Best engine question

[Richfroh]

Is it recommended to use new aircraft conversion parts to build the full VW engine, or is using a good stock engine as a core a good way to go? If stock, what is the best engine to use? How much of the core engine will be used for an 1820(?) or 2180?

[High Noon]

Rich, 
Talk to Steve bennet at Great Plains.
you can use most of your components from a stock vw. EXCEPT THE CRANK CASE!!!
if the motor is torn down, you might as well get new Jugs,& Pistons. ($250 for all four)
And at least get yourself Re-Built heads, If not completely new ones.

Good Luck!

High Noon
SHANE

[Richfroh]

Thanks Shane,
Is there a preferred stock engine to use as the basis of an 1835 or 2180 build? I have a 1964 1200cc engine in my shop. Since the case, cylinders/pistons and heads will be replaced (and the crankshaft on a 2180), will the rest of the 1200 parts work, or should I look for a 1600cc core engine?
Rich

[Sam Buchanan]

You need a late model 1600 with the two oil relief valves. The 1200 is a no-go.

[flydog]

you can use most of your components from a stock vw. EXCEPT THE CRANK CASE!!!

    Why cant you use a factory case??

[Sam Buchanan]

Yep, if building a bored/stroked VW you might as well buy an engine kit from Great Plains or Sonex. There really isn't any stock stuff you want in one of these engines. You need a new case (to avoid dealing with fatigue cracks), new crank, cam, pistons/cylinders,  heads, don't want to throw old rods into all those new parts, and of course all the accessories are new.

The days of flying behind a good used 1600 you bought from the local VW shop are over.....the engines left behind now are too junky/old to put in a Beetle....

[flydog]

OK ,so a used case may not be wise choice, and maybe there is a good used case sitting in a dark corner of someones garage somewhere,  but it is wrong to say you CANT use a used case.

[Sam Buchanan]

OK ,so a used case may not be wise choice, and maybe there is a good used case sitting in a dark corner of someones garage somewhere,  but it is wrong to say you CANT use a used case.

You can definitely build with a used case but it is sorta a roll of the dice. Old cases have an unfortunate tendency to crack in the flywheel end webbing due to fatigue in the metal caused by countless heat cycles. And you won't know if the case is even buildable until it is align-bored.

The case in my Casler 1/2 VW is used but the problem area gets removed from the cut-case engine. I would want a new case if building a full VW, in my opinion that would be the best value for the $$$$'s spent on the entire engine build.