T3: RE: 1776 or 1904cc motor in fastback???

["Erkson, Toby" <toby.erkson@intel.com>]

(Chime, chime!)

I've heard that, as a rule of thumb, 1.9L is about as far as one should go 
in terms of engine cooling as well as well.

Yeah, my motor kicks butt, but the compression is 8:1 and though it brings 
up my hp it also increases the heat produced.  So, yes, I do have a problem 
with overheating but it's not bad like the metal-burning smell and smoking 
engine like when an engine REALLY overheats.  She just runs hotter than 
stock.  For my purposes I'm still considering putting in a secondary, 
thermo-controlled oil cooler.  On the next rebuild I'll probably have the 
compression ratio dropped (along with a drop in hp) to keep the extra heat 
output down (and then I may not need a secondary cooler).

Higher compression, though it gives more hp, also makes the engine hotter.
But 
there are other ways to help extract hp like engine balancing, blueprinting,

porting and polishing, and quality parts and service (read: not a cheap
"real 
deal" engine!).  I might add that a slightly bigger engine, equipped with FI
and
a computerized ignition system would produce more smooth, reliable power and
get
better gas mileage than an equivalent carbed engine with stock ignition.
One of
these days when I can afford a $1200 or so after-market FI system I'm gonna
slap
one on my engine.  These modifications/applications allow the engine to
operate 
more efficiently thus "bringing out" more power and increasing engine life.

Talk to any racer and there are many things that can help extract more power

from an engine, some are just fractional like using synthetic oil while
others 
give more tangible results like an improved ignition, exhaust headers and
ratio 
rockers (no, these are not math teachers who are into Led Zepplin!).

Best thing to do is talk with a couple of GOOD engine builders and explain
what 
you are looking for in an engine (more power, better gas mileage, more low
end 
torque, high end torque, high revving engine, FI, carbed, turbo, nitrous,
etc.).
 They can tell you what will and will not work.  Find out if they will do
the 
special stuff like balancing, porting, etc.  Any guarantees, warrantees?  
Pricing will enter the picture and you should ask for an estimate (<-- see
that 
word? it means "a rough guess").  When you find your builder find out what
will 
be done and get a better estimate.  Good engine builders will have already
built
many different styles of engines and should be able to give you an exact
quote. 
And don't forget about shipping and if they require a core.  And who's gonna

remove/install the engines?  And if you can't work on your engine can your
VW 
mechanic?  I had to take my engine to a shop that worked on Porsches and
other 
old imported sports cars for some repairs as they were much more familiar
with 
beefed up engines (example: my pulley crank is balanced, torqued at 125'/#
and 
secured with Loc-tite).  Whew!

    Toby "The voice of experience" Erkson
    air_cooled_nut@pobox.com  <-- Please use this address for email
responses
    '72 VW Squareback 1.6L bored and stroked to 2.0L
    '75 Porsche 914 1.8L, ORPCA member
    Portland, Oregon, http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/8501/

______________________________ Reply Separator
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Subject: Re: 1776 or 1904cc motor in fastback???
Author:  Boyd Drew [SMTP:Boyd_Drew@notes.teradyne.com]  at MSXGATE
Date:    3/31/98 4:29 AM

I have been told (when I was building a motor for my Notchback) that there
isnt 
enough cooling available for a type III to build reliably over 1835.

But then again (chime in anytime toby!) another listee has a 2 liter moter
in 
his square and raves about the result, so Im of the opinion that it is
personal 
preference.  As with any beefed motor, the quality of the construction and 
materials will be a large determining factor in your engine's lifespan...Im
of 
the opinion that if you build it right, you can have whatever you want.