Type 3 motor in a bus??

[user 13702]

Hi all. Has anyone here put a type 3 motor in a pre 72 bus before or know how they perform?

I understand that i'll need to change the tin. But wondering if i'll need to cut an inspection hole above the motor. Thought i may get away without a hole as the type 3 motors are quite shallow.

I know i'd be better off with a stock motor etc but i have a rebuilt motor and wondering how it would go.

Cheers

 

[bottom rung]

Hi
Do you mean a type 3 as in a wedge van or type 3 as in fast/notch/squareback? If it is the latter, I once put one of those in a beetle, so the principle is probably the same. Basically, the type 3 tin and fan are going to make it difficult to fit into a bus without an awful lot of metalwork being carried out.
The best way is to convert it to van spec. Strip off the tin and genny/fan from the type three motor, and put on a van or beetle oil cooler, fan housing, alt/gen etc. From memory (20 years ago I did this!), you will need an aftermarket dipstick tube which bugpack used to sell specifically for this sort of conversion. Also, the type 3 block may not be drilled in the usual spot for the oil pressure switch. This will be located up on top behind the fan housing and is fiddly but not impossible to get to.
Use a standard set of van tin and bobs your uncle. Don't forget the carbs though; I converted from the type 3 carbs to a standard single carb and manifold.

 

[user 13702]

Cheers, yeah i do mean a fast/notch motor.

 

[bottom rung]

Ok, that should do it then. The hardest part will be obtaining the dipstick conversion tube, otherwise it is straightforward.

 

[user 13702]

Cheers. How about the motor height.....will i need to cut into the top of the engine bay for tuning etc???

 

[bottom rung]

No, a type 3 1600 motor is just the same as a beetle/t2 motor, except for the dipstick hole and the oil pressure switch hole. If you fit a beetle or t2 fan housing, it will all fit in the bay without any height issues. That said, if you can find an inspection hatch and surround out of a later van, it would be good to fit it. It'll save your back and your knees if you are as decrepit as me.

 

[user 13702]

Thanks for the advice.