Whats the best case for an engine build?

[froggy]

Thinking about building an engine for the van, just looking at the moment and trying to plan / estimate the cost compared to an off the shelf long block so............
Whats the best case? From reading various threads i'm thinking a AS41, or maybe an AD code.
Could i use any 1600 case though? Also read that the bottom ends are the same between a 1600 and a 1300 is this the case as 1300's seem cheaper so i could probably by a 2nd hand 1300 beetle engine and strip this down.
Anything to look for?

 

[Frisco69]

Yep. 1300's are the same. Although you will need a type2 fitting kit which bolts to the oil pump to enable you to fit it in the van. Cost about £20.

 

[Slammed]

AS41s are good, but my mate who builds race engines swears by AS21 cases, dunno what the difference is though. I'm sure someone like Alex Jesus will know for sure.

 

[kev mc]

AS21 are stronger cases, so i am told
i have destroyed a few 41`s :mrgreen:

 

[froggy]

Have been googling the difference between AS41 and AS21 cases.
The AS21 is / was for the later FI engines and therefore has no facility for a mechanical fuel pump (unless i've read it wrong again) so fo r a mechanical fuel pump i need an AS41 case

 

[james_stan]

If possible get one with the 3 rear mounting bar holes. As said above you can get an
adapter that bolts onto the oil pump cover studs but some stories claim these can affect the integrity of the case. What's more they make fitting full-flow pump cover just about impossible
:roll: .

IIRC you used to be able to buy a 'universal' type 1 case in aluminium rather than magnesium alloy -heavier but stronger by all accounts.

Have you got the Tom Wilson rebuild book BTW ? Worth the investment.

Good luck

James

 

[Trikky2]

The difference between 41 and 21 cases is marginal and certainly not relevant on any street engine.

TBH even race engines dont seem to favour one over the other when it comes to blowing up :lol:

The best case to use is the one that shows the least wear or damage (or a new one).

 

[froggy]

Is there anything to look for when looking at cases?
is it possible to see bearing seat damage or is it worth just getting an unknown case machined?

 

[weeboll]

if thing to look for if you also checking out 1300 engines is whether its dual relief, according to type2.com there were also some 1600 single relief cases but i guess they are few and far between