"I was just wondering how much you guys think I'd be able to build one for? I am able to get the Berrien Warrior frame for $250 (from a deal, not welded) and my buddy who I rode with today said I could have his 2.0l VW motor out of his old Porsche for $200 and I was wondering how much (rough est.) on how much it would cost me to make a decent beginner buggy? So I got the motor and chassis done for $450......."
The VW motor that you talk about has exhaust ports facing downward. This decreases your ground clearance in the rear when you add a shield. This engine is a "type 4" VW engine. Most off road buggies use a "type 1" or an "upright" VW engine. You will get lots of fun out of a freshly rebuilt stock engine that has a performance cam and 2 barrel carb and intake.
The lightest buggy will use an air cooled upright type 1 engine. To make it tough enough for off road, you will adapt in a VW bus 6 rib transmission, rack and pinion steering, porsche 930 cv joints, disc brakes, aftermarket wheels and racing seats and 5 point belts. Your fuel cell and fuel venting should be done properly ...for roll over situations and always wear a helmet.
Used frames are always rusted inside the lowest parts where the water gets in and can't get out. This is hard to check when buying, so do some testing of the lower tubing if you buy a used frame/ buggy. Used buggies may need several upgrades or rebuilds such as: engine, alternator, battery, carb, fuel pump, heads, transmission, clutch and pressure plate, cvs, brake calipers and shoes, shocks, slave cylinder, master cylinder(s), shifter, belts, lights, wiring, welds, tires, steering components and suspension bushings.
Upgrades to consider are: adjustable rear suspension with extended arms, secured rear arm pivot bolts, u-jointed shifter shaft, double roll bar and gusseting, fuel cell and a place to strap in a cooler.
Don't go out on the trails with a buggy that has not been gone over real good. Loosing your brakes is the scariest experience in the world next to hearing that your girlfriend is late.
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like Jeff said more like 2G