I want to get a 1776 built for my splitty. I had one built 18months ago and it is stuffed. I don't have money to waste again so what are my options. I need reliabliity as the bus gets used daily as well as weekends away. I will be running kadrons as i have them off the old motor. Are oil coolers the way to go or am i better off with the standard cooler and doghouse shroud. Any builders recomended and what sort of price. Any advice would be great. Aaron
If you had the 1776 'built' is there warranty from the engine builder? Can you use the components ie: rebuild it again?
No warranty (long story) he's not interested in knowing about it. I will never use or reccommend him again.I basically want to use a new case and all
new components and have it screwed together properly. Maybe use my crank and piston and barrells if that is the way to go.
Aaron
Aaron I reckon give Stan Pobjoy a call and see what he can out together for you. A 1916 would motor that beautiful split of yours along nicely.
ps. We'll be up Toukley on Saturday at the Fifties do there. You should bring your cars along! Hope all is well.
G'day squizy, am i going to get the life out a 1916. I've heardthe barrells are pretty thin. i'm after some advice to know which way to go. The splittys out, as i would have to push it. Might cruise down in the beetle .If i'm around i will say hello. Aaron
nothing wrong with a 1776 nor a 1916. both can have a fruitful life..........but you're onto the right idea of having it built
properly............feel for you not having any success the first time around, 
give Ben Durie up in Newcastle a call. he can button up a nice, well built motor for you
Have spoken to ben. He actually pulled my motor down after i found very excesive end float and showed me the bodgey way it had been put together.Now i have been burnt i realize there are people who put motors together and people who are specialists in motors. I just want some feedback so i don't get duded again. There are retailers that sell long motors and turnkey motors on the south coast but prices vary so much. Guess i am just looking for a bit of direction. Thanks Aaron
yes, Rod is cheap as you will get............i would say he knows how to piece a reliable engine together too.
Stan offers Warranty, which may be good to put your mind at ease
Stan Pobjoy 02 66543694..................his business is building motors, not servicing cars or selling parts or upholstery 
I'd be intersted to find out which way you go as I'm also heading down this path in the future. My priority is also reliability and was also
recommended the 1776 over the 1916 for the same reason you mentioned above, barrels may be too thin.
Good Luck. Let us know how you go.
Nikos.
The 1916cc I flogged around at Valla in my 'Wrecker Racer' was at least 20 years old.. In fact it is so 'veteran', it pre-dates Stan Pobjoy's
engine number archives that he retains for his warranty etc. He does not know if he assembled it, or if he simply did the preparation and machining
for someone else to assemble (maybe you could do the same?)
My engine did, however, have recoed heads (springs and valves) last year as the intake ports were COMPLETELY gummed up with crap from old age... But
the bottom end is still fine!
I had a nice 1776 motor bolted together for my beetle. It had heaps of torque, nice spread of power, would suit a bus pretty well.
Go with Stan, Ben or Rod. All are in the VW community and know that if they build a bad motor it will ruin their rep pretty quickly!!
My Old 1776, was std crank, rods etc. New barrels. Std heads, mild port and 3 angle valve job. and twin webbers.
I killed my old motor by racing it. it was built as a nice street motor and an overrev to 7k at Qld raceway was its downfall. If i had kept to a
street motor it would have lasted fine.
But oil cooling, extra filter. get everyhting balanced, get a known and good builder and it should last a long time........
What sort of oil cooling would you use. I've been told about external coolers off the case and off the pump. Leave my origainal set up and run deep sump, there are so many alternaitives. I just want to compare apples with apples and make sure i am headed in the right direction. Aaron
yes, run the cooler from the pump, use a pressure relief cover and in line thermostat, these will save blowing the lines off when the oil is cold and
thick and help get it up to operating temp quicker..........
go to a deep sump if you intend rpm's over 6000 or cornering hard
Thanks guys for all the input. I spoke to stan and ben and have decided to get ben to screw a long 1776 together for me. The reason i went with ben is
mainly the fact he was close by so i can have some regular input on proceedings. After doing it once before, i am going to get a bit more involved
this time around. The general opinion was a balanced and blueprinted 1776 will give me great life in the splitty with out to many mods. Thanks again
for the help i will let you know how i get on!!
Aaron
Sorry, but I'm relatively new to the vw scene. I know who Stan and Rod are, but who's Ben. Can you forward contact details as I'm in the same boat
as you. I'm based in Sydney so the Central Coast area is also do-able.
Cheers,
Nikos.
Ben Durie Automotive
2 Park St
Teralba NSW, 2284
(02) 4950 8248
Well , I have my all new motor in and what a difference a proper built engine can be. Quieter, smoother delivery of power, plenty of torque, what a
sweet engine. Full credit to Ben for the wonderful build. Aaron
