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Recommendation for Sydney engine builder
chickenfillet - October 27th, 2013 at 12:49 PM

Hi All,

The engine in my Karmann is in need of a rebuild, nothing wild but a little more power over stock would be good, can anyone recommend an engine builder in the Sydney area?

Also, any suggestions on the best parts/setup combo to use to gain a little more poke over the stock 1500, I do want to keep the stock single carb and peashooter setup.

Cheers,
Kevin

Bizarre - October 27th, 2013 at 01:05 PM

If you want bang for buck I would give rod Penrose or Mile at Custom Bugs and Busses a call.

A 1776 with a rejetted stock carb and a Vintage Speed exhaust would give you 50+ horses at the wheels which is a 30%+ improvement over what you have.

It also leaves room for a similar improvement should you go dual carbs corn the road.

chickenfillet - October 27th, 2013 at 01:10 PM

Cheers Bizarre,

50hp would be ideal and it's probably a 90% improvement, the motor has never been opened and is getting pretty tired.

The Vintage Speed exhaust looks magic too!

Do you have an email address for Rod by any chance?

Kevin

Bizarre - October 27th, 2013 at 01:16 PM

This setup is simple, torquey and allows you to keep your heater boxes

If your case has never been opened and you want to save some $$$ you could look at reusing your case

Your crank maybe a good contender as well

Not sure about Rod and machining - but I know mike is good at this.
He did my case way back

chickenfillet - October 27th, 2013 at 01:24 PM

Most definitely want to keep the original case, the rest I'm not too bothered about, other than the heater, wifey would kill me.

Is there a 'best brand for the pistons & barrels, there seems to be loads of options out there.

Cheers,
Kevin

Bizarre - October 27th, 2013 at 01:50 PM

Try and get some Mahle.
Most people sell AA these days. I have never used them but know people who have with mixed opinions.

If your crank is ok I would keep it. Nice German forged and never been machined.

Your case should be an H series which is not the first choice for the serious HP guys.
But yours should be in good condition and you are not chasing serious power.

Rods could be worth keeping as well

Otherwise most of it needs replacing.
Tin, cam, lifters

chickenfillet - October 27th, 2013 at 01:57 PM

Cheers Bizarre, I'll give Rod a call in the morning.

I just had a quick search for a few of the parts and can't believe the price difference between VW and 356 parts. I had the motor in the 356 rebuilt last year and the crank alone was $3K!

Bizarre - October 27th, 2013 at 02:02 PM

Well........ If THAT'S your budget give me a call. :D :D