I'm pretty new to air cooled VWs so you might have to bear with me for a little while but I hope someone can offer me some advice.
My current 1968 1500 beetle is a great little car as far as performance goes but alas I am searching for more power. It just doesn't seem fair to give it a new paint job and interior without boosting the overall performance of the car. I was thinking about getting a 1600 motor then using a 1776cc Scat engine kit with some aftermarket worked heads. Then I thought about the possibility of not even needing to get a 1600 and just converting the 1500. Is this possible? It just seems a waist to get a 1600 when most of it will not even be used on the car.
Brad ·
Yep it is possible and can be done. If you are going to use aftermarket heads anyway it will not be an issue.
Rota\_Motor ·
I'm by no means an expert on aircooleds myself, but AFAIK, everything from 1300 up uses the same stroke with bigger bores to get the extra capacity, and if you are replacing pistons and barrels, and fitting new heads, it doesnt really matter what you start with.
Whist ·
Ah sweet as, I called a VW mechanic and he said it will be fine as well so its all systems go!
This has good info about the series of 1300, 1500 and 1600 engines...
A chance in heads, barrels and pistons should do the trick for ya 1500. read it, it will answer your questions.
grumble ·
Yes the bottom end is basically the same but i would suggest you go with a full rebuild of it too as it is a shame to have flash new big bores and heads only to have the bottom end let go due to saving a couple of dollars or a little extra work.
Whist ·
Sorry to revive an oldish topic but after some research I'm in need of some advice,
I'm still planning on the 1776 motor but after more research, came to the conclusion I don't think my 1500 case is going to cut it. I would like to avoid buying a new case if I can as they are around the $900 mark. If its vital I don't have much choice but I read somewhere that the 1600 dual relief valve crankcase could solve the problem. I got this info out of an American book so I am not to sure if a case like this could be found in decent condition. It's giving me quite a head ache...
All good fun though 👍
ctefeh ·
Just remember the 1300DP cases (which they never got in the USA) are 10mm stud, dual relief cases too.
HTH
Ctefeh
Whist ·
Ah right, i did not know that... bah!!! more things to ponder over...