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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. __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC & Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------ To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <type3-off@vwtype3.org> For more help, see http://vwtype3.org/list/