Aircooled VW South Africa

Hi, I bought it from a guy that had it but wasn't using it anymore.

I did see it available locally at a performance shop's website some time back but can't remember which one. Maybe someone on the forum can help you with a source or someone can help importing it? Sorry I can't help you with more info.

Thanks so much!


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@Wentzel, nice hi-tech build, thanks for posting! Real interesting reading...

Do you have any way of monitoring/controlling knock, or how do you keep it safe during self-tuning?

@62RestCal, you can try Performance Products SA for the Innovate LM-1. They have a few Innovate items on their website. They can possibly assist.

Thanks Fourier


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Thanks @fourier.

I did have a look at the J&S Safeguard but couldn't find a local supplier and it was very pricey. They have a very nice system that can monitor knock per cylinder and retard only the knocking cylinder. Control wasted spark and more coils and is also adjustable for sensitivity etc.

I built a small mic with amplifier and ear phones that can be used for listening for knock when clamping the mic attached to a clamp to the engine somewhere.

Although I have it I rarely use it and tune by listening to the engine and using EGT & AFR. You can tell a lot from these.

Do you know of any other systems?

@Wentzel, the EFI idea started a few years ago, when I bought one of the CB Performance Quick Tune systems, when it was first launched. After speaking to a few dyno guys in CT, I quickly realised that tuning was going to be something I needed to figure out for myself. The system was about as foreign to them, as a fuel injected aircooled VW. Frankly, their thoughts on aircooled AFR also scared me.

I ended up buying a J&S Safeguard to help with the tuning. Thought it would do a perfect job at telling me where the limits are...



Fast forward a few years, and the CB EFI and the J&S systems are still unused on the shelf. I have since upgraded to a Haltech Elite 1500 ECU, with active knock control.

Now I just need to build the engine, and figure out the ECU...

Very nice! @fourier

You have the J&S that works with distributor if I look at the picture or which one is it? I have thought about changing to Haltech or something but the features and tuning could get even more tricky, not to mention the prices. When will your engine be running? I would like to hear your thoughts on the Haltech.

Yip, the J&S is the Universal model, as you've correctly spotted. I will be running that with CB Black Box, MSD distributor and MSD ignition system, on another project.

The Haltech system has so many features, many of which will not be needed for my N/A application. All the features/options are quite intimidating. It does however leave the ability to upgrade to turbo, NOS, Ethanol (flex fuel), or whatever you can imagine doing to one of these engines. I think the limitation will be the ability of the tuner, not the system. I also like the Haltech specific forum, where you can ask their experts for advice.

When I bought the Haltech ECU, the 1500, was the only 4 cylinder version in the Elite range. The range was subsequently expanded to include more basic versions, which in hindsight, would have been more cost effective for my application. I will be running 4x coil-near-plug, 60-2 crank trigger, distributorless, which is quite basic as far as ECU ability goes. I also got their wideband O2 controller, and still want to add the 4 channel EGT controller, just to see exactly what each cylinder is doing, during the tuning process.

I still need to install their wiring loom to the car, and build the engine. It unfortunately won't be running any time soon, as I've also got another project, that needs an engine first.

When it's up and running, I'll be sure to pick your brain on some tuning ideas.

The Haltech is a very nice system but I doubt that I will ever get one.

You are welcome to shout when you are ready and I will try to help. I can at least help with what worked for me so far.

Thanks @Wentzel, I'll give you a shout, when it's up and running. Your experience with self-tuning, will be very useful.

I wanted to 3d print some simple parts for my beetle but never got around to doing it. After the printed dash inserts by @FaanP I was inspired and printed some air vents of the late model rear windscreen. These are usually burnt to bits by the sun.

I printed it in black for now but plan to do white when I get the correct filament for the printer.

Looking good

So my fuel pump started whining and I decided to replace it with a new Fuel Performance version of the Bosch 044 pump. It is physically smaller but got a lifetime warranty so I will see how it behaves.

So far all seems good.

I have also been doing some work to the Oxyboxer engine casing, cleaning it up and preparing it slowly. Still a few things to sort out and make up but there is progress.

Hopefully I can assemble the long block next year.

I am glad to see its finally starting to come together.