Aircooled VW South Africa

Hi All,
I'm new to the beetle scene after havings spent four years of saturdays restoring an old Merc....although my first car was a Beetle which I drove from age 16 to 24. ...which was a few decades ago.

I need some advice please.

I have a 1960 Karmann Ghia. (wife's university car) It does not have its original engine anymore (I think its got a 1300 engine in currently), so restoring to original is not an option. I am, however, at the point of convincing myself - Why, if it already has an unoriginal engine in it, don't I put in another unoriginal engine with a bit more oomph.

So - I have found a Type 4 - but after having read up a bit on it it sounds as if it will not fit in width-wise without modification - and I don't want to cut on the car.

Can anybody offer some opinions from experience on what type of other VW Beetle engine might fit and with what modifications? I'm thinking mostly subtle mods (pistons, twin ports, skimmed head..... nothing that will make the old girl look like she's got a Baja's shorts on.

Also - can anyone please refer me some reputable engine suppliers? (I live in Gauteng)

Thanks a mill!

I would start by having a chat to a guy called Impi, aka Armand, he is the correct guy for upright type 4 motors as he makes the fan housing for that conversion. He also builds motors.

He is not on this forum much but is on the Puma watsup group.

Will see if I still have his number....

Herman

your best bang for the buck is to get twin port heads and have them ported
on the coast this usually offers around 15hp increase without any other mods.

Keep the 1300/1600 engine, it looks stock and parts are available...

Lovely looking Ghia

Thanks Jolas!

Tony Z - thanks. Thats a topic I will need to research myself on a bit. Is it converting a single port engine to a TP?

Retrovan - thanks. I would love to speak to someone like Armand. Pls send me his contact details.

the difference in the single port and twin port engines is the heads, cylinder tin and inlet manifold. Also, 4 head studs need changing. Its not difficult to do and there are plenty spares around on gumtree and fb if you need them

Hi

Very nice looking car.

Just remember that simply because it has a foreign engine doesn’t mean you can’t put an original engine back. This is also an option.

What gearbox is in your car? The gear ratios changed over the years, obviously early ones catered for low power motors with low gears to give them power. Fitting a bigger motor to one of these gearboxes is not ideal as the revs will limit the engine. IE, you not going to gain speed, only limited acceleration from a bigger engine.

Type 4 motor is completely out of the question.

Hey Sean,
Thanks. With original I meant matching numbers...but yes, same/similar is also an option. I just love driving that car and always wish it had a bit more power.

Most cost effective option is to work with what you have and add bolt items that will add some smiles.
4-1 exhaust, twin carbs, ratio rockers.
I have done this in the past and can assure that the difference is noticeable, even on a tired motor, you not going to double the power but it sure helps.

Cagey wrote: ↑Wed Feb 13, 2019 9:53 pm ......Retrovan - thanks. I would love to speak to someone like Armand. Pls send me his contact details.

Have sent Armands phone numbers to your PM

He is the expert in VW Beetle and Beetle engines, and its good to speak to him before you decide either way.

He got pissed off with the bus guys here and is not on this forum anymore but will help give you all the pros and cons so YOU can make up YOUR own mind.

Hope you come right.

Herman

Hi Herman,
Thanks, got your PM. I’ll give Armand a call and keep you posted.
...I’m almost scared to ask - what are “bus guys” if you mean VW Kombi people then how do they piss off people?
Jurgen

Cagey wrote: ↑Mon Feb 18, 2019 9:42 pm Hi Herman,
Thanks, got your PM. I’ll give Armand a call and keep you posted.
...I’m almost scared to ask - what are “bus guys” if you mean VW Kombi people then how do they piss off people?
Jurgen

Bullshit story - Impi didn't get pissed off with any Bus guys, he left the forum for personal reasons on good terms which he explained in a farewell thread....Can't understand why people are stirring nonsense

It's a real crappy looking car....sell it to me, I'll dispose of it in an environmental friendly way

Hey Eugene - Thanks bud! I was hoping to get an offer I could not refuse.

Re the stirring - as a newbie I have been following the latest threads with some, mirth, trepidation and angst. ....but if I muster the courage I'll add my two-cents to that particular thread.

Cagey wrote: ↑Tue Feb 19, 2019 10:28 am Re the stirring - as a newbie I have been following the latest threads with some, mirth, trepidation and angst. ....but if I muster the courage I'll add my two-cents to that particular thread.

go ahead, most of us have thicker skins that others realise.