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[T3] first posting but on a previous thread topic..engine longevity...but here is some new ideas to discuss..


Greetings to all at type3.org,




	I have been lurking for quite a while and have
decided to post a message here.  I hope to be a
frequent poster to this message board.  My name is
dennis, and I am restoring a 1973 FI squareback.  It
is the issue of engine longevity is what has made me
interested in posting.
	I think that all of us can agree that his list of
parts are definitely good and will give him plenty of
bang for the buck.  But, in my humble opinion, I
believe that there is more at play in terms of engine
life than just those parts there.  I believe that the
whole drive-train, the types of ignition, and the
components need to be looked at in terms of being
maintenance free as well as being built well.  Let me
go through the list so that I can explain what I am
getting at.
	Okay, he has a dual carburetor system in terms of
fuel flow, but what about the ignition.  It says that
he will be using an OEM Bosch distributor.  Now
that¡¦s all fine and dandy but the devil is in the
details.  One, is this distributor a vacuum advance, a
centrifugal advance, or a bit of both.  Now since you
are not running a Fuel Injected system you should be
able to run a Bosch 009 with an electronic ignition
unless I am seriously mistaken. That will make it
possible to not have to worry about points and
resetting the gap on them as well as dealing with
dwell also.  I mean unless you like to do that part of
the maintenance than fine, please enjoy but if you
don¡¦t¡K ?º Now let¡¦s look at the engine parts that
were suggested.
	All of those parts are great but are the Johnson
lifters that are mentioned hydraulic lifters by any
chance?  Again, in my humble opinion, longevity is at
least equal to the amount of maintenance that will be
required of you to keep the car in proper running
order.  Hydraulic lifters are the way to go if you
don¡¦t want to go to the trouble of adjusting them
i.e. the valves (since they seem much harder to do in
a type 3 versus a beetle).
	Are you going to keep the original transmission in
the car or will you purchase either a new or rebuilt
one?  I¡¦ve heard of a transmission called a frequent
flyer transmission which is supposedly geared better
for the highway than stock transmissions.  Where it is
a thought about not getting creamed by a semi this
might be a decent option. Again, I have not purchased
one so I have no clue on performance versus a stock
unit.
	Here is another issue that I am not sure that many
have not thought about; the tires.  Are the stock ones
going to be used?  Are they some sort of aftermarket
ones on the car currently? Weight can certainly be a
problem if they are not quite matched up with the car.
 Again, it may be a small thing to think about but if
longevity is the primary issue than this comes into
focus as well.  Same with the exhaust, which I will
supply my two cents here.
	Yes a glass pack muffler system will allow the engine
to breathe, but consider this; the noise of the engine
to your ears.  I must confess it is a great choice you
want to make and if their ever becomes a problem in
your engine than you will certainly know.  If fact
many of your neighbors hear it as well.  If I may you
might want to look for a Dual-Quietpack muffler system
which allows good exhaust flow but will be quieter not
only for you but for everyone else as well.  Take it
from someone whose hearing is getting worse by
constant exposure to loud machinery over the years. 
Heck I am only 29 and I worry about a hearing doctor
telling me that Belltone will be the way to go.
	And while the subject on longevity is pursued lets
look at the oil system.  Now personally I wouldn¡¦t
worry too much about which oil filter you¡¦re going to
use.  Where it has been mentioned that it is a mild
street, and a slight upgrade from stock and also that
you are a mild driver than does it really matter?  It
probably does in the long run but in the short term as
long as you follow the maintenance schedule and change
it often enough you will have many a day to figure out
which works best for you and for your conditions that
you¡¦ll be driving in. 
	Finally a word about cooling to you since this also
is vital to keeping you engine lasting a long time.
Make sure that the thermostat is in and all of your
engine cooling tin is working properly.  Same with the
heating system too since that is a closed system and
is definitely related to the engine.  I could be wrong
in my choices and ideas here but if anyone wishes to
refute me than go for it. I would love to hear
peoples¡¦ opinions on said matter.

Sincerely;
Dennis Perusse
mach01913@yahoo.com
ps Good luck in your engine choices in terms of parts
and setup.  I would love to see a pic of it if you¡¦d
be willing to post it. 
 


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