TheSamba.com :: View topic - Camper Special Rebuild Thread (Solexes@hotmail.com)

Mon Dec 15, 2008 8:23 am

solexes@hotmail.com wrote: Jake - thats because we bus people are SERIOUSLY devoted to our busses and want to pamper them. I mean - who in their RIGHT mind would drive something that has all the aerodynamics of a twinky?

Did you know your twinky has a lower coef. of drag than your Beetle?

Yes; because the Bus is bigger it does create more drag, but it is a more efficient shape than a Beetle...

So you have two cars with the aerodynamics of a twinky... actually one worse...

Mon Dec 15, 2008 11:22 am

So are you running the original 78 exhaust system? With the J-pipes, 180 deg bends into the original heater boxes, and then out to an aftermarket more free flowing system?

Mon Dec 15, 2008 1:10 pm

Confidence is exactly what I feel. I go out, start it up and head on my way. It just works, consistently.

Mon Dec 15, 2008 1:22 pm

casey79westfalia wrote: Confidence is exactly what I feel. I go out, start it up and head on my way. It just works, consistently.

Consistency is paramount.. Thats probably one of the biggest ccompliments we receive about the combination...

Mon Dec 15, 2008 5:43 pm

otiswesty wrote: So are you running the original 78 exhaust system? With the J-pipes, 180 deg bends into the original heater boxes, and then out to an aftermarket more free flowing system?

I hope not as it runs hotter with less power with that setup...

Mon Dec 15, 2008 5:51 pm

otiswesty - no - I did for a little while - but I had no cat - and an aftermarket header / muffler - and then I scrounged all the parts - and well before going full time - I went 72-74 style. It did make a HUGE difference. I kept the 78 system in case it's needed - ie - where I live begins requiring emissions testing with YOM equipment....

Tue Dec 16, 2008 4:52 pm

I have a set of 1974 tin and HE's that I plan on using. I also have a Tbird muffler that I got used but I don't like the 'look" of it, and would prefer a muffler that at least looks more like the original. My bus has been bone stock the entire time I have owned it, but I expect the change in my exhaust and tin will be worth it both in terms of engine longevity and forward flow of cab heat.

Sat Oct 24, 2009 10:15 am

Jeez.. took me all weekend to read this whole thread! Please let me explain...
I finally got a 72 and dont know diddly, especially about the type iv. Started researching all over and came across a name.. Jake Raby. I've been doin stupid research on the camper special...downloaded his i tunes podcasts (i find myself listening to Session 5 Camper Special over and over in the car;) reading EVERYTHING on his website. Even been reading these crazy long posts all over the place!! Im convinced this man knows his stuff! Thanks for your input on your experiences with the CS. It was actually all the input from Jake's customers that made me come to my decision... plus I like Jake's style 8)
Jake.. I'll be sendin in my order as soon as I can get all my nickles stacked up.
Thanks Again!

Sat Oct 24, 2009 11:08 am

bajaman73 wrote: Jeez.. took me all weekend to read this whole thread! Please let me explain...
I finally got a 72 and dont know diddly, especially about the type iv. Started researching all over and came across a name.. Jake Raby. I've been doin stupid research on the camper special...downloaded his i tunes podcasts (i find myself listening to Session 5 Camper Special over and over in the car;) reading EVERYTHING on his website. Even been reading these crazy long posts all over the place!! Im convinced this man knows his stuff! Thanks for your input on your experiences with the CS. It was actually all the input from Jake's customers that made me come to my decision... plus I like Jake's style 8)
Jake.. I'll be sendin in my order as soon as I can get all my nickles stacked up.
Thanks Again!

Aside from getting a '72 VW bus, it'll be the best decision you ever made! :D

Sun Oct 25, 2009 1:20 pm

[quote="Bloog"Aside from getting a '72 VW bus, it'll be the best decision you ever made! :D[/quote]

got a prb with the 72's?

Sun Oct 25, 2009 4:15 pm

no engine hatch so its tough to work on, plus to run FI its a lot of extra work.

Sun Oct 25, 2009 5:30 pm

bajaman73 wrote: Bloog wrote: Aside from getting a '72 VW bus, it'll be the best decision you ever made! :D

got a prb with the 72's?

I believe that Bloog person has a '72, and has no problem with them. If your motor is right, you'll never miss the access hatch. All reports are that Bloog's motor's right.

Sun Oct 25, 2009 9:59 pm

You don't need an access hatch with as '72 if you have a camper special...

Sun Oct 25, 2009 10:41 pm

:roll: Sorry, thaught i was gonna hear somethin else bad about this bus. It's definatley a different beast than what im usually playin with, dunno really the details on all the years either. My bus has dual carbs, something else I kinda liked about it. As far as I can tell they are OG.

Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:50 am

bajaman73 wrote: Bloog wrote: Aside from getting a '72 VW bus, it'll be the best decision you ever made! :D

got a prb with the 72's?

Not at all. I have a 1972 Westy that I have owned as a daily driver for going on 20 years. It has the very first camper special engine in it built about 10 years ago and is running perfectly with over 68K miles on it. It has no oil leaks and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it across country right now.
I also have a '72 weekender running the camper special "lite" that was built and installed about 5 years ago. Same flawless performance and dependability.

Mon Oct 26, 2009 7:27 am

I'm currently in the middle of the work to install a CS in my 72. The battery box and right rear corner has now been replaced and the engine build is in progress. Support for the CS is very good.

One other drawback to the 72 is if you're going to replace that right rear corner, NO ONE makes a replacement panel. You have to use a 73 panel and graft in a bumper bump. This is hemorrhoidal. As I stated in a previous post, I have a new respect for the body and fender man.

No hatch? Big deal. Just pull motor. :lol:

Mon Oct 26, 2009 7:34 am

I pay homage to my engine hatch anytime I need to use it. I know all of you '72 owners are gonna say it isn't necessary and you don't need it and don't want it.....but of course that isn't true. No matter how dependable that engine is, you still have to change the plugs every now and then, put a new cap and rotor on it, etc etc. The engine hatch simply makes all of these jobs easier, which is why it was never dropped from the line and in fact carried over into the Vanagon, on a much bigger scale. Sure, you can change plugs without it, but there's no denying having a big open hole right over them to service plugs through is pretty nice. Especially you folks running dual carbs in your '72's....can't tell me you wouldn't wanna look right down over the top of that motor when you're workin on it. I've owned a couple of '72's myself...nothing at all wrong with em, but the engine hatch is nice to have.

Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:15 pm

Hey Blood - Nice rides man. I heard about the CS lite on Jake's Podcast but can not locate anymore info regarding price and specs @ the IV store. Know where I can find more info?
Lilluhu - thanks for the info on the corner piece, although I beleive it's just my battery tray that needs replacing. Good luck on your build, do you have a build thread goin on somewhere?
VDubTech - I didn't know the tidbit on the rear hatch. I thaught (actually was hopin) I had a hatch, but I haven't been able to open the back hatch yet. I didnt receive no keys :roll:

Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:23 am

bajaman73 wrote: ... I heard about the CS lite on Jake's Podcast but can not locate anymore info regarding price and specs @ the IV store. Know where I can find more info?
2010-2011 Engine Kit Specs
2010-2011 Engine Kit Prices

Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:42 am

Those links don't work unless you are signed up for the forum...