What would you do?

[CornishSilver]

Ok, so you have a stock 1600 engine with all the necessary hardware to transfer over onto a upgraded 1776 engine. Would you go brand new or would you get your original stock rebuilt using only VW components in a brand new magnesium case to 1776? The cost isn't really a factor tbh and surprisingly to me the rebuilt option is going to be 1k cheaper if i go down that route. Hopefully the poll has worked, but written opinion's would be cool 8)

 

[Trikky2]

It all depends on the condition of the original parts. For instance, is the original case in good original condition and can be reused - - or will it need, or has it been, align bored / fitted with oversize main bearings?

I prefer to mix and match using the best components for the desired build and you will have to do this anyway. For example, to go to 1776, you will have to use non original barrels and pistons.

 

[CornishSilver]

It all depends on the condition of the original parts. For instance, is the original case in good original condition and can be reused - - or will it need, or has it been, align bored / fitted with oversize main bearings?

I prefer to mix and match using the best components for the desired build and you will have to do this anyway. For example, to go to 1776, you will have to use non original barrels and pistons.

I know nothing to be bluntly honest Trikky, the guy thats going to be doing the build is saying he has the bits available that I may or may not need as he strips it down and advising keep whats good of my own. He's obviously prepared to do either and will be getting paid whatever I chose, his advise and if it were his bus is go down the original route. I guess spares would be readily available all over europe should it breakdown on a holiday with the original kit. Theres nothing wrong with my 1600 other than a couple of minor leaks so expect a fair bit of it will be good

 

[Dickie524]

Personally, the engineer/ traditionalist/ hate-to-throw-anything-away-ist among me would re-use absolutely everything original that he possibly could that wasn't bust, worn or shabby or a throwaway part by design.

Partially in my mind it's cos the more I've looked the more original I realise my bus is - and once you part something that's been with it for 48 years you can't get it back again!

 

[bubba dubba]

I don't know if this helps but i remember watching a program on the tv years ago with Laurie pettit on it (I think it may have been beetle crisis??), and he was building an engine in the guys back garden in front of his local vw club. His advice to them was always always use genuine vw parts as much as possible.
I know next to nothing about engines but this guy knows his stuff as im sure you are aware.

....Kev

 

[Trikky2]

It all depends on the condition of the original parts. For instance, is the original case in good original condition and can be reused - - or will it need, or has it been, align bored / fitted with oversize main bearings?

I prefer to mix and match using the best components for the desired build and you will have to do this anyway. For example, to go to 1776, you will have to use non original barrels and pistons.

I know nothing to be bluntly honest Trikky, the guy thats going to be doing the build is saying he has the bits available that I may or may not need as he strips it down and advising keep whats good of my own. He's obviously prepared to do either and will be getting paid whatever I chose, his advise and if it were his bus is go down the original route. I guess spares would be readily available all over europe should it breakdown on a holiday with the original kit. Theres nothing wrong with my 1600 other than a couple of minor leaks so expect a fair bit of it will be good

:lol: Ok well in that case it sounds like you will have to let your engine builder decide what he can and can't use.

It's certainly wise to stick with original parts where possible. For example, the aftermarket tinware often doesent fit well and it's worth restoring the original rather than replacing it. Same is true of new valve covers which can be malformed, flimsy and leak as a result.

 

[CornishSilver]

Thanks for the input guys, muchly appreciated. Struggled up the mountains in Snowdonia with the family and trailer yesterday but the old faithful made it . the 6 hour journey took eight though, but its nice crawling along sometimes especially somewhere with a view. Made it to the top of one peak just and pulled over to let 37 cars past.........

I will more than likely take the engine builders advise I think and keep whats good and stick to the OG spares where possible. The poll is still running so will keep an eye on it though, always good to get opinions, helps the indecisive like me to be even more indecisive...........You should see me reading a decent menu when I'm hungry :lol:

 

[monkeyvanwestybike]

Hey just keep it OG keep it simple
I have just ran my stock 1600 to for 7 and a quarter hours
Non stop back from Polzeath and stuck in Jams in Dorset after accidents etc
Cool as a cucumber
Slow but sure it is a wonderful thing
I could almost get emotional