Who is building their own 1/2 VW engine now?

[Slohand42]

Question:  Who is actually building their own 1/2 VW currently?
The question arises because I am an experienced auto and engine mechanic, with machinist experience and want to build my own engine.  What I see a lot recently, however, is that going with a built motor (Cassler etc.) seems to be the trend.  I would like some dialogue with others that are going the "homebuilt" route on their engines.
Are you out there?

[Kamcoman77]

I bought a new head off eBay, miscellaneous parts from J-Bugs & others. I bought a balanced rotating assembly (Scat forged 78mm stroke crank, VW rods, 92mm pistons & cylinders), and a used line bored, clearanced for 78mm stroke VW case from Scott Casler (Hummel Engines). I'm using 28mm Mikuni carbs (Summit) an Engle W100 cam, Scat lifters, Silverline bearings, and Deves piston rings. Only have about one hour of run time on test stand.

[Slohand42]

Kamcoman,
Very nice build and pics.  One question, when you say Ford COP ignition, do you mean the coils on plugs?  If so, how are they being fired?  Also, not to sway you and your choice, but I've had a Ford F-150 with the COP ignition and those coils gave me fits at times.

Slo

[Kamcoman77]

I have tried several types of coils on my engine. All are fired by a GM 4-pin module with a magnetic sensor on a bracket and a metal finger on the prop hub. I have no idea which coil I will use on the airplane when ready for flight. I have owned Fords for over 50 years and have had several coils of various designs fail, most from excessive heat. The 1/2 VW has no such heat issue so I am not worried about the coil quitting. I will have dual ignition, anyway. The COP is primarily for my test stand. I do not like the weight of the COP potentially vibrating around and coming loose from its mounting so I seriously doubt it will make it to the airplane.

[Slohand42]

Kamcoman77,
I understand what you are saying.  GM's coil packs had they're issues too.  I did learn one sound lesson about the COPs.  Do  not cheap out on them.  FoMoCo or better were the only way to go.
I do like your set up.  With the research I've been doing as of late, I will probably go that way.

[Slohand42]

Kamcoman,
Now that I have gone back and looked through the posts I researched, I realize you have a very nice setup which I hope to copy in some fashion.  You do seem like The Man in this area. 
Duh!!!

[Kamcoman77]

I don't know about being The Man in this area but I'm having fun building my own engine.

[Slohand42]

One more question.  I see you have a "4-ply ignition trigger finger" on one of your pics.  Can you explain that, and is that what you are using a present to trigger the sensors?
Tx.

[Kamcoman77]

The trigger is made of thin steel. The more mass the trigger has the better the magnetic pickup senses it. At first I tried a single thickness, then found the spark stronger when folded into 2-layers. I folded it into a 4-layer piece & welded it so the end that passes the pickup is much thicker. That made a visible difference in the spark on my test bench setup.

[Pradeep ks achary]

Question:  Who is actually building their own 1/2 VW currently?
The question arises because I am an experienced auto and engine mechanic, with machinist experience and want to build my own engine.  What I see a lot recently, however, is that going with a built motor (Cassler etc.) seems to be the trend.  I would like some dialogue with others that are going the "homebuilt" route on their engines.
Are you out there?

Hi build my own 1/2 vw 37 hp balanced assembly from Scott  for Le Xl c 95 , and tested then flew.

[Kamcoman77]

Looks like Pradeep did the same thing I did. Balanced rotating assembly from Hummel Engines. This has forged SCAT counterweighted crank (shortened & sealed), VW rods, AA cylinders & flat top pistons, rings, rod bearings, and counterweight that bolts on prop hub. I used Deves rings because I wanted quick break-in. Prop hub in photo is not included in kit (extra cost item).