Aircooled VW South Africa

Hi All

Trying to sort out the third letter engine code , do we have a definite answer to what it is , I have a SFBR code SF made in ZA R replacement case
but the B is this a B code engine or a date code or ?
To confuse things a little i have two friends both who have TwinPort engines ( believed 1600) with codes SFD and SFH, so the D and H in these cannot mean a D series engine (1200 SP ) or a H (1500SP) .
I ve been reading around on this but can't find a answer ,

Your help most appreciated

Chico

It looks like you are interpreting things correctly.

Don't forget that the engine code on a case refers to the original spec of the engine. Even a 1200 engine can be built up to 1600 twin-port spec. If the engine code shows a replacement case, then even the case may not be original spec, as most replacement cases used over the past 30-odd years have been Brazilian or Mexican "universal" cases.

Ok now I'm even more confused. My bug's engine number starts with SFADTR. According to this post the SF means made here and the R means replacement case. What does the ADT stand for

American District Telegraph
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_ADT_Corporation

Only joking, im sure someone can help

Actually have a look in here:
http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/biblioteek/VWBook.swf
Not everything might apply to SA market but most do.

I'm not very informed re engine codes, but you've already addressed the confusing stuff (SF and R). The remaining letters can all be looked up on a list of ACVW engine codes, such as the ones on this site or thesamba.com. IIRC, AD is a twin-port 1600. I don't know what T signifies, or if it's listed with the more usual engine codes, but it won't overrule the basic meaning of AD.

SFAS twinport 1600
SFAB twinport 1300
SFAD singleport 1600
SFAH singleport 1500 ?
T typethree twinport
SF south Africa
R Factory reconditioned.
Regards Armand

Some errors in your list, according to the lists in Eben's link above Armand.

PS: Chico, please tell us a bit about yourself in the New Members thread, as requested in your welcome mail.

The late 70's 1300 dual port was marked new with letters: "SFAR". The "R" in that case did not refer to being reconditioned, but was an "AR" with "SF" pre-fix added. Like the 1600 that was "AS".

capacity model engine code remarks
1200 beetle SFD single port
1300 beetle SFB twin port
1300 beetle SFF single port
1500 beetle SFH single port
1600 beetle SFAD singleport
1600 beetle SFAS twinport
2000 bus CJ solid
2000 bus CU hydraulic
1800 bus AP solid
1700 bus CA solid
1700 412 variant
1700 412 (F/I) variant WR dome piston
1700 412 sedan
1700 412 (F/I) sedan dome piston
1700 411 variant flat piston
1700 411 (F/I) variant WO dome piston
1700 411 sedan ZO flat piston
1700 411 (F/I) sedan dome piston
1600 type three T
1600 type three auto
SFADTR
SFAP
411 SFWR
These codes are what I have found when stripping down quite a few engines and am reasonable sure that these are as supplied in south Africa and not overseas. A lot of rebuilders removed the original number and re stamped a number and a lot of times the codes were not stamped correctly The A also had a meaning apparently as it is sometimes present and sometimes not
Regards
Armand

Thanks All

Great Information much appreciated

p.s will do Fig

I have read through this thread, back and forth, but cannot find the mention of my Beach Buggey's engine code anywhere. Has anyone else come across the SFCR engine code? Just out of pure curiosity?

Morras wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2020 12:05 pm I have read through this thread, back and forth, but cannot find the mention of my Beach Buggey's engine code anywhere. Has anyone else come across the SFCR engine code? Just out of pure curiosity?

Your engine code is "C". SF is for South Africa and the R for replacement/rebuild.

C is a 1600 single port bus engine. Does your engine have the 3 mounting holes for the engine carrier?

I got a SFADTR engine on my lowlight vw t2, it's a twin port but has a 1300 carburator...
So is it a 1600cc twin port with some strange parts on it ?

Mrflo wrote: ↑Tue Mar 10, 2020 12:38 pm I got a SFADTR engine on my lowlight vw t2, it's a twin port but has a 1300 carburator...
So is it a 1600cc twin port with some strange parts on it ?

If the engine is from a unknown source, it could be a mix of anything and the engine number will not tell you what's going on inside. Is your carburettor fitted on the manifold with an adapter plate or is it a straight fit on the manifold flange?