason you’re having with with your front end and wobbly stearing, it was when you and your wife went on the test drive even on the paved roads. You might have your cameras on the front tires always and see if you can see it also. Anyway we loved watching during your build and hope you can get all the bugs taken care of, good night stay safe.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Hey buddy, if the front wheels are coming up that would be awesome! lol, just kidding. Thanks for the nice comment and for watching the videos! Cheers.

[@joelverdin1310]

Felicidades por tu proyecto.,!

[@joelverdin1310]

Espero algún día tener uno igual

[@joelverdin1310]

Es mi sueño de hace muchos años

[@DougBugBuilder]

Gracias por su apoyo amigo!

[@elizabethrhoades6361]

Sweet man I can't wait to see more videos

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks, should be some fun videos now that it's up and running.

Commented on the front tire balance on another vid.' There r tire shops that will cut tires true . U loose a little tread but makes a big difference especially on front tires. They may be able to true the sides that u trimmed?

[@MichaelQuick]

I started watching the video thinking this is cool and then realize it's in my neighborhood!!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Small world isn't it. ;-)

[@RandyMarsh303]

@@DougBugBuilder Just found the channel tonight and realized the same thing. Im just over in Sedalia. As soon as you got onto that dirt road i knew exactly where it was.

[@DougBugBuilder]

@@RandyMarsh303 I've cut through Sedalia many times on my way to Rampart.

[@cancerfour69er]

Nice Doug,from a standard back too you ecu,next step too a dyno run and ecu tune,then you'll see the power of these engine's.. Xx

[@DougBugBuilder]

I agree, once I get the exhaust finalized I'll find a place to dyno it.

[@cubenitup]

Doug, try using a stabilizer,.. I have a narrowed 4” beam no stablizer on my bug however I’m running 7” wide wheels.. no problems. The wider tire helps keep the car planted. Maybe it’s the lack of stablizer with such a skinny front wheel tire combo?

[@DougBugBuilder]

Angelo, I think you're right. I'm going to look into stabilizers and give one a try. Thanks.

[@griffsrearmountturbothemod1623]

You need too iron out all the bugs, get it all sorted and make sure its the way you want it and reliable, before you paint it.. just my opinion .. Love your in depth analysis on it all ... cheers Griff...

[@DougBugBuilder]

Yeah I know...thanks for the reality check. lol. I will do that. I just hate how ugly it is right now. Thanks for the comment and advice.

[@floydhenderson2248]

I can't wait to build one

[@DougBugBuilder]

I don't blame you. lol ;-)

[@tajvwss]

You made the right choice on the ecotec, I so wish I didn't spend a stupid amount of money on a turbo efi vw motor. Could've done it for less than half the price, waaay more power, and 3x the reliability with the ecotec. When you shaved the front tires, did you get them balanced? Also, how much caster are you running? Anyways, great work and look forward to more videos.

[@DougBugBuilder]

I weighed my options. Honestly I really want to work more on chassis and suspension. So I was hoping the Ecotec would be pretty easy once I had it installed. So far she runs real well. Turn her on and and forget about her. I hope it stays that way. ;-) I do however miss the simplicity and vintage of the air cooled. And it adds about 125lbs. None of my tires are balanced yet. When I was going 40mph in this video you could feel the rears getting wobly. Currently I'm running 7-8 degrees castor. I thought it wouldn't be enough. But now that I've driven it I think it's to much. I'll leave it for now, but I might experiment with turning in down some. You have to turn the wheel pretty hard to full lock and then it really snaps back to center.

[@tajvwss]

I installed an electric power steering assist assembly out of a chevy equinox?? Its been a while since I put it in. I think I have $200 for the entire assembly (not including the u-joints) to include the module to control it. All parts minus the u-joints were purchased through ebay. If you're interested I can get the info for the parts.

[@DougBugBuilder]

I'm trying to get away without power steering. But if I decide to go that route I'll ask for the info to see my options. Thanks!

[@ciberclick11]

hello doug bug i was looking at your baja bug videos but did not found any video in how you did the flooring panels of the bug you think you can talk a little bout it thanks keep it up am starting my project because of your videos

[@DougBugBuilder]

Hey Bud, two ways to handle this. I have had multiple people ask for more detail on the actual chassis. When I did the chassis I was not yet making videos. So when I tear it apart for paint I was going to make some videos where I detail some of that to hopefully help people out. Or if you need some info sooner than that email me at [e-mail] and I can give you some details. Glad the videos are helping you! That's awesome.

[@arjunsinghtomar2468]

Hello in your rear assembly top view your camber link is straight from chassis to knuckle but mine in top view it is at some angle and my wheel gaining camber about 15-20 degree but your wheel is not gaining that much camber can you help in that

[@DougBugBuilder]

If you are changing camber that much I would think that your geometry is not correct. In order to travel with minimal or no camber change the geometry of the upper link and lower arm need to be the same. This means that their length needs to me the same between the two. And the upper and lower arms/links need to be parallel. If this doesn't help email me and send me some pictures so we can figure it out. [e-mail]

[@modotvideo]

Nice

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks!

[@pennsylvaniahillbilly3817]

Nice job I like it

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks buddy.

[@rocketman3776]

I have some Eotech Performance books I could sell you! I used them for my Saturn Redline Ion Turbo/Supercharger Build! When I was working for Saturn, I tried my hardest to push this conversion on the Sky Redlines but they insisted on sticking with Mallet Corvette swaps... now look at Saturn. Anyhow, the books are legit

[@rocketman3776]

The Ecotecs are capable of over 1000 HP if you fill certain water jackets in the block with lead compound and swap out the cylinder heads.... Saturn had an Ion break Salt Flat records when they introduced the Redline Up

[@DougBugBuilder]

How much do you want for the books? Sounds interesting.

[@teevarley]

Great video. How do you find the Wilwood pedal box and master cylinders? Are the brakes good without booster? Great vids keep up the good work man 👍🏼

[@DougBugBuilder]

This is them here. amzn.to/2YynGRE These are the short swing 5.1-1 ratio. Makes the pedals a little shorter which helps in the close quarters of the Baja. If you are watching my newer videos you'll notice on the chassis I'm building now I'm using the similar assembly but not reverse swing. That might be an option too. Booster is not needed as this little bug is pretty light.

[@gerardomayorquin1469]

Doug nice build. Are you running a maf with your set up.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Yes I'm running the factory MAF. It's located on the back side of the elbow going from the airfilter to the throttle body.

[@mikehammer4546]

Way cool, I knew that you would be happier with the Ecotec more so than the stock 1600 aircooled motor. ( (btw if you want to sell the aircooled VW motor I’d be interested, I’m building Meyer Manx buggy and the 1600 would be a great addition). 👍👍

[@DougBugBuilder]

Yeah I'm real happy with this Ecotec. Not sure what I'll do the the 1600. If I do decide to sell it I'll let you know.

[@kennyc8694]

You will feel a wheel/tire out of balance by as little at .5oz. If your front tires aren’t balanced, balance them first and then test drive for your vibration.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Well you couldn't be more right. For my latest video I balanced the front tires and the wobble was gone. Thanks for the help.

[@paulc9322]

Why do you have u joints instead of cVs?

[@DougBugBuilder]

I was able to get close to 40 degrees angle on these, where as on the VW type 2 CVs that would normally be on something like this I was only getting around 20 degrees.

[@petergonzalez3018]

What version of the ecotec are you running? And are you running stock trans with stock gearing?

[@DougBugBuilder]

This Ecotec came out of a 2007 Cobalt. It's the LE5 block with the E67 ECM. I'm running a stock 3 rib bus transaxle with the 5.37 R&P, turning 33" tires.

[@MrGuitarguyadam]

Have you done any mods on the motor other than what you had to do with the conversion?

[@DougBugBuilder]

Nope, aside from the ECM reflash it's totally stock.

[@MrGuitarguyadam]

If you ever want more power, ZZPerformance has a bunch of stuff to get more power out of the ecotech motors.

[@Wood-Renovations]

Doug, I love how meticulous you are and I respect how thorough you are but sometimes you just gotta give'er and break some things to know what needs improvement or isn't up to par. And yes, this is coming from someone who doesn't have the time or effort or resources invested that you do but let'er rip lol

[@DougBugBuilder]

Alex, Not the first time I've been told that. I tend to take a while before I push things like this to their limits. I'll see if I can pick up the pace. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

[@Wood-Renovations]

Doug Bug I do get the hesitation though! Haha I've watched every video along the way and I see the massive amounts of time you've put into this and I've been inspired by you and your build in more ways than one! Much respect! And thanks for putting this content out here!

[@pegasus619Q]

what part of colorado are you in?

[@DougBugBuilder]

Castle Rock

[@jcl1201]

Your wife looks a little cold 😂 I’m not sure I could convince mine to go on a no windshield drive during winter

[@DougBugBuilder]

She was cold, and a little cranky. She and the bug need to become friends. She'll be riding in it more than she knows. lol

[@jcl1201]

She is a trooper count yourself blessed to have a wife and bug partner with a sense of adventure.. 👍

[@petermiller6629]

Sounds like a Bug...but AIR cooled is still a PROVEN Chicken Dinner.

[@DougBugBuilder]

👍

[@peterd3060]

string align the front to the rear should get rid of your wobble as i described in previous comments ,measure from hub centers to parallel string lines and center the car to them front and rear , and you'll prolly be amazed how far off you were using body points , rear set as close to zero to 1/8 total toe in and set front to 1/8-1/4 total toe in

[@DougBugBuilder]

Peter, in a following video I balanced the front tires and the wobble went away. I haven't string aligned this chassis, but I'm in the process of desiging another chassis and that one I will string aling. Thanks for the comment.

[@Rickrick-s2r]

Can it do wheelies

[@DougBugBuilder]

Nope.

[@teamnumbskull2846]

I have a standerd un modded bug and I'd like to put a ecotech in it

[@DougBugBuilder]

I think you'll like it if you do. 👍

[@michaelrhoades5876]

well have you been driving it

[@DougBugBuilder]

lol, excellent question. I did the test drive and video on Sunday. That was a bit of a rush. Had to travel for work Mon, Tues, Wed. Today after work I worked on it like a mad man and will continue too. Trying to get rid of the front steering wobble first. Doesn't feel good on the road with that wobble. Wife and I might take it to dinner this weekend, that should be fun. Might film that. ;-) Thanks for asking.

[@hellohun7331]

A quality 2 liter + VW type one engine built with low compression and dual Webers will give you power and longevity. The problem is there are few people around that can do this. Even in the So Cal market , everyone wants to build drag motors that won't last.

[@joshuajas405]

What part of Colorado you in? Wanna help on my sand rail for $$? Lol

[@DougBugBuilder]

Hey Jas, I'm between Colorado Springs and Denver. If you're nearby I wouldn't mind checking out your rail. If you want reach out to me via email. [e-mail]

[@rafaellorenzoo]

the beast is a live, im bazilian sorry a poor inglis!

[@DougBugBuilder]

She's ripp'in and roar'in. lol ;-)

[@beauhallingse5223]

look into your caster

[@alecbeeson6824]

Hi, i tried emailing you. Can you please provide me with another way i can contact you?

[@DougBugBuilder]

Well if for some reason [e-mail] doesn't work try reaching out to me on Instagram. On that I'm Dougbugbuilder.

[@toddgilbert9508]

Super duper! Lmfao

[@jose_luissanche8461]

Mubien

[@DougBugBuilder]

👍

[@eliasrincon6489]

What was your email address ?

[@DougBugBuilder]

[e-mail]