Got the urge to build a 1776 - Your thoughts please!

[Early Homer]

Hi all,

So I've got the itch to build a tasty 1776 based on my semi-stock 1600dp.

Here is what I have currently;

-Stock aluminum cased bottom end
-Stock heads
-Pair of very clean Dellorto 36 DRLAs with CB linkage, filters etc
-Filter king fuel pressure regulator/filter
-123 electronic distributor
-VW Speed Shop 1.5" hideaway muffler system for stock heat exchangers

I'm looking for the ideal components to complement a 1776 running 36 Dells and stock heat exchangers. This will be my first engine build so I need some help primarily with a definitive spec so I can start amassing parts.

So I've researched on the net about 90.5 pistons and cylinders, machining, boring, balancing, porting and polishing, port matching, full flow etc but I'd like some real world advice on which components I need to build the best engine I can around what I already have.

Where I start glazing over is on the subject of crank sizes and cams. What is ideal for a 1776 bus as I guess this varies from a bug spec motor. How wild can I go and what are pros and cons?

 

[Matt_B]

What's it going to be pushing along?

I've gone through the same recently and thought for the small additional cost went up to a 76mm crank which will give me 1955cc and hopefully loads of torque for pushing my van along.

 

[crewcab]

stick with the 1600 and keep your $$ in the bank!! you want better speed just change the transmision..............

 

[greggholmes]

have fun and do it right

"When you subtract the POS Probability Factor from the engine building equation you automatically end up with a better engine. How much better? On average, about twice as good. Yeah, I know... nobody else believes it either. Except for the guys who have done it. "
Bob Hoover

http://bobhooversblog.blogspot.com/2006/12/one-engines-worth-of-parts.html

http://bobhooversblog.blogspot.com/2006_12_04_archive.html

http://bobhooversblog.blogspot.com/...-max=2007-06-01T00:00:00-07:00&max-results=10

 

[james_stan]

My four penneth ?

Firstly get a copy of the Wilson, 'How to rebuild your VW engine book'.

Secondly if it were my first engine again I'd not bother with a fancy cam and save myself some
hassle with setting-up the valve geometry, ditto long stroke crank.

You can build a 1776 cheap enough provided you're not wanting to rev the b*llocks off it
(this requires lighter parts, balancing of everything = cost and time) and are happy
with the extra torque for hill-climbing.

Cheers


James