{"id":149404,"date":"2026-06-08T16:50:41","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T21:50:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=149404"},"modified":"2026-06-08T16:50:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T21:50:41","slug":"evan-beckers-hayabusa-powered-vw-rabbit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=149404","title":{"rendered":"Evan Becker’s Hayabusa-Powered VW Rabbit"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"front-side<\/a><\/p>\n

Evan Becker<\/a> enjoyed driving his blue 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit however the 1.6 L diesel inline-four felt underpowered. After two years he wanted to swap the motor with an unusual choice.<\/p>\n

\"side<\/a><\/p>\n

\"rear-side<\/a><\/p>\n

Evan replaced the factory powertrain for a 1.3 L inline-four and six-speed sequential transmission from a Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa<\/a>. For Evan the choice was easy due to the motor’s power, aftermarket support, and lovely 9,000+ rpm.<\/p>\n

\"Suzuki<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Suzuki<\/a><\/p>\n

The motorcycle powertrain is supported by custom mounts designed by Evan and cut by SendCutSend. Evan added a low-profile oil pan with swinging pickup and stainless steel exhaust. The Suzuki motor is cooled by a custom radiator from CG&J Radiator with a custom shroud and Kia Optima radiator mounts.<\/p>\n

\"billet<\/a><\/p>\n

\"custom<\/a><\/p>\n

Power is sent to the front wheels through a custom chain drive system built by Evan. It features a 530 BMXR drive chain, custom drive cog cut by SendCutSend, and Scion FRS (1st-gen) limited-slip differential with a custom grease housing and custom Dutchman axles. The car goes in reverse thanks to a Chevrolet Cobalt starter and flexplate.<\/p>\n

\"1.3<\/a><\/p>\n

\"closeup<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Suzuki<\/a><\/p>\n

When it came to the suspension Evan added a Quaife quick-ratio steering rack, Koni Sport dampers, and stiffens the rear axle beam. The factory front brakes were swapped to a set of Wilwood Powerlite four-piston brakes using Tech-53 adapter brackets<\/a>. These are assisted by a 22 mm master cylinder.<\/p>\n

\"Wilwood<\/a><\/p>\n

The Rabbit’s interior has been kept mostly stock. Evan installed a custom sequential shifter for controlling the motorcycle transmission. The gear number is displayed on HealTech’s GIpro indicator. The factory VW speedometer is calibrated by HealTech’s SpeedoHealer<\/a> which typically is used on motorcycles with different sprockets.<\/p>\n

\"blue<\/a><\/p>\n

\"closeup<\/a><\/p>\n

Source: @vwmk11k<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Evan Becker enjoyed driving his blue 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit however the 1.6 L diesel inline-four felt underpowered. After two years he wanted to swap the motor with an unusual choice. Evan replaced the factory powertrain for a 1.3 L inline-four and six-speed sequential transmission from a Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa. For Evan the choice was easy… Read More »Evan Becker’s Hayabusa-Powered VW Rabbit<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":149551,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"off","neve_meta_content_width":70,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[702],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-149404","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rabbit"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1981-VW-Rabbit-with-a-Suzuki-Hayabusa-inline-four-01.jpg?fit=900%2C676&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":20004,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=20004","url_meta":{"origin":149404,"position":0},"title":"VW Rabbit with a Mid-Engine Audi V8","author":"swaptastic","date":"December 19, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"This unique 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit was built by DM Motorsport in L'Epiphanie, Quebec. Sitting behind the driver is an all-aluminum 4.2 L V8 and six-speed manual transmission from a 2004 Audi S4. The engine produces 350 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque in a vehicle that weighs 1100 kg (2425\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rabbit"","block_context":{"text":"Rabbit","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=702"},"img":{"alt_text":"1984 VW Rabbit with a Mid-Engine Audi V8","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-Mid-Engine-Audi-V8-01.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-Mid-Engine-Audi-V8-01.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-Mid-Engine-Audi-V8-01.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-Mid-Engine-Audi-V8-01.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19768,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=19768","url_meta":{"origin":149404,"position":1},"title":"For Sale: 1982 Rabbit on a Jeep 4×4 Chassis with a Chevy V8","author":"swaptastic","date":"December 5, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"This custom 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is for sale in Hampton, New Hampshire with a $8,500 asking price. The body rides on a 1977 Jeep CJ7 4x4 chassis with wide track axles and 15x8\" wheels wrapped in 31\" AT tires. Power comes from a Chevy 350 ci V8 with an Edelbrock\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "CJ"","block_context":{"text":"CJ","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=364"},"img":{"alt_text":"1982 Rabbit on a Jeep 4x4 Chassis with a Chevy V8","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/1982-Rabbit-on-a-Jeep-4x4-Chassis-with-a-Chevy-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C820&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/1982-Rabbit-on-a-Jeep-4x4-Chassis-with-a-Chevy-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C820&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/1982-Rabbit-on-a-Jeep-4x4-Chassis-with-a-Chevy-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C820&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/1982-Rabbit-on-a-Jeep-4x4-Chassis-with-a-Chevy-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C820&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/1982-Rabbit-on-a-Jeep-4x4-Chassis-with-a-Chevy-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C820&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":99061,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=99061","url_meta":{"origin":149404,"position":2},"title":"1980 Rabbit Pickup with a 2.8 L VR6","author":"swaptastic","date":"May 4, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"This 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit pickup is for sale on Bring a Trailer and located in South Portland, Maine. It is powered by a 2.8 L VR6 and five-speed manual transmission from a 1998 GTI. The motor features an aluminum radiator, custom oil pan, and Techtonics Tuning exhaust. The pickup rides\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rabbit"","block_context":{"text":"Rabbit","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=702"},"img":{"alt_text":"1980 Rabbit Pickup with a 2.8 L VR6","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1980-Rabbit-Pickup-with-a-2.8-L-VR6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1980-Rabbit-Pickup-with-a-2.8-L-VR6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1980-Rabbit-Pickup-with-a-2.8-L-VR6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1980-Rabbit-Pickup-with-a-2.8-L-VR6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1980-Rabbit-Pickup-with-a-2.8-L-VR6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":72171,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=72171","url_meta":{"origin":149404,"position":3},"title":"VW Rabbit with a Turbo 2.8 L VR6","author":"swaptastic","date":"May 21, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Chris Coulter enjoys swapping motors at his Schwa Motorsports company outside of Kansas City. You may remember his Fiero with a turbo VR6 we shared earlier this year. Today we are sharing his 1984 VW Rabbit project. Chris started by installing a 2.8 L 12v VR6, subframe, and steering rack\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rabbit"","block_context":{"text":"Rabbit","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=702"},"img":{"alt_text":"1984 VW Rabbit with a Turbo VR6","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-Turbo-VR6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-Turbo-VR6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-Turbo-VR6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-Turbo-VR6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-Turbo-VR6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19351,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=19351","url_meta":{"origin":149404,"position":4},"title":"VW Rabbit with a 6.0 L LSx V8","author":"swaptastic","date":"November 13, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Connor Hofford debuted his unique 1984 VW Rabbit at SEMA 2017 where it took home several awards including Top 40 in Battle of the Builders and Top 10 in Young Guns Battle of the Builders. 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The\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Rabbit"","block_context":{"text":"Rabbit","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=702"},"img":{"alt_text":"1984 VW Rabbit with a 6.0 L LSx V8","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-6.0-L-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-6.0-L-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-6.0-L-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-6.0-L-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/1984-VW-Rabbit-with-a-6.0-L-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":149381,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=149381","url_meta":{"origin":149404,"position":5},"title":"1974 Super Beetle with a Honda Flat-Six","author":"swaptastic","date":"June 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"JT Built It created a unique 1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle. Wanting more power and something different, he swapped a 1.5 L flat-six from a 1988 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. The motor is capable of 100 hp (73 kW) and 111 lb-ft (150 Nm) of torque. The installation used custom mounts\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Beetle"","block_context":{"text":"Beetle","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=352"},"img":{"alt_text":"front-side view of a 1974 VW Super Beetle","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1974-VW-Super-Beetle-with-a-Honda-flat-six-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1974-VW-Super-Beetle-with-a-Honda-flat-six-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1974-VW-Super-Beetle-with-a-Honda-flat-six-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1974-VW-Super-Beetle-with-a-Honda-flat-six-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1974-VW-Super-Beetle-with-a-Honda-flat-six-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149404","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=149404"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149404\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":149573,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149404\/revisions\/149573"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/149551"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=149404"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=149404"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=149404"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}