ok i need some opinions and good advice. my girlfriend and i both own bugs,mine is 71 superbug that is currently being restored top to bottom via me and my panelbeating next door neighbours. After much beg borrow and stealing i have managed to scrounge ten grand which is to be spent on
a) new street motor
b) adjustable front struts
c) wider wheels and rubber
I figure 2 grand for struts wheels and rubber which leaves about eight grand for motor. This is where we need help this car is to be our family transport (we have a new daughter nine weeks old yay!), as well as my daily driver. I really need this motor to be bullet proof, driveable and dependable , as well as capable of sending a smile to my dial when i mash my right foot.
I want a fast car but dont want to sacrifice reliable driving. i am going to get someone else to do the work on this one while i teach myself on my partners 1600 rebuild. so far i have spoken to stan pobjoy about a 1916 and to avwpc about a 90.5 * 78 stroker they both are around the same dollars with new case and all new bits , but i know little about either company or their motors.
another person suggested a type 4 conversion. i believe a stroker is a very driveable engine and some one said that 90.5 is the best bore for reliabilty. Both engines are two use twin kadrons. I dont intend to race but i like performance but not at a cost of reliabilty. i do want to be able to go for weekend blasts with my family in the country. Any opinions greatfully welcomed i cant afford to stuff this up

alot of the forum members will kill me for this, but if u have that much to spend, why not go an engine conversion. get a nice rotary or late model subaru. heaps of power and reliability and for that kind of dough u can have everything done professionally.

thought about it but i really like the aircooled concept and want to keep it vw.
im hoping that these dollars will by my power and reliabilty in a flat four. my mum thinks i should by a commodore but im into beetles

8 grand!!!! Just for the motor!!! FAAAAARRRRRKKKK. Can i have some?
Thats my whole budget.
I say go for the Pobjoy. I drove a beetle with one in the back. What a blast!
Its no good going fast if you cant stop! Dont forget to upgrade your brakes.

The type 4 will cost more to do up. An upright kit will also be needed as its a flat engine.

Ther are plenty of options for the beetle engine. Take your pick. Research, Research, Reaserch.
Like you said " I cant afford to stuff this up"
You should maybe lean more toward the reliable side. There is no such thing as a five minute job or a quick and cheap rebuild.

Good luck. Todd :jesus

yaeh its pretty much my whole budget as well but im hands on with everything else(rub paint glue rub rub paint glue rub rub) and my beetle is in top nick to start with and ill live with crappy seats for now.like the sound of the reliabilty of the pobjoy but the car will spend most of its life in wa so cooling worries me a lot.
does anyone know if a 76mm crank will require much case work and if that will weaken the case i intend to use new case. i really want a long living engine ten years maybe , i will look after it.