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.

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

where u at in Sydney

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.....

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..

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

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

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.

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

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

Nikos

no pm

you can call me on 0414 872 848