VW Bug AMR 500 Super Charger Kit by Kompressor Haus, for Volkswagen Beetle Bus. Bolt On Performance!

[@danieldryden4246]

I noticed it’s running a dizzy, so assume the timing curve isn’t optimal. A crank triggered ignition would compliment this kit even further.

[@PeoplesCar]

Bit beyond me that one LOL but I'm sure Mark will be watching the comments 👍 I think the kit is designed to be as simple as possible so almost anybody could DIY fit it at home. 🙂👍

[@sockitz.splatez]

they lock the dizzy so max advance is 18deg

[@wrightwells]

With my kit I've made a custom trigger wheel machined into the MST Pulley running Speeduino.

[@matthewvarnam4302]

​@@wrightwells How much horsepower can that supercharger make??

[@northseacowboy]

This video has certainly caught my interest. I had a john Maher engine on order for a couple of years that never materialised. I'm stuck with my 1641 engine with a second hand progressive that blackens my sparkplugs. If I fit this sleeper kit to my 71 Riviera bay window all my problems will be solved. Can't wait to put Mercedes Kompressor letters on my engine lid.

[@PeoplesCar]

Cool. Hope it goes well for you. Didnt realise JMR was still building engines, never hear much about them any more.

[@mikegreen2229]

The failures people report with these superchargers are most likely due to them being ran at too high of a speed. They were only meant for a tiny Japanese Kei car, so you have to be careful you are not running them at 18,000 rpm constantly by changing pulley sizes.

[@PeoplesCar]

Would be interesting to know what maximum speed they are geared for on the KH kit 🤔. As you suggest it sounds like the bearings are the main wear issue tho i have heard of a worse failure, no idea how much truth was in it tho as mates of mates and all that. I'm still aiming to install one 😊👍

[@mikegreen2229]

@@PeoplesCar I forget the max RPM the AMR500 is designed for, it was something I’m the 10-20K range. Even then it’s only for short bursts. I built a fuel injected setup with on OE AMR500 for a stroked 1200, 1285cc. It has a very mild cam and single port heads. The only real mods to the engine are 35x32 valves and upgraded springs. From my years of research on these things I’ve noticed some trends on failures. The superchargers when used as a performance upgrade, tend to run hot as you ask more RPM, then fail. They also run hot when used at higher than OEM speeds as a blow through application. Fuel or methanol vapors run through them have fixed issues for people running EFI. Mine is actually setup as a TBI draw through, not multi port injection. The supercharger has a fixed size, so it will only flow a certain cfm of air. A problem I notice is when people run these on larger than 1200cc is that the larger engine is able to pump much larger air quantities than the original Japanese engine. The person sees almost no boost pressure, so they put smaller pulleys on the blower until it spins fast enough to show boost. But, now they are running it at insane speeds. In reality, if you want it to last, you need to keep moderate camshaft and head specs. The larger everything gets on the intake side, the more pressure drop, velocity drop, etc. The blower can only fill the intake with so much air. Just because you don’t see a boost number you are looking for, don’t let that discourage you. It just means your large engine is more efficient than a smaller one at filling the cylinders. What you want is enough boost to make the engine more powerful without blowing up the blower, but not so low of blower speed that it’s just a restriction in an intake. You need to keep a realistic RPM limit on your engine and apply a blower pulley with a size that sits at a happy medium

[@PeoplesCar]

@@mikegreen2229 Yes I fully agree great info there thankyou. I guess till I have the funds to purchase a kit ill never truely know but all is something that has to be discussed with KH etc. As planning to fit this on an 1835 I'm already at the upper limit of the blowers capabilities so going to need to be more careful how hard I drive it. 😊👍

[@m_musy]

​@@mikegreen2229 so you're saying this would be quite useless if I want to let's say install it on my vw bus which is a 2.1 litre .. or could I restrict the airflow?

[@PeoplesCar]

I think Mark said the limit was 1.9. It's a charger designed for a 1.3 engine so has limits to how much air it can provide. It may have some benefits low down but possible could become a restriction at high revs? Possibly best you have a chat with Mark at CH as he will be able to confirm one way or another. Best of luck. 😊👍

[@biscuit202]

I had a 67 bug I supercharged in in the early 90s, v fast. Being a sentimental old frt now I've done it again on a 71bug. It's not as neet as this but cost for cost it's incredible and drivability is still there. I used sc12 with dhla40 (fan shroud modded to fit and lid stand offs). Jetting is a faf as I'm a perfectionist still trying to improve cruise economy but about 30 mpg so not bad. O2 sensing a must to get this bob on but it's a beetle so a bit rich is safe. Running 10psi 26 Deg max with modified orig dizzy. Would have been a lot easier if I'd done this kit instead. Cheers

[@PeoplesCar]

Wow that sounds great! I have to say MPG is a major concern for me generally with SC installs though your feedback sets my mind at rest a bit. Thankyou 😄👍

[@biscuit202]

@@PeoplesCar This mpg is from buzzing up and down the A59 at 60 ish and being v light on the accelerator as the air fuel is a little rich on my setup at cruise and I'm trying to correct it. Everywhere else is ok. Once I get this sorted I suspect I'll have a heavier right foot for more fun. I had a twin duel drla set up on a 1600 and got 32mpg regularly when going up and down the A1 to visit my mum years ago and I suspect that is the realistic ceiling for beetles mpg and normal clear road driving conditions. Good luck, C

[@PeoplesCar]

@@biscuit202 Great first hand info thankyou. Yeah I've never really heard of many to be able to claim 30mpg full stop. A mate has a 1600/Dual 36DRLA setup he claims gets more but I'm soon to see if thats accurate as we are fitting the same setup on another mates car, will be interesting to see. Thanks again 😄👍

[@pacorrodelgadillo8429]

Beatiful engine sound!

[@PeoplesCar]

Yeah I like it too. Wonder what it would be like after an hour on the motorway tho!? 😅

[@davemcaferty6347]

Great video im thinking about building a 1915 motor the super charger would be a great adition to that

[@PeoplesCar]

Sorry for some reason your comment never made it to my phone to reply? ..... Cool. I'm planning similar with my 1835. May not be the best option with slightly thinner cylinder walls but sure it will be fine lol. Best of luck :)

[@rodona3643]

That bug is awesome

[@PeoplesCar]

It is 👍 Thanks for watching 😊

[@eriksimca9409]

this video really helped me understand how it really works on a carburator setup with a supercharger. I purchased a amr500 a few months back in hopes of installing it on my 60s french shitbox which has a 1290cc engine, since theres no tuner parts for the engine im not looking for an incredible increase because of unknown limits of the stock engine, it would just be fun for it to work all together and give some extra power when you want it.

[@PeoplesCar]

Thabks for the kind words. I imagine with an AMR your 13 would feel much more like a 16 on the hills. Hope it goes well 😊👍

[@DirtE30]

So how much boost are talking here? What’s the required octane then? Also, cooling? It doesn’t get hot in Britain like it does here in the south of the states…

[@PeoplesCar]

I believe AMR500 range from 5-10 psi so no huge compared to other forced induction setups. In my head at least it shouldn't get any hotter than an engine producing increased HP, however there maybe more focused hot areas with forced induction. I don't believe any changes are made for additional cooling but as you say its relatively cool here. Here in the UK we have 95 E10 and 97-99 E5. I personally only run the E5 and would imagine the same is recommended for the AMR setup, but not 100%. Best of luck 😊👍

[@DirtE30]

@@PeoplesCar so is no one actually running a boost guage and a stoich meter/wide band and tuning for this? They just bolt it on and trust that it’s gonna be ok? Seems a bit oversimplified.

[@PeoplesCar]

I don't know anyone who actually runs one I only visited Mark to see his setup. I believe he had a guage on his car which he uses for tuning the setups, but as I understand it the carbs are setup depending on engine size, dizzy timing advance is locked, bolt on and go. But really would have to speak to Mark at KH as there may be more he recommends. 😊👍

[@curranhouse]

That bug is lush! :)

[@PeoplesCar]

Yeah deffo. Saving for a charger now lol 😆

[@mikescudder4621]

Its pretty well documented that dual carbs are more fuel efficient than a single due to the atomisation and how far the fuel has to travel.

[@PeoplesCar]

Yeah i would agree with that, assuming its bit over carbed etc. Thanks for the comment 👍😊

[@AthelstanEngland]

Sounds awesome! Looks great too. Think first question would be that in putting all that extra power in what should you do before you get it to ensure you don't blow everything up! :) plus of course braking, gearbox etc.

[@PeoplesCar]

I don't want to name drop but a very high profile race engine builder I once visited basically said if driven sensibly and not abused at launch a stock box is good for 130 bhp. So if your gearbox is in good condition you will will fine. I abused a 1200 box daily with a 1776 on the end of it and never managed to break anything. Again if your engine is in sound condition and not blowing oil put everywhere, losing compression etc I don't think will have much of a problem. You could always look at freshening the engine with new rings etc if worried I guess but I don't think necessary. I suspect a mod like this is likely to highlight any weakness in your engine so probably not a good idea if suspect it has problems already. Always good to have decent brakes. First upgrade I recommend anyone does. I personally have Talbot calipers up front, 944 at the rear and a brake servo, you may have seen the vid I did a few weeks ago.....not taking any chances! 😅

[@AthelstanEngland]

@@PeoplesCar good advice.

[@piratefueljim]

If you have fuel injected mexican bug, do you have to do anything different, like increases the fuel pressure

[@PeoplesCar]

That's an interesting question. Unfortunately you will need to speak to Mark at Kompressor Haus about that one. If I get chance I'll drop him and email but if you get a reply I'd love to hear back. 😊👍

[@PeoplesCar]

Sent him a mail 👍

[@PeoplesCar]

Got a reply. Unfortunately there is no option for a fuel injection setup at KH atm. Here in the UK FI on bugs is quite rare so little demand for that setup. Sorry I couldn't be more help. 😊👍

[@boosTiMon]

Will this kit work with a generator and will the pulleys fit or does it need to have an alternator?

[@PeoplesCar]

I believe it will work with any aircooled engine that has a removable alt/geni pedestal, but not with the early engines where it is cast as part of the crankcase. I imagine these are rare however, being pre 58 I believe. If your not sure then I'm sure Kompressor Haus will be able to advise, but yiu should be good afaik. 😊👍

[@boosTiMon]

@@PeoplesCar Thank you Sir!

[@steventempler9319]

Could the AMR 500 be fitted to a motor cycle I have a 1300cc Kawasaki 6 cylinder so I was thinking of trying to fit it to my bike.

[@PeoplesCar]

Don't see why not. Most kits in VW land were diy till this kit and berry's blowers came along. Original engine it was fitted to was a 1.3. HOWEVER.....I'm not a bike guy and am unsure of the suitability to a bike engine. Also I assume there will be a rev limit to the unit and I suspect a bike will rev a lot higher than a bug. I think you should do it though all the same! 😅 Good Luck 😄👍

[@Diesel257]

Never heard the amount of boost mentioned...🤔

[@PeoplesCar]

No I don't think it was. Looking online it suggests it will make something between 5lb and 10lb of boost depending on how fast its geared. Looking on shop talk forum one guy is running 17psi on a 1600 and another 11 psi on a 1915. According to the OP over 10psi heat becomes and issue and intercoolingbis required.

[@Diesel257]

@PeoplesCar Thank you. My other question was about heat so you gave me a 2 for 1.

[@PeoplesCar]

@@Diesel257 no problem glad to help. Not sure if the heat is an issue in terms of reliability of the unit or causes running problems. Either way a cooler inlet air temp sounds preferable. I guess for mild running on a stock vw motor it's probably OK as it is, as doubt pushing such high boost pressures.👍

[@bigalsvwratrod7346]

Sounds lovely!

[@PeoplesCar]

Yeah. It was more subtle that I expected but sounded good at full chat! 🙂👍

[@loganleclere9718]

Any kits for type 4 engines?

[@PeoplesCar]

He didn't talk to me about it but maybe worth contacting Kompressor Haus directly. Good Luck 😊👍

[@mattlee007]

Love the engine, very nice... can you close the lid normally or do you have to have the stand off hinges. cheers

[@PeoplesCar]

I believe the sleeper kit with the Harley carb can be closed. The bigger one with the webber needs stand offs. Tx fir watching 😊👍

[@mattlee007]

Awesome cheers

[@scperformance3000]

Which nozzle / jet size did you choose for the carb? Is it a 40mm carb?

[@PeoplesCar]

I'm sorry I don't know that detail. Maybe worth contacting Mark at CH he may be willing to help 😊👍

[@scperformance3000]

@@PeoplesCar How can I contact him?

[@PeoplesCar]

@@scperformance3000 [e-mail] best of luck 😊👍

[@scperformance3000]

@@PeoplesCar Many thanks. You helped me a lot.

[@buzzingbusby]

Something I am thinking of doing to my bug in the future. But not sure how good it would be on a 1300tp.

[@PeoplesCar]

I would guess be a significant increase but would probably have to speak to Mark as he will have done them before and know more 🙂👍

[@kennyh5083]

I saw one vid where they put these cheap supercharger on a small engine can and it didn't last but a few hours!

[@PeoplesCar]

Really. I've heard sinilar tbh but do know of someone running one. Maybe making a vid with him this year so I'll pick his brains on that one. 😊👍

[@matthewvarnam4302]

I would like to know exactly how much horsepower that supercharger can make.????

[@PeoplesCar]

I think it has limitations as was originally made for a 1.3 engine. On our aircooled CH say it will work well upto a 1.9 on aircooled (I assume as rev lower?!) I think for an sensible increase in horsepower on our aircooled vw its a decent option tho and something I'm planning to do for my 58

[@juniorclassicvwbugs924]

Cool like the set up. Would like it more if I could use the same set up but be able to close the rear tail gate

[@PeoplesCar]

I believe the sleeper package using the Harley Davidson carb allows the decklid to close fully. If I go this route what I'll be getting 🙂👍

[@michaeltaylor9505]

Mark Would this upgraded kit be to much for a USA version 73 super beetle dp 1600 stock engine/exhaust don't really mind less gas mileage if this is overkill on carburation. and if this system here is to much what other recommend minimum upgrades would it take per DP1600?

[@PeoplesCar]

I'll point Mark towards your question and hopefully will be able to help further. Thanks 😀👍

[@michaeltaylor9505]

@@PeoplesCar Thank you for forwarding my questions

[@thedubwhisperer2157]

3:04 A restriction reduces pressure, it does not increase it!

[@PeoplesCar]

If force a given volume of 'air' down a tube at a set rate and then that tube size is reduced, the pressure or air speed will increase assuming the AMR pump has the capability to pump at that pressure...... which I have no idea if it does or not, I'm just being argumentative! LOL 😜 I think its largely irrelevant anyway as the pipe then splits into 2 branches which would negate any advantage of reducing the volume of the pipe in the first place. So I agree I don't think there is any advantage to that restriction as you point out in terms of compression and suspect it was bit of a brain fart under pressure of the camera being pointed at him. Looking at the size of pipe used generally and the small pump size of the AMR I don't think it would be detrimental reduction in volume anyway, but a good improvement in gas flow. The pipe is beautifully made and I personally would pay the difference and have one of these over the stock setup any day. I better get saving then! 😁👍

[@thedubwhisperer2157]

@@PeoplesCar I'm sorry to be such a stickler for physics accuracy, but there is so much misinformation around which dilutes the value of social media posts such as this, and it is absolutely necessary to correct errors, even when made innocently. You have a truly beautiful looking (and sounding!) car which must be a delight to drive, and it's certainly an inspiration to complete mine!

[@PeoplesCar]

Not my car dude it's Marks from Kompressor Haus, mine is much louder lol. 😜 Please don't worry about about commenting on vids. I'm a total nerd and spend so long scouring my own videos for errors which I'm sure I've made. The first few days are the most unnerving waiting for a flurry of negative comments to come through! So far managed to avoid that ha ha 😁👍 Tx for watching 🙂👍

[@philipcable437]

This is a nice kit.

[@PeoplesCar]

I agree. Hoping to go this route myself with the 58 project 👍

[@billyhead1625]

Now that’s cool!

[@PeoplesCar]

It is, looking to go this route myself. Thanks for watching :) PS: Sorry for the delay responding. A bunch of comments didn't show or reply on my phone, wasnt till I logged into the PC I could see it! Weird!

[@davemcaferty6347]

Dose the supercharger shorten the life of your motor

[@PeoplesCar]

Sorry for some reason your comment never made it to my phone to reply? ..... You maybe best speaking to Kompressor Haus re this. I know know for sure but I would suggest anything that increases pressure/heat/wear will shorten the life of the engine to some degree, but how much???? Unless there was a technical fault I dont think this would be enough for me to worry about and hope to fit one myself when the 58 hits the road. Tx :)

[@Danny-e5n]

Great for 914,s

[@PeoplesCar]

Have you done this on a 914? That would be a 2.0 CU would it not? 😊👍

[@cliveturner4980]

why people bother with a 1641 is beyond me ? 1200 gearbox will make the car quick at lower speeds but will quickly run out of steam after 60 mph ,like to see this on rolling road to back up hp claims,look good nice job!!!

[@PeoplesCar]

I guess if your building a motor and have the option of 1641 over 1600 it's an easy decision. They are proven reliable and offer a smidge more. TBH I thought the same after building my low spec 1776 as didn't perform much more quickly than a 1641, should have just gone 94mm lol. Like yourself Id like to see it on a rolling road too, he has a channel now so possible he will do that one day. I have to say it did feel quite pokey from the passenger seat compared compared my memory of a 1600, but everything seems slow when jumping out of my STi bug and getting into another lol. 😅

[@cliveturner4980]

@@PeoplesCar thin barrel walls make the 1641 very unreliable,for my own car i built a 1904 twin webbers modifyed 041 heads made 120hp /13 .7 in the 1/4 this was a driven daily car super reliable drive it to the track/race then drive it home again !!!!!

[@PeoplesCar]

@@cliveturner4980 TBH ive never heard of a 1641 failure tho I'm not saying your wrong, just not heard otherwise. I know quite a few had problems with the 1679?? barrels back in the day tho. I guess to some extent it depends if its a low spec setup in a bug, or high comp setup and fitted in a heavy bus etc as to how long they are likely to last. I actually own an 1835 which I'm planning to supercharge. I'm sure everything will be absolutely fine! 😅

[@bugnut82]

How reliable are all these additional parts?

[@PeoplesCar]

KH say they haven't had a failure yet. I heard someone saying they can be unreliable but not actually heard of one failing withing the VW scene yet. I'm saving for one of these kits for my engine so not overly worried personally. GL 😊👍

[@PeoplesCar]

Yeah Ive heard similar, especially from a carb guy saying its an untested solution. Personally like yourself I don't care, and still saving for one. Going to sell my 40s and put towards a kit, Dell setup, balancing carbs and Dell issues can't be any worse than an AMR setup...... I hope 😅. Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@paulwills9742]

Hi, Would the bracket holding the supercharger allow for a CB magnaspark Dizzy or would a small body dizzy need fitting? Great review and video as always. It definitely does away with the pain of installing a turbo . Cheers Paul.

[@PeoplesCar]

Thanks for the kind words. I THINK the kit comes with the dizzy. As I understand it its locked at 18 degrees max advance, so don't run a regular dizzy setup. Sure Mark will confirm when he has chance. 🙂👍

[@paulwills9742]

Thank you 👍

[@Marco-rw1zc]

2 48IDA PAIR WITH 2338CC AND THE SUPERCHARGER SOUND 😂😅

[@PeoplesCar]

Your going to need the twin charger setup, do it! 😆