Which engine to use for performance beetle

69 Beetle · Post by **69 Beetle** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 11:27 pm

Could somebody please tell me what to look for when sourcing a motor for my 69 Beetle. I want to build something with nice performance, but reliability beeing the no1 priority.

I was thinking of getting 94mm piston kit and using the std 69 stroke with some mild heads.

Could somebody please help? Also keep in mind that this is going to be a timely project because my budget is extremly tight.

Post by **calooker** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 10:26 am

There are many variables to consider and even more choice of parts available. give me a call I could set you on the right track.
Rui 082 830 6493

vader · Post by **vader** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:03 pm

You could ALLWAYS CHECK THE TECHNICAL SECTION before asking how long a piece of string is...

vader · Post by **vader** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:05 pm

The Oil Stains of today.....

vader · Post by **vader** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:08 pm

http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74

http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75

vader · Post by **vader** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:09 pm

Can I wipe your rusty sherrifs badge for you as well??

Thumper · Post by **Thumper** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:35 pm

Easy Easy Vader, he is still young, but the force is strong with this one.....

vader · Post by **vader** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:47 pm

It will be when I force the next oil stain over the edge.....

vader · Post by **vader** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:59 pm

Sorry 69 beetle but this ain't the first time someone asked a question without checking the Guides section, I spent a long time updating that section not once but twice(thanks to our fearless leader Eben) and get a bit touchy when oil stains want a quick answer without spending some time reading thru the site. We all know there are no quick answers in the world of proformance engine'e.

Thumper · Post by **Thumper** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 2:09 pm

For a first time visitor it can be little confusing to find the info you want.

but its all available in there somewhere... Just take your time 69beetle...

If all else fails,ask and we will post the relevant thread as Vader did above.

Post by **Tony Z** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 7:50 pm

Hey 69er... ignore our fearless idiot. We only allow him here because he makes us laugh, force or not, he is in his own blackhole, not only the darkside of the moon.

Hey vader, you working on getting your post count up???

69er... your engine will be as fast as your walet is big. A well built 1600 with new heads and about R4000 thrown at it can be reliable and make 80hp easy. Then again, 20 grand can make 150hp, or your could go the whole hog and hit the 500hp mark or go PAUTER and aim for 1000+hp, but that will cost you the same as your house (not a joke).

Post by **Tony Z** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:01 pm

Doing a vader here... getting my posts up

a 1915cc, will cost a small fortune. Remember, the crank should be counterweighted, if not, you should sit below 4500rpm (waste if you go for a bigger cc), 94mm piston kit, pushrods changed, new heads, bigger valves, flow the heads, stonger or dual valve springs, rocker shafts, cam, line bore, new bearings (cranks and rod), new cam, case mods, maifolds, carburettors, modded cooling fan, new exhaust, clutch, pressure plate, shot peened rods, cam followers, ignition (different dizzy), carb linkage and air filters..... It can be done cheaply, but it wont last or make you happy.
A good 1600 or the 1641 calooker sold in the offered section, wont cost anywhere what your engine should cost and will still keep most cars in the rear window from a traffic light.

My 1596cc was built as a joke. I had new heads, carbs and manifolds and a cam lying around. So I pulled my engine apart, put the bits in, did some headwork and manifold work, and was shocked... 94hp screamer. Less than R2000 spent. But I would never build this for someone else because it will break and all I will have left will be the carbs. I could throw 15 grand into it and make it reliable, but wont get much more than 120hp and the car wont be nice to drive like she is now.

69 Beetle · Post by **69 Beetle** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:06 pm

I read the pages vader was refering to and they say the motor to use is one from a 72 or later Beetle. I'm on a very tight budget and haven't worked inside a motor in my life. I know this will be a problem when I eventualy have all the parts. The thing is I had my motor rebuilt 2 years ago and today after a service I saw oil on my 1 plug so this tells me there is something wrong (even I know oil in the cylinder is bad or atleast a start to crap).

So the bug has bitten me in a big way and I just love Beetles and Fleetlines. Now I just want to start with an engine that will go in one of my next projects and at the same time learn a bit more about performance vw aircooled motors.

I would like to start with sourcing a nice rebuildable motor and was hoping for the type of advice Tony Z was handing out, and possibly which motor # to look for like eg SFASxxxx or AS41xxxx these I know could be totally wrong but I think you guys would konw what I'm on about.

Well I have to say it's nice to learn more about this very lovable hobby from fellow SA enthusiasts and hear about local issues with parts and engineering shops rather that all the americans in Orange county where they have no idea of the dedication required by us here in good ol sa.

Anyway enough for now and thanks again for such a nice site Eben

69 Beetle · Post by **69 Beetle** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:08 pm

Oh yes I'll be adding some pics soon so that you guys can see what I've been busy with these last couple of years. Nowhere near as nice as the cars some of you own, but I'm proud of my very first Beetle.

Cheers

Post by **Tony Z** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:00 pm

In a very simple term... the engine you want to start palying with is the twin port engine.
Yes, AS engines... SF is a reconned engine I think, prob am wrong tho.

Take your time, do some research and dont jump into anything. Ask any question, sooner or later it wil get answered.

We have quite a few topics already regarding big engines... go thru them... tight budget means you are not in a rush, if you were, you would just say, here is 30 grand build me something fast soon.

Good luck, keep us posted

dont drink and drive!