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Sun Jun 04, 2006 11:39 am

another question from the new guy here, i have been reading the discriptions on several buggies, and the engine sizes are 1600cc 1776cc 1835cc, im asumming that the larger the number the larger and more powerfull the engine? also any web site or any one know how much power each type of engine gives out. assuming the larger number the more power i should be looking for a buggy with more displacement than?

Sun Jun 04, 2006 11:50 am

Larger engines are not all created equal. The size of any engine really doesn't have anything to do with how much power it puts out. It all depends on the combination of all the parts used. It is possible to build a streetable 1776cc engine that puts out 120 HP while a poorly designed 2332cc engine might only put out 110 HP. Power is in the heads, cam, and carbs. On a light weight fiberglass Dunebuggy, 120 HP is plenty for street driving.

Sun Jun 04, 2006 12:31 pm

Very few production line vw engine rebuilders advertise HP. That is because they build to maximise reliability. A stock 1600 is about 60 hp; that would develop under 70hp for a stock 1835. (1835/1600 * 60).

All this lack of HP documentation leads me to believe that actual hp is low, very low, under 100 hp for most all vw engines low. If it was high, they would love to tell you about it.

Here is a rebuilder's site with lots of info, as usual, no HP info.
http://www.jcsvwparts.com/turnkey%20files/html%20files/tk_page_03.htm

only one hot vw's mag engine rebuilder advertiser quotes hp (75hp for a dual carb 1776 motor) got to SITE MAP then 1776 motor
http://www.qualitygermanautoparts.com/Mainframe.htm

the good news is buggies go fast with small engines

Sun Jun 04, 2006 1:37 pm

If you`re going to go with a larger engine, I would consider a 1914cc.
The 94mm jugs are thicker, and proven reliable. However, this requires having your 1600 case, and heads machined to accept the larger jugs.

Sun Jun 04, 2006 2:36 pm

you should be able to do a search here and find some better info. alot to dig through, i know. but just an idea- when i was looking at size i decided to go with 1776 instead of 1835. both are the same size to start but the 1835 is bored out more, leaving the walls thinner. since i was going for reliability, i went with 1776 which left the walls thicker.
but it depends what you are looking for and can afford. if you are already thinking about HP and going fast then you may want to look at 2000+cc rather than start smaller and them jump bigger later on. just do it once.

Mon Jun 05, 2006 8:03 pm

Look for a deal and don't go smaller than 1600 DP

Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:18 pm

OK, here we go again....

SIZE DOES NOT MATTER !!!!

.... its all in how fast you can shift the gears!!!!

Tue Jun 06, 2006 6:37 pm

Yea, Horsepower, overated, expensive, pain in the maintenance..

On the other hand, It would be kinda fun to get the front wheels off the ground

Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:27 am

I am currently building a 1915cc for my mantaray and i believe that will be more than enough probably 110 at the wheels that enough for a wheelie!!

AS41 Case (cut for 94mm)
Mahle 94mm Cyl + Barrells
Scat C45
044 Heads 42x37
CB c/w crank 69mm
Twin 40 Dellortos

Wed Jun 07, 2006 7:29 am

I have a mild 2276 with 44 webers. I t is plenty fun, yet VERY streetable. I like the big engine/small cam combo for the street. It makes driving very easy because of all the low end torque. Also because the engine is out of breath at 6ooo rpm my bottom end should stay together a while. I haven't pulled the wheels yet, but again I have been real reluctant to dump the clutch and scatter tranny parts. ....NOW i have done some nasty burnouts :lol: :lol: :lol:

A properly geared close ratio tranny will make a huge difference in performance too----more than a cam swap or exhaust. I would start there first and then build a BIG ONE.

I cruise at 70mph all day long---about 2900-3000 rpm.
MURZ

Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:14 am

go with a set up like murzi. or like mine. either way you will hae lots of fun. :D