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Beetle parade
Technical Information 1958 VW Beetle Deluxe European Model

Engine
Design: 4 cylinder, 4 cycle, O.H.V.-Type, in rear of car
Arrangement of cylinders: Horizontally opposed (flat four)
Bore: 77mm
Stroke: 64 mm
Capacity: 1192 cc
Compression Ratio: 6.6
Valve clearance: Intake and Exhaust .10mm to be adjust when cold
Brake horsepower (SAE): 36 at 3700 rpm
Lubrication: Force feed (gear pump) with oil cooler
Oil capacity: 2.5 liters
Fuel pump: Diaphragm type
Carburetor: Down draft type, Solex 28 PCI
Cooling system: Air cooling by fan, thermostat-controlled air intake
Battery: 6 volts, 66 ampere hours
Starting motor: Electric, 6 volts, .5 HP
Generator: Voltage regulating, 6 volts, 180 watts at 2500 rpm
Ignition distributor: Centrifugal and vacuum spark advance, Bosch VJU 4 BR 8
Firing order: 1-4-3-2
Initial spark advance: 7.5 degrees before TDC
Breaker point gap: .4 mm
Spark plugs: Bosch W 175 T 1 (Bosch W8AC)
Spark plug gap: up to .7mm

Clutch
Design: Single disc, dry
Pedal free-play: 10-20 mm

Transmission
4 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Deluxe and convertible: 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears synchronized and helically cut for silent operation
Gear ratios: First 3.60:1 Second 1.94:1 Third 1.22:1 Fourth 0.82:1 Reverse 4.63:1

Rear Axle
Power is transmitted through a spiral drive pinion and ring gear, via two swinging axles to the rear wheels
Ratio: 4.43:1
Oil capacity of transmission and rear axle: 2.5 liters

 

Chassis
Springs, front and rear: Two torsion bars
Shock absorbers: Double acting telescopic type, front and rear
Steering: Worm steering gear, divided tie rod
Turns of steering wheel, lock to lock: 2.4
Turning circle: Deluxe model about 11m
Wheels: Disc wheels 4J x 15, drop-center type
Tires: 5.60-15, tubeless
Wheel base: 2,400 mm
Toe-in (car unloaded): 1 to 3 mm

Brakes
Deluxe and convertible: Foot brake hydaulic brake, operating on all wheels. Hand brake mechanical, operating on rear wheels.

Dimensions and weights
Length: 4,070 mm
Width: 1,540 mm
Height: 1,500 mm
Ground clearance: 152 mm
Sedan unladen weight, ready for use: 730 kg
Max. load: 380 kg
Permissible total weight: 1,110 kg
Max. load on front axle: 450 kg
Max. load on rear axle: 660 kg

Fuel consumption
Standard consumption: 7.3 liters
Fuel: Octane number 76
Oil consumption: .3-1 liter per 1,000 km

Refill requirements:
Fuel tank: 40 liters, 5 liters is reserve
Engine: 2.5 liters
Rear axle and transmission: 2 liters
Steering gear case: .125 liter
Brake: .25 liter

Performance
Maximum and cruising speed: 110 kilometers per hour
Hill climbing ability: First speed 37%, second speed 18.5%, third speed 11%, fourth speed 6%

2011