I've been told that these (brought in in crates via Qld in the last couple of years - with the 3/4" plugs) have solid tappets, BUT that the Beetles last made in Mexico definitely have Hydraulic tappets. Looking through this Forum I can see that people have been told BOTH answers! Has anyone actually dismantled one of these, as I really would like to know for CERTAIN whch it is. Or is there some way to tell without dismantling? And if they are definitely hydraulic, what do you set the gap to? Zero clearance?! Don't want to try this without being sure! We aquired one ot them a while back & it sounds a little "tappy" so I wondered if this could be the reason.

I'd be very interested to know what compression ratio they are too, and if anyone has the specs on exactly which spark plug/s is specified, that would be really handy to know too. (Have not been able to find anyone that knows "for sure" in Vic.)
(This is for one of our 'other' cars.) Thanks Guys...

The Mexico motors came with std solid lifters but used the later /larger tappet screw.....the pistons are dished for low compression ....3/4 spark plugs are used.....crankshaft is cast type not forged.........Have used many of these and even pulled new ones down as a basis to build 1776ers.....the head flow on these are the best VW produced as a off the shelf item ...hope this helps cheers steve

Thanks Steve, I take it that you have actually seen yourself that they have solid lifters?
Do you know the actual c/r?

I wonder why they are slightly different from the late Mexican Beetle engines then? These apparently (Samba) Definitely have hyd. tapetts, but also have an oil filter as standard!
Are these imported engines "older stock", or an earlier, more 'normal' (to us) design?