We Built a V8 VWBug and Here's What Happened

[@truecapitalist4718]

I saw this exact vehicle in Queen Creek, Arizona today and had the opportunity to speak with the owner. It is an absolutely beautiful build. Stunning in every way.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

What a coincidence, yes it would be this car

[@reuhka]

It is an absolute beautey, no doubt.

[@glennlozuke268]

Anybody in the US doing fabric builds like this? Love to have a "blueprint" pathway to build something similar....

[@charlesroer972]

Casa Grande here , will keep eyes open for this bug when I’m up there .

[@truecapitalist4718]

It's an absolute treat to see. The owner was nice and took a few minutes to chat with me. You'll definitely know it if you see it.

[@rexmericle5068]

At 70 and I lifelong gearhead I so much enjoy the passion I see going into builds like this. Absolutely amazing!

[@V8StealthBeetle]

thanks Rex, appreciate your comments.

[@gaddahrakog]

@rexmericle5068 after all that you have eliminated two seats and all that power is seldom used! Why not emphasize a 4seater with suspension 🤔 for days and highway @95mph or more Boxer 4turbo Flat6?

[@rexmericle5068]

@@gaddahrakog it's not my build I'm just commenting

[@Mark-g4z2s]

Beautiful engineering. As a factory motorcycle mechanic, i can really appreciate all the work that goes into this build. A whole level above what i did. But im proud of the work i did. I was meticulous in all my repairs. I just built an RC Volkswagen beetle with a big 550 motor in it. A mock OEM motor, underneath the electric 550 brushed motor. Installing a 6000 kv motor would double the speed. I also owned a 1965 and 1970 beetle. Thanks for a great video

[@Keith-rk4td]

Would love to see your RC Bug!

[@absfinal]

the car without body is already a master piece

[@SandMan-e3i]

Attention to detail on this build is top notch.

[@tamasbodnar1729]

Sounds like an interesting idea for contest of some sort

[@steveb4012]

The best bug I have ever seen bar none. Jaw dropping and a credit to the builders.

[@Rondo2ooo]

This is the most beautiful overall Beetle crazy-build I have seen. Amazing!

[@bjoernandersen8287]

VW bug is my favorite Volks Wagon model. This modification just blew my mind, all the work that you guys did is impressive and the final result can only be described as a success. Thanks for sharing.

[@ARockyRock]

The V8 lettering on the back is hilarious and I love it.

[@Dezzy-e8b]

Love the south African landscape think it's near Cape town good video

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Correct, we are near Muizenberg

[@mollykay4412]

Beautiful memories of South Africa. Lived there for almost five years. You guys rock!!!! ❤

[@TJSaw]

That is one of the coolest cars anywhere in the world!

[@rayfermoodley5307]

Built in South africa. So proud. You guys are brilliant

[@edwardhoulihan4917]

Loved the transition from b&w to color as soon as the painter connected the hose. Chefs kiss 🤌

[@timschutte6924]

I literally have never seen a company and group of people come together and build something so magnificent, powerful, grace, and beautiful. One of a kind. I would maybe choose a Porsche Flat 6. With or without 2 turbos or not. I am more of a nostalgic kind of person. I would even maybe entertain the idea of a flat 4 with 2 turbos just to keep it more on the lines of what would the crazy people at VW would do if the owner said come up with ANYTHING THING goes but to keep it a VW block and flat 4 design. My majick number would be between 4 and 500 HP. I'm not sure if that could even be done. I've seen that drag race show on TV and that VW they had called the DUNG BEETLE that car they made was CRAZY . Totally of the hook. !

[@BackSeatHump]

Quality workmanship never goes unnoticed. 🏆

[@thereisnospoon52]

As a child I drew pictures of lawn mowers, bicycles, chainsaws and vacuum cleaners with V8s on them. I still have a picture I drew of a beetle with a big block sticking out of the back with a blower on top and a scoop that was up over the roof! You have basically accomplished this but in a non-rediculous, meticulously engineered beautiful way. This is brain melting functional art.

[@resinductelec]

Not long ago I found some of my doodle art from the 4th grade. My favorite thing to draw was the front engine dragsters of the late 60's.

[@mikyl-fo8rh]

I always liked the monsters in the exaggerated hot rods.

[@yokosomike]

I had a 65 Beetle when I was in high school in the mid eighties and I turned it into a show car. At first glance, I thought I was looking at my old VW… I had repainted my big a French beige and fitted it with empi 8 spoke rims that I painted black wrapped in Michelin’s. At certain angles your paint looks exactly the color of my old bug which I believe I got from a new 240 Nissan at the time. Awesome build, enjoyed watching, thanks!

[@wailingalen]

One of my childhood dream cars!! I’ve always dreamt of having a sleeper beetle. I was always fascinated and impressed as youngster seeing these beetles win drag races!!

[@micanonical]

You guys are brilliant... Hats off for the amazing build.

[@neilwilson147]

I have been a ford V8 man all my life and this is the best thing I have ever seen. It's clean, sounds great, smooth, The color is perfect. If was rich you would be building one for me in Australia, Cheers Wilson

[@WunKoolKat]

The paint job did it for me. Absolutely stunning! Appropriate piece of music for such a beautiful work of art!

[@dontall71]

I started to smile at the first notes of the music, awesome!

[@Siyadlams]

Amazing piece of engineering. It been a pleasure following the stories of these vehicles. It is more exciting that they are built in my home country 🇿🇦

[@williamdrummond3584]

I thought it was in my home country Scotland, the scenery was that good, ah well can’t win ‘em all, oh and see you at the rugby World Cup 😜🤪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Siyadlams]

@@williamdrummond3584 Yep, see you there man😆

[@bigred8438]

Absolutely appreciated the Strauss "The Blue Danube" during the painting of the body shell phase. excellent.

[@TheRonskiman]

Fantastic workmanship, I've watched pretty much all your videos. I never liked the Beetle, but a V8 Stealth Beetle is a work of art, and if I had the money to spare I would have one.

[@TheRonskiman]

@H K My mate had a standard one back in eighties, and it was just awful to drive, and I didn't like the pedal arrangement either. My car of choice then was a Mini Clubman.

[@pharoah1200]

I'm new to the site. So, what was the price tag on this one?

[@vincentl.9469]

@@TheRonskiman with a V8 in the back , the tail end would surely be even more likely to whip sideways ?

[@japfourme381]

That spray Painter guys hand is incredibly smooth in operation, a true craftsman!!

[@iliketowatch.]

This is great, especially for the customer. Now he has a nice little documentary to share with friends covering how his car came into existence. 😁

[@dirkparis5501]

Amazing, the dedication of the builders and the car is bad ass.i don't think there's another beetle on the planet that could out perform it.I would love to see it race against a Porsche.❤

[@scottgibson807]

Blue Danube is a nice touch. Kubrick would be proud.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Thanks Scott, a moment of classic inspiration for a classic car

[@scottgibson807]

@@V8StealthBeetle Oh and nice car!!

[@NoFeeRE]

This is the most methodically rewarding video I've ever seen!

[@frankozment1389]

Wish I had a car like that. It’s the kind of thing that I like. I have a 1940 ford two sedan with a chopped top. You are a true car lover

[@bastard2525]

my dream car since I was 8 years old... Congratulations... beautiful !!!

[@joejebat82]

Mmng best lah nk titik smua kreta2 yg ranggi dlm malaysia...

[@eppyz]

Just amazing work Gentlemen. Quality and attention to detail looks superb. Bravo!!

[@waynegto1484]

I brought a 1958 VW Beetle in 1973 when I was 17yrs old and swore I would never buy another because it was under powered, but man I would love one of these. What a great build quality you guys do, and you just can't beat a thumping V8, would like to see a 4.0litre Bi-Turbo AMG motor in one of your cars.

[@Guarddog83]

Cool story. We did it with a Chevy 454 in the trunk (front of car). Wasn't my car but helped a friend with over half the fitting. Used a S10 frame, G20 van steering wheel and throttle pedal, brake assembly, and various other parts. It was a sleeper. Only thing to give it away was the 8" oval exhaust that exited before the rear wheels. Mars red with full moon chrome rims. And it was a convertible.

[@joenock3466]

so amazingly unique

[@dandrak]

Amazing level of professionalism and expertise converted in a real artwork, my deep honest congratulations to the entire team that collaborated on this project. Greetings from Merida, Yucatan.

[@philipjones3793]

How Beautiful; an Audi 《VW-PORSCHE》Sourced Engine. That is so perfect; I can't even love this any more than I can describe in words. Excellent work Gents. I do this for a living; so I know the Real work involved. Beautiful.....

[@winkydinkandyou]

In the late 70s I saw a 350 Chevy in a bug. A webly vicor bike with vw motor. A stretched kawasaki kz900 with 2 motors and more. Much more.

[@shannongramani3309]

I love watching this series! So proud to know we have this skill in the country. This car is such a cool build. 260kw with room to push further? This thing is going to dominate the road! Well done guys. Keep the content coming

[@ricglass14]

Detuned by 40%

[@lemonjuice6177]

That’s no impressive for a v8, even a NA one

[@ricglass14]

@@lemonjuice6177 are you looking at the BIG picture? look at the vehicle a beautiful VW Bug minimum deviation from what a bug should look like. A daily driver, I dont think you have a clue, we dont want to fight a 3000hp v8 all the way ro the school pick up rest?, we dont want a drag car at the corner store, but this would be a delight. I cant imagine haters, hating on this VW, it makes no sense unless..... Did you even listen and watch the whole video? probably not even 10 seconds. OH! OH! I looked, you are a child, maybe not even a drivers liscence and zero life experiance, grow up and meanwhile pay attention to the Adults

[@lemonjuice6177]

@@ricglass14 i have little experience in this world, just 21 years, i didn’t looked at the big picture, i just looked in the engineering part, not the artistic part. You assumed some wrong things about me but your opened my eyes, thanks.

[@ricglass14]

@@lemonjuice6177 things are glaringly obvious from your assertions. ENGINEERING PART??Did you even watch the Video? This car is engineered from bottom to top by ENGINEERS not trolls. Have another look at the way this new car has been constructed and in complaince with State and Federal Laws. Engineering as far as detuning the engine? every production car in the world detunes their engines, same as this "car manufacturing company" who sells world wide. Only an idiot would want a 3000hp daily driver. It is tuned to spec by engineers and what is both compliant and comfortable. Did you know a 1600cc, 3 cyclinder Yaris motor gets 300 HP from Factory? Yet with a little tuning some engineers in UK are getting over 500HP? That is without changing bottom end, like "rods, pistons and crank ALL FACTORY", just turbo, mapping and tuning. It is fun to drive but NOT to the corner store. Oh, they have not finished, it could get to 600HP before they got to the bottom end and they have dyno readings of 550HP plus often.

[@mindylinton9249]

In 1978-1979 my friend from High School put a 327 in the back seat of a Beetle and did all the engineering himself, to include a unique Porsche gear box. It didn’t look as good as this one but was fully functional. Those were the days, working in the basement workshop of Sabian Motors in Oliver, BC, Canada.

[@kenharris8743]

And I bet your friend's project didn't cost a fraction of this s***They're showing how to go broke with a bug

[@stevecanyon23]

Amazing craftmanship, that car is the most awesome ride. Ever.

[@machdaddy6451]

Incredibly well done video and amazing attention to detail on the build.

[@hirschsiamwanda2058]

That's how an awesome job must look like. The man is so humble too I just love him ❤

[@markusjentesart]

The waltz and the slow-mo painting was so fun to watch. This is such a cool ride!

[@whitedovetail]

This is truly a work of art. A fantastic design with such fantastic craftsmanship. This car builder does a fantastic job on all parts. Great work!

[@mikef3300]

Always wanted a beetle but a V8 beetle would be amazing. You build Fun in car form

[@gavinrowe6264]

The Blue Danube could have been written for spray painters! Great video and very good music for the subject.

[@r6343]

Normally not a fan of background music in videos, but loved what you did during the painting. Perfect.

[@TheGreenNewSteal2025]

The exhaust note is sublime.

[@frizzellracing]

I’ve seen a lot of V8 Beatles. But that is a different unique take on it. I really liked that

[@taxiarchisk.6031]

Amaizing the best V8 Beetle I have ever seen .You are artist the sasi the pocition of motor perfect I dont have words.THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FAST V8 BEETLE ON THE EART..Keep on artist

[@rickmohr2557]

I have built a number of vehicles in my time, enough to recognize quality work when I see it. And in your video, I have seen it. Well done. Being from the US perhaps I am just a bit biased, but I'm glad to see that you are now including the Chevy LS motors in your offerings. In the arena of builder's popularity, it does seem to be the power plant of choice these days. If I could offer one suggestion that would, perhaps, vastly improve your penetration into the US market; I would recommend providing SAE equivalents for metric power and torque. I was able to quickly convert metric to SAE, and found that your Bug, while beautifully done, provided no more power than my twenty year old stock 2000 Corvette. With twin turbos, I found that to be..., underwhelming. Speaking for all of the other uncivilized heathens out there that don't speak metric, thank you! Regardless, I do recognize your workmanship to be beyond compare. Congratulations on a job well done! And I will not only check out your previous videos, but look forward to more of your builds in the future.

[@dreskull-]

That V8 bug is a beautiful car. They did a great job, it's really a beautiful car.

[@atholwilliams3583]

Such an Inspirational Channel.. Love that you kept the original iconic body style and updated the rest of the vehicle.. knowing that you are Engineering and Fabricating this World Class Bespoke Vehicle just a few kilometres from where I live is astounding!! I too will be placing my order as soon as Bafana Bafana wins the World Cup.... Lol!! Keep up the Fantastic work... #ProudlySouthAfrican #PassionatelyCapeTonian #Beetle #FirstLove

[@pilialoha21]

Better engineered crew by far, spectacular painter.

[@harryfahrtdenwagenvor5202]

What a great car with an great engine. Love the sound and history.

[@asithawithana1828]

Bravo....in Sri Lanka there are many vw beetles. But here no facilities to change the cars like this. Fantastic and admire your craftsmanship. Love you guys.

[@nedaCFilms]

Most VW Bugs slammed have ridiculous camber. This is just perfect. Love the stance. Tasteful, clean and well done.

[@alecynot.2016]

A Fella named, Kerry Little, in Lower Hutt, NZ, Put a Big Block Chev, 427 Cid in the rear. Goodyear racing Rubber all round , Named it, King Rat? Yes, it had a fabricated Chassis. Low and wide! 1970's I believe his first project was a Ford V6 into an Austin A35..

[@chesspiece81]

This turned out absolutely fantastic. I was talking to a friend about how much fun putting a VW body over a damaged Cayman GT4 RS would be. Certainly a different type of build than this, but if it could be pulled off to this level, it with some Fuchs style wheels it would be perfect.

[@georgeb2616]

From start to finish, this video and the content in the video, it's all sheer class, thank you for sharing.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Thanks George, makes it worth carrying on.

[@fuscacharlie82]

Que linda obra de arte. Tambem tenho um ano 82 e esse trabalho ficou incrível

[@gary5481]

A pleasant surprise to hear the South African accent. A thoroughly enjoyable & well presented video.

[@juanignaciocaino]

Besides of the build in itself, which is über interesting, this video has to be one of the most acomplished things I've ever seen. The music, the footage, a work of art in itself. Thanks for such a quality content. Sub'd.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Thanks, we really appreciate your comments. Please share it with ALL your friends

[@pieterhoekstra9887]

You guys make RSA proud. Your know how and workmanship is outstanding.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Thanks Pieter. yes we can get it right down here on the tip of Africa

[@williamsara5565]

As an auto finisher myself in the younger years ..your precision is of high standards and you bloody know what your doing and talk about..you don't miss a beat,it's how it should be done..though my days were far less technical but still the same principal..do it once do it right...great job ide recommend you to anyone..

[@metatechhd]

🔥🚗💪 Wow, this series is absolutely thrilling! It's amazing to see such skill and expertise in our country. The performance of this car is already impressive, but knowing there's potential for even more power makes it even more exciting! I can't wait to see this beast dominating the road. Kudos to the team for their incredible work. Keep the captivating content coming! 🔥🚗💪

[@rsz90182]

When this video began I said why not the Chevy LS engines but he did say at the end they will be using them. Wow, that is a piece of art!!!

[@Qp0int]

Oh Man, I love the sound track!!

[@jgreen4715]

A beautiful piece of work!

[@CharlesAAnnen-rh4mk]

I stumbled across this gearhead one day at a gas station that didnt sound one bit like a type 3 vw bus. He opened sliding side door to show me an early Oldsmobile Toronado power train mounted on the stock subframe that was welded to a mustang front subframe. BaddAss

[@one4stevo]

That's hot, outstanding job

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Thanks Steve

[@daviddevries2078]

I had a v8 Vega so much fun 350 horse and no weigh ,,,so fun,,,I also loved my71 Mach I so beat up but beat all the 78 Camaros that came out that year,,

[@garyjones2582]

I was recently thinking of you guys and wondering how things were going in your part of the world.. So glad to see another video.. Love what you've done with the bug.. Of all the hotrods and muscle cars I've had, the beetle was the most fun.. And I might add that there is nothing more humiliating than to get beat by a bug.. Corvette owners get right down mean.. Well I just wanted to let you know that I'm waiting on an inheritance and then I'm coming to see you... Take care my friends...

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Hi Gary, thanks for your kind words. Let us know when you have some extra cash, we'd love to welcome you to the family

[@michiganengineer8621]

A close second would be getting gapped by a mid-late 1970's Vega. That beast had a blueprinted Olds 455 (mostly) under the factory hood with a 950CFM 4BBL feeding it. A race prepped PowerGlide sent power back to a posi rear end. Shortie headers into a pair of cutouts that would feed into either the sidepipes or through the mufflers and out the back. A very tame driver, as long as you kept your right foot under FIRM control! I helped build this SOB in trade for shop time (and advice) to keep my '69 Cutlass on the road.

[@craigbarrett2278]

@@V8StealthBeetle if I win the lottery, you'll be sending one my way.....😂

[@kennethjackson7574]

@@craigbarrett2278 If I won the lottery I would find folks with the talents to build a Fittipaldi 3200 2.0. Body in carbon fiber would be the biggest upgrade. Look it up on the ‘net.

[@amigo8872]

@@V8StealthBeetle www.youtube.com/@TROCARAUTOSANTIGOS

[@RogerioHortega]

Keep up the good work buddy … you guys know your business !!!

[@paulgreene9997]

It looks like a very high end go kart! 😁

[@edolugo150267]

simplemente hermoso y la música mejor felicidades excelente trabajo.

[@TLLC2024]

Beautiful build. For those of us that don't have the kind of capital it takes to have one of these built, a close second is my 4 cylinder air-cooled VW performance build that is producing a dyno verified peak 271 kW /462 N.m at 6500 rpm with a wet weight just under 1750 lbs (dyno chart can be provided). With a completed build cost under 30,000 it would be interesting to have a run-off between the two. Yes I know you are nowhere near the limits on your tune, but are the upper limits streetable and in a road race would it make enough of a difference to justify the cost? Nonetheless, what a wonderful example of what you can put under the shell of a classic bug.

[@jareknowak8712]

Your Bug must be a rocket to drive, with 363hp and 793kg.

[@TLLC2024]

@@jareknowak8712 Hope I got the conversions right. Peak HP is 364 @ 6500 rpm with 294 ft.lbs. of torque. Torque actually peaked out at 5000 rpm @ 341 ft.lbs. It is a turbo injected 2165cc running on 91 octane pump gas. It is a little beast but definitely fun to drive.

[@jasonchristopher2977]

WRX sti swap. Easy, fast, HP. It's alot less work. U will need the computer for fuel, etc but that's alot easier and cheaper than whatever this costs. I get the work, time, chassis etc but this was the people's car. Not a Tesla priced rocket. Going from 40 HP to 350 is a BIG leap.

[@tyronestock379]

That Volkswagen Beetle looks amazing it goes really fast out road with V8 Engine Well done Put it into the Car 👏👏👏👏

[@jasonbose3507]

I'm a huge beetle fan and thanks for making the super beetle cool. The vent induction on the body is classic super beetle 🪲🐞 Too new of a bug for my taste but a cool ride. ps/ it was funny hearing the results without horsepower rating scale and torque number. For us, it's cubic inches, standard measurements, and old school muscle with that 540 cubic inches with flames coming out the pipes. Raw old school flaming power that scares children when heard is where it's at my friend. Peace ✌️

[@mrc4912]

Impeccable quality, much attention to detail, simply beautiful.

[@naldoassuncao]

I love your cars! My dream is to have one.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

awesome, we're here when you are ready, keep sharing, we now have timestamps to your favorite bits. Why not get a set of limited edition images check out in the video for details

[@vernon-charlesdavids6322]

I would love to order one. Can someone please give me an email or link where I can get hold of these guys.

[@ronniemullis8717]

Beautiful engineering and craftsmanship, job well done and congratulations.

[@jeffweigold1359]

Totally Awesome, I will be calling when I hit lottery👍👍👍👍👍

[@V8StealthBeetle]

awesome, we're here when you are ready, keep sharing, we now have timestamps to your favorite bits. Why not get a set of limited edition images check out in the video for details

[@180Lev]

Great to see South African talent being showcased. Awesome stuff guys.

[@N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S.]

This car is both a work of art and engineering prowess. Great job from everyone involved!

[@hagestad]

and to thing Tatra did that way back in a day and then Porsche stole it.

[@pcbeachouse]

I want one, lol! Great design and well thought out! Pretty good vid too, the paint segment with music was stellar! 😂

[@albertogonzales3536]

Felicitaciones a este gran canal de conversión de un autos tan completo y detallado, un gusto sinceramente por el tipo de trabajos que realizan

[@TheTrueAnswer]

Incredibly gorgeous color choice.

[@davvidsilva3174]

Que trabalho maravilhoso. Excelente parabéns aos profissionais e dono.

[@fractode]

How do you keep this absolute BEAST on the road? Beautiful workmanship! 👍

[@PhakhaphonSirisonthi]

Masterpiece of craftsmanship.

[@danilorainone406]

the veedub i had in socal of the 70slt 70s,it was a 68 beetle,nice to drive in winter and spring rains,, seeing last years oldsmobiles parked on the 405 emergency lanes,windows all fogged up radiatior and hoods steaming,,the beetle did 85 all day or night,never bottomed out and scraping when turning into shopping centers,,what this car above does it has to be a demon on the fwys

[@joaoportesantava1412]

I learned how to drive on a 1600 beetle from the 80’s! Amazing the work you did. My Italian grandfather moved to Brazil during WWII to São Paulo then to Brasilia the capital. He raced cars and had a shop. He put a boxer engine in the back of a beetle but it was no where as nice of this

[@limitedignition]

Killer bug, hefty price tag for sure also....

[@ATRIS-eq9iv]

This car is absolutely beautiful truly a wonderful piece of art

[@Mikefngarage]

My other buddy has an AUDI 4.2 Single turbo drag car de-stroked to 4.0l using stock crankshaft running over 2000hp as a drag car. Very large single turbo. lots of headwork and boost. I am surprised you stopped at 350hp. there is a LOT more on the table. they were running 1200hp with the same engine config. Then they put in custom made aluminum rods. to achieve the 2000 amount plus some other mods. NO NITROUS!!!!

[@JanMichaelSullano]

They are building a street legal car, not a drag car 😎

[@arnoillig4792]

Labor of love, great music for the beetle.

[@osmarjr43]

Parabéns, vou fazer um desse tamanho, já tenho o carro ano 1978, parabéns pelo trabalho 🇧🇷❤️

[@robertoc.abrahao8119]

Capriche!

[@nawaaladams]

This is great, especially for the customer. Now he has a nice little documentary to share with friends covering how his car came into existence. 😁

[@dannoyes4493]

Brilliant! Simply Brilliant!

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Thanks Dan