Re: [T3] any good engine building places

[Jim Adney <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 9 Oct 2002, at 18:01, dennis perusse wrote:

>   Here's a question for you.  Now my engine which is a bonstock 1600cc needs
> to be replaced. The type of engine would either be another bonestock 1600 or
> maybe even a 1776 but I am unsure about it since their are questions that I
> have about it in terms of hardware. 

No one cares as much about your car as you do, so you are much better off 
doing the studying and learning and doing yourself. There's lots of advice to 
be had here on this list. 

Buy the Bentley manual:

Volkswagen Official Service Manual
Type 3 Fastback and Squareback 1968-1973
published by Robert Bentley, Cambridge, Mass, 1974
ISBN 0-8376-0057-X / LPV 997 383 / VSQU
(excellent book, complete and well written)

And the Fisher book:

How to Hotrod Volkswagen Engines
by Bill Fisher
published by H. P. Books, Tucson, AZ, 1970
ISBN 0-912656-03-4
(excellent book, well written and researched)

This last one has lots of good advice on things to do, and NOT to do, even for 
someone doing a stock rebuild.

Read the relevant sections of each and ask questions until you understand 
them.

> 1. If I get a 1776 cc engine, can I use my original fuel system provided that
> it is in still good working order. My car is Fuel Injected and I plan on
> keeping it that way. 

I recommend that you at least start with a stock rebuild. You will make some 
mistakes with your first try and there's no point in making them with 
expensive parts. There are also a lot of pitfalls with the small displacement 
upgrades that you want to avoid.  

> 2. Do most engine rebuild companies give you a choice of hydraulic lifters or
> do they just put the mechanical lifters in. (perferably hydraulic lifters for
> me) 

Stick to stock. You will be happier in the long run. I'm not convinced that the 
hydraulic lifters for our cars are reliable.

Most people who buy rebuilds from the commercial companys end up back 
here complaining about the poor workmanship. If you do it yourself you do 
the quality control and you know who to talk to if you have a problem.

If you're really sure you'll be wanting a second engine, start accumulating 
parts now and get a second engine ready while you're still driving the old 
one. That will minimize your down time.

-
*******************************
Jim Adney, jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
*******************************

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