Thanks for the welcome! It has the Y code motor, still should be 275hp, I think. I put the entire build in on FB as "Dan's Projects". I used the 2000 Deville motor, trans, suspension carriage, brakes, steering column, instrument cluster, wiring harness, radiator, and anything else I could make work fit into the Bug. the front wheel drive was moved to the rear so the brakes had to be relocated front to rear and VW front spindles modified to accept "rear" bearings and "front" disks. rear disks were modified to fit on drive axles. lower control arms were narrowed 2 inches and shorter GM axles installed. frame was built piece by piece and tied together with roll cage, very stiff.
I was very surprised how well it drives and handles. it stops on a dime and out corners my porsche boxster! unfortunately I have problems trying to get into the PCM to get some dyno work done, I think it may be with torque control retarding the timing. Madtuner was very help full with the first two programing changes. first go around had it startup and running great, only change on second was to up the "speed limit" for not seeing traction control.
I emailed Jake and hope to hear back soon.
I am very impressed with the Northstar motor and will probably use it in future projects. will need to find friendlier PCM to work with this motor trans combo.
I need to find how to diagnose and "fix" communication error lights from the instrument panel showing trac control, air bag, security, etc... not communicating. another reason to swap PCMs, but I love the look of the Factory Panel!