Hey Gang! We decided to put together an exclusive interview composed of questions asked by our fans through Facebook and Twitter. We appreciate everyone who submitted questions and hopefully this interview will give everyone an even better understanding of our company. If you've got more questions, feel free to drop us a line via phone, email, Facebook, Twitter, or even a blog comment below! We'd be happy to answer them!
What first got you into the VW scene?
My dad bought a bug in 1962 and I grew up in that car. He taught me how to work on it when I was 12 and he gave me the car when i was 14. I was not allowed to drive it on the street but could drive it on logging roads near our house. Every time I broke it I had to fix it on my own. When I moved to redding in 1980, I worked for a local VW shop. I learned a lot from the owner and started experimenting on my own. I bought a 1964 bus in 1984 or 85, strictly for hauling tools to drag strip. After driving it a while, I couldn’t stand the reduction boxes. I figured out how to lower it and get rid of the boxes. I then ended up liking it so much it became my daily driver. That’s what launched me into suspension mods for early buses.
Why did you start Wolfgang Int?
I left school during my junior year at CSU Chico to begin my career in the air-cooled Volkswagen industry. I worked for a local shop in Redding, California, but quickly learned that that was not the place for me. Joe VanEnkenvort and myself partnered up to open up Wolfgang International in 1994. Joe handled most of the manufacturing department, while I handled the engine building, the customers, and the retail accounts. We’ve now been successfully open for 19 years and counting.
How did you come up with the name Wolfgang International?
Well I decided on “Wolf” to refer to Wolfsberg, then decided on “Gang” for a sense of closeness, a sense of family, because that’s what we are here.
How did you decide on the logo?
Well, I happen to be looking through a German trade book and saw the logo that traditionally was from a blacksmith. We just tweaked it a bit and put tools in it’s hands (A crescent wrench and calipers).
What do you feel sets apart VW owners from non-VW owners?
There’s almost a brotherhood among them. People who own them have lots of stories and just seem to be more willing to help out a fellow owner. They just have a genuine love for the car and the culture. It’s hard to explain.
What got you into drag racing?
I did circle track racing for a while first. Within the first 3 years, the buddies that I had gotten into circle track with had all punched each other claiming that the other was cheating. I got fed up with it and I took my street bug out to the drag strip and entered my first drag race. I actually ended up in the finals. A guy with a Nova came up to me and said its you and me in the final, and I said it’s just you, I smoked the clutch. He asked me how hard it was to change, and gave me a hand changing it! We got it done in about an hour, got up to the line, and he beat me fair and square. But I was amazed that my competition, who would have won by default, helped me fix my car. That’s what did it.
How does it feel to be behind a 900hp VW engine?
What can I say? The first time I let go of it it scared the s*** out of me. Now that I’m used to it, its a thrill to say the least. To put it in perspective, there are 3.2 Gs on my body when I leave, if you have to think about what you’re going to do, it’s too late.
What has been your biggest challenge so far in the VW industry?
Dealing with the economic and technical changes. I mean when I started, invoices were written by hand!
Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
Doing what I’m doing now I hope. I’d like to travel more with the dragster, to venues we haven’t been to.
TECH Questions:
What tire rating should you run to get the most comfortable ride?
The softer the tire the better the ride, but the shorter the tire lasts. The correct question should be what profile to run. I don’t run anything less than a 60 series tire for a semi-comfortable ride, the taller the profile the softer the ride.
What is the best tire size to run with lowered spindles?
In my opinion, on a bug a 145 in the front, on a bus, I wouldn’t go smaller that a 195 60 series.
Why use 1/2 Power Punch and 1/2 Moly Lube in a split bus steering box instead of regular bearing grease?
From the factory they came with 90wt, which tends to make it’s way past the seal, dries out, and ruins it. Then they started using grease, but it would not get hot enough to flow and just pushes to the sides. The mixture we suggest is still thick, but it is still able to warm up and flow. Basically, it’s thick enough to not push past the seal, but thin enough that it won’t just push to the sides.
What do you think about going to 90% Nitro?
Well... we’re at 98% right now. We might try and go down to 90% just to get it to burn better, but in doing so, we’re going to lose power.