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From: "Craig Webb" <craig_webb@ntlworld.com> Reply-To: type3@vwtype3.org To: <type3@vwtype3.org> Subject: [T3] Advice needed on building that 'Perfect' engine Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 14:43:57 +0100
My current engine (1584cc dual carb) in my '72 square is about done for and a replacement will soon be needed. I'd like to take this chance to build that special engine that will serve me for many years. Your ideas and thoughts are welcome.
What I want:
Ultimate reliability, as good as you can possibly get for a VW engine. Must run on normal unleaded gas. Must be 'happy' around town and cruising for long periods on the highway. (Max air temp here = 30 degrees C, say 100 degrees F) Must be able to tow a trailer without overheating. I'll use it for daily driving & holidays, fully loaded with kids, luggage and pulling a small trailer. Not after blistering acceleration or high top speed - 70mph fine. Must be as fuel economic as possible Would like to keep my standard dual carbs Cost not a big issue, but not silly money
My own thoughts so far:
Biggest debate is to keep it stock size, or increase the capacity very
slightly. Don't mind machining the case and heads. I understand that 1776cc
is the max size recommended for a square due to cooling air restrictions -
correct?
Ignoring the 'cc' size issue, thought I'd go with:
Standard 1600 case, fully checked over, cleaned and align bored. Machine case if needed, add case savers and drill for external oil filter.
Go for a counterweighted crank, and pretty much standard everything else.
Get everything balanced as perfect as possible, including clutch plate. Any
thoughts on this - non standard cam perhaps?.
Standard heads, fully reconned. Best quality values & guides. Is it worth
a three angle value job and very mild porting and polishing. (basically just
cleaning up the combustion chamber)?
Keep compression ratio as stock or even slightly lower.
External oil filter mounted from engine support bar. Any thoughts on either
remote oil cooler (with thermostat) or a deep sump? Can the standard oil
cooler be modified to a seven row one, similar to the bug upgrade?
Keep standard dual carbs (would these work ok with a 1776 with jet changes?)
Standard vacuum distributor with contactless points. Quality leads and high
power coil.
Other bits: Lightened flywheel - worth it or waste of time? Exhaust - standard or aftermarket? Want to keep my heaters.
That's my thoughts so far. If I go higher than 1584cc, am I going to compromise my reliability? My current thinking is to keep it 1584cc, make sure everything is a perfect as possible, nicely balanced, etc and concentrate on maximising cooling and airflow. I see my biggest problem as overheating when heavily loaded.
Any help appreciated.
Regards
Craig Webb 72' Square UK.
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