As someone who has owned lots of Ghias, they are still cheap to buy and maintain. Prices on 'verts have gone up but still reasonable if you do some research.
Anything you can think of to improve them has already been tested and done from high horsepower engines, A arm front and rear suspensions, 5 speed trans(901 or 915 if you want). The aftermarket for ACVW's is great.
Check out the
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BT