Big engine in a small car?

KalgoorlieGreg Seriously Crusin Dubber

196 posts · joined Aug 2016 · 28 Oct 2016, 8:18 pm

#1031103

Hey all,

I'll admit that I'm a noob with VW engine swapping, and have looked with minimal success. Is there a simple write up on putting bigger engines from later vans (around the 2L mark) into earlier Beetles? Or why it's just too hard?!

Or, what are some good engine upgrades for a street car, not a race car!

Cheers, Greg.

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 28 Oct 2016, 9:06 pm

#1031105

If you stick with the original style Type 1 engine case, it is easy. You can get some cracker street engines for a Beetle. I was soft and went for an "improved" engine rather than a racier one. A 1776cc build just makes the driving a bit better with some extra power when you need it. Go up to 1916 or even heaps bigger and you can really get your Beetle moving with some fun performance. Upgrade your clutch, exhaust, carbies, gearbox, brakes, suspension and few other bits, and you will have fun. Everything costs money though.

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

coletrickle Wolfsburg Wizard

661 posts · joined Apr 2009 · 29 Oct 2016, 7:33 am

#1031113

Ive had a few hot street t1 beetles fastest was a fairly good 2332 140ish at the wheels it was a mental car on the street and big power = big dollars and also a big dollar box.If i was starting from scratch id do a nice little 1600.The best motor i ever had imo was my 1600 it was 7,5-1 compression factory ported heads 45dells it went 14.89 for the 1/4.Type 1 engines will be eaiser in the long run type 4 can be done but its all custom and expensive or there is a wrecker conversion i saw years ago to do a type 4 in a bug it worked but was ugly. Goodluck.

KalgoorlieGreg Seriously Crusin Dubber

196 posts · joined Aug 2016 · 29 Oct 2016, 3:15 pm

#1031120

To ask the obvious question, why is the T4 engine hard to fit into a Beetle?

Smiley Veteran Volks Folk

2,125 posts · joined Oct 2008 · 29 Oct 2016, 5:42 pm

#1031124

KalgoorlieGreg wrote:To ask the obvious question, why is the T4 engine hard to fit into a Beetle?

It's not.

Just takes some time to deal with some of the little issues that crop up.
Have put one in dad's bug this year and it is great. Goes like a freight train.
I don't think I will ever have a Type 1 powered car again. Not unless I am keeping things original for a restoration.

Smiley 🙂

If you said I was a Volkswagen man, you'd be right.

grumble Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,672 posts · joined Jun 2008 · 30 Oct 2016, 5:29 pm

#1031145

Smiley wrote:
KalgoorlieGreg wrote:To ask the obvious question, why is the T4 engine hard to fit into a Beetle?
It's not.

Just takes some time to deal with some of the little issues that crop up.
Have put one in dad's bug this year and it is great. Goes like a freight train.
I don't think I will ever have a Type 1 powered car again. Not unless I am keeping things original for a restoration.

Smiley 🙂

As Smiley says a stronger unit there is a little work involved but the result is awesome.

KalgoorlieGreg Seriously Crusin Dubber

196 posts · joined Aug 2016 · 31 Oct 2016, 7:15 am

#1031168

I read something about changing the intake manifold to the T1 type for clearance, and maybe running the bus box? Something about input shaft?

grumble Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,672 posts · joined Jun 2008 · 31 Oct 2016, 7:21 pm

#1031191

KalgoorlieGreg wrote:I read something about changing the intake manifold to the T1 type for clearance, and maybe running the bus box? Something about input shaft?

I just ran with the standard 2 litre carburettors, made an air cleaner to suit, modified the heater boxes so that it has heaters and yes the spigot shaft bearing needs to be extended. From memory I used a Golf bearing which is longer and supports the main shaft. The exhaust system was made by the local exhaust shop with a tuck away muffler,this has since been replaced by a one off made in Sydney.