Trikky2
Well-known member
Theres no such thing as the ultimate bus engine Fred. Theres only the best compromise between what you want and what you can afford.
As already posted, a "built for torque" 1776 (better but not wild cam and stock size valves) is a good way of upgrading the bus engine without compromising reliability and engine life though I would always go for twin carbs (or injection if you can afford it) because the Improvement in performance and mpg over a single carb is well worthwhile.
If you want to stick to stock stroke then at least buy a counterweighted crankshaft since the engine will be much smoother - - but for only a few pounds more and a very small amount of machining to the case (you can even do it yourself with a grinder) you could buy a counterweighted crank with a slightly longer stroke to give you 1.9 to 2.1 litre capacity - - though you would also need the heads machined (demi hemi cut) to get the compression back down - but the cut would improve combustion so giving you more power/mpg.
You should be able to build up an engine using new bits for between 2 and 3000. A large chunk of that will be the carbs but its worth it.
Have a look here for more info on components and costs :- http://www.vwspeedshop.com/home.php?cat=386" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Dirty Harry - that is a mint engine bay you have there
As already posted, a "built for torque" 1776 (better but not wild cam and stock size valves) is a good way of upgrading the bus engine without compromising reliability and engine life though I would always go for twin carbs (or injection if you can afford it) because the Improvement in performance and mpg over a single carb is well worthwhile.
If you want to stick to stock stroke then at least buy a counterweighted crankshaft since the engine will be much smoother - - but for only a few pounds more and a very small amount of machining to the case (you can even do it yourself with a grinder) you could buy a counterweighted crank with a slightly longer stroke to give you 1.9 to 2.1 litre capacity - - though you would also need the heads machined (demi hemi cut) to get the compression back down - but the cut would improve combustion so giving you more power/mpg.
You should be able to build up an engine using new bits for between 2 and 3000. A large chunk of that will be the carbs but its worth it.
Have a look here for more info on components and costs :- http://www.vwspeedshop.com/home.php?cat=386" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Dirty Harry - that is a mint engine bay you have there
