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Engine Recommendation

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Nikos Slammed & Awesome Dubber

95 posts · joined Apr 2008 ·

#671456
Hi Guys (& Gals),

I'm relatively new, and know squat about engines.

About 6 months ago I picked up a 70 Karmann Ghia Cabrio. I'm looking at replacing the engine and redoing all the running the gear so that the car is back to new mechanically and 100% reliable for weekends away. I've been advised to start with a new engine as mine only has a single oil line thingy. Happy to go with a new engine and start from scratch. I intend on doing the body and paint 5 yrs down the track.

Please steer me in the right direction with your thoughts on engine set-ups. 1776 - 1916, Single Carby - Twin?

I'm after a smooth (quietish) ride for cruising, and decent acceleration for overtaking etc. Not after 1/4 mile times but reliability and low maintenance. I only want to do this excercise once. I've spoken to several mechanics in Sydney who all have their own (conflicting) thoughts. So I'll ask you guys what you think I should be looking for.

Thanks,

Nikos.

LUFTMEISTER Veteran Volks Folk

2,041 posts · joined Jul 2005 ·

#671459
New factory engine (long block)
New kadron kit (thats fuel covered)
New altenator kit (thats electricity covered)
clean and powder coat your old engine tin (do not forget new engine bay seal)
New Stainless steel exhaust
Should give you years of trouble free crusing with a little more poke! 👍
my2c
Customer service is not dead in Australia.

Always after HAZET & MATRA & VW factory tools

BiX Veteran Volks Folk

2,499 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#671468
There are so many options, best to go to some club events or shows and see whats what. My quiet, may not be your quiet.....
I have no sympathy for my car, only the wallet that pays for it!
Go hard or go home!!!!

cram Officially Full-On Dubber

368 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#671469
please correct me if I'm wrong -
single oil relief (if thats what you mean by single oil line thingy) is fine for warmer climates - such as most of Australia - dual relief allows bypass for the oil cooler is your oil gets too think when its really cold..

Nikos Slammed & Awesome Dubber

95 posts · joined Apr 2008 ·

#671470
Hi Dave,

Inner west Sydney, but work out Penrith way.

I know there are probably hundreds of options but what's a proven combination for reliability and better than average performance.

Rather not go too much louder than standard. Reason I mentioned this is because I was told twin Carbies are louder than the norm. Depending on who I ask, I'm also told 1916's aren't as durable/reliable/maintenance free as 1776's.

Bear in mind I'm speaking to various engine builders and thought I'd see what you guys suggest.

Nikos

VWCOOL 23 Windows of Awesome

5,158 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#671482
That's true of twin carbys - several sources of induction noise are 'louder' than one

But it's BS about 1916s - plenty of properly-built ones out there with two decades and 200,000km + on them. But you gotta build them right... and some people can't
Pay your debts, CxxT

Nikos Slammed & Awesome Dubber

95 posts · joined Apr 2008 ·

#671501
If the 1916 is just as reliable as a 1776, why would you go the later, apart from better fuel economy?

Could you go single carby on a 1916, or would you be wasting your time?

Nikos.

VWCOOL 23 Windows of Awesome

5,158 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#671517
sure, it will run on a single carby but it will 'run out of breath'

Engien capacity is only one factor in fuel efficiency; it;s possible to make a small engine drink as much as a large one, and vice-versa!

if you engine is in okay condition, give it a 'once over' then spend your $ drinking wines in the Hunter valley instead 🙂
Pay your debts, CxxT

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#671667
Nikos wrote:Could you go single carby on a 1916, or would you be wasting your time?
Yep
I run a 1916, stock heads, slight cam, near stock exhaust and rejetted stock carb.

Cheap, reliable, daily driven and about 30% more power over stock
Yes it runs out of puff - but only either when i am over the speed limit or if you are doing a 1/4 at WSID

You also retain your heater boxes for winter

Where about inner west.
I am Abbotsford if you wanna look

Barry
Futue te ipsum!!!

Nikos Slammed & Awesome Dubber

95 posts · joined Apr 2008 ·

#671682
give me 5 min and I'll send you a pm.

Nikos

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#671723
no pm

you can call me on 0414 872 848
Futue te ipsum!!!