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Thu May 01, 2008 12:20 pm

looking to get things rolling on my 25hp motor, I still have to break it loose from the transaxle ( thanks for the info Johnhenry ) I am hoping to get that done soon with no problems. I need to have the k-manifold repaired and a couple other items. I would like to put the stock 25hp back into it. I know it won't break any records when I do, but want to run it stock for a while. :lol:
The question is : is it worth it? Some of you guys that are running the stock 25hp motor, do you feel it's worth the time and effort and of course the money. To hear those 25 horses purring along. I would appreciate your input.

Thu May 01, 2008 2:07 pm

lurkinstock wrote:
The question is : is it worth it? Some of you guys that are running the stock 25hp motor, do you feel it's worth the time and effort and of course the money. To hear those 25 horses purring along. I would appreciate your input.

Is it worth to drive a car with a grooved bumper instead of a smooth one? Is it worth to have round taillights instead of oval ones? There are just the right parts, as a correct engine is. If you want it right or not, you have to decide on your own.

Thu May 01, 2008 8:00 pm

In my Opinion there's nothing like roaring down the road 55-60 mph in a restored Split/Oval, and reminising about an eara that is long gone by. Hearing those 1132 cc Pony's or 1192 cc Pony's push you along the interstate, or some back woods road somewhere's with the pop outs open, and the cool breeze circulating inside. With that ever pungent VW smell that all VW owners know when you first get in your ride.

Is it worth it? Thats a question that each and every individual enthusiast has to answere personally! What is worth the price of admission to one person, would be a waste of time, money and the effort to another. For me= a Purist at heart, do it up, and let that 25er sing to you on that interstate or some back woods road. Eric (VMR)

Thu May 01, 2008 11:17 pm

In my opinion it's definitely worth it! I think Eric said it best... rolling down the road at 64 MPH (TOPS) may not be fast but the cool factor alone pushes you along a little faster. When I open the decklid and I tell people its the bone stock numbers matching 25HP they look at me like Im crazy. I have owned so many VW's... but no car has ever felt like my Split when driving.... part go-cart, part old world machinery, part Time Machine.

The other side of that is that I want my car to be accurate. There are a few other Splits here in Phoenix (one even in a living room) and frankly, they aren't in the least bit accurate.... some are sporting Big Engines (which is cool, cause they are lowered and I can fully respect that)... but other are sporting faked 36hp's..... Ya CANT Fake The Funk!!

I rebuilt my 25hp for LESS than 1000.00 (way less)... so you dont have to dump a zillion dollars into them to make them purr. Have Rimco do the case and heads (hell its a 25hp.. it may not even NEED to be align bored)...... set of rods... crank redone.... Webcam for the stock 36hp grind (39.00!! a deal).... and re-use those P & L's if you can.. that is where you will save the most money.

For rings... Call Deves... they have 75mm sets on the shelf with the 3 piece oil control ring.... dont put your fate in a set of 50 year old NOS cast iron rings.. (I did and one broke during break in) Little powder coating, little machine work and it will look like a million bucks and definitely add value and cool factor to your car.

:)

Fri May 02, 2008 2:55 am

Wow, you just described my rebuild vendors too! RIMCO, Webb Cam, etc. and as stated under $1,000 and here is what you get.

This motor is completely balanced, all new bearings, new pistons/rings, rebuilt rods, reground cam (stock), new cam gear/crank gears, seals, push rod tubes, rebuilt heads, etc... and I think she is going to purr. However, many hours and a few times assembled and disassembled but hey, it's OG to my 53 8)

Fri May 02, 2008 6:16 am

52HoffmanSplit wrote: .... There are a few other Splits here in Phoenix (one even in a living room) and frankly, they aren't in the least bit accurate.... some are sporting Big Engines (which is cool, cause they are lowered and I can fully respect that)... but other are sporting faked 36hp's..... ....

Well said, and I agree (although I already told Lurkin this in a PM)... you simply can't go wrong getting a correct 25hp engine together for a split. Fun and absurdity aside, it is a very sound investment. As many people know the difference in that last 20-40% of the top dollar price of a split is always in the details. SO FEW splits have all the correct bits on them. Yes, I agree, it is about driving and enjoying the car, not all about about money. But "25hp dollars" will always be returned to you with interest if you invest in them.

And from the pics, it looks you already have most of the hardest to find parts. Keep us posted!!

Fri May 02, 2008 8:24 am

Yes.

Now go get it done. Just remember you can't be in hurry. You have to drive like they did back in the day. Just mind the traffic.

Spanish Flea

Fri May 02, 2008 8:38 am

53OvalLHD wrote:

Schweeeeeeeeeet!

Fri May 02, 2008 11:11 am

Spanish Flea wrote: Yes.

Now go get it done. Just remember you can't be in hurry. You have to drive like they did back in the day. Just mind the traffic.

Spanish Flea

Naahhh! Just hold on the floor!! (and wait a couple days... :wink: )

Fri May 02, 2008 3:41 pm

johnshenry wrote:

I Look at this picture and I always wonder.. how in the HELL did you get this car to 73 MPH (118 KPH)??? YOU MUST be heading down a Hill!!! :) My engine is rebuilt.. purrs like a kitten AND has a 28PCI (I can't bear to drive on the 26VFIS unless its showtime) and I can only get my car to 66 on the Flat.. and 70 down hills.... What's your secret man... Hmmmmm? :D

Fri May 02, 2008 5:31 pm

It was down a slight hill, and not sure about the wind. It took it (really) about 3 mins with the roller on the floor to creep up there. I surely normally don't drive it that fast..... but I had to answer the question "how fast WILL it go?".

On the flat, it might do about 110kph at best, cruises pretty happily at 90-100kph as long as there is NO incline to speak of, no headwind and I don't hit any large insects .......... :wink:

Sat May 03, 2008 5:01 pm

Thanks guys for all the imput. I am in no hurry right at the moment. I will probably be hitting you guys up for some first hand experienced info as the project starts coming together. Got a few other things to take care of first, like getting my semiphores restored and wiper motor. Is it totally tabu to want my 52 all 12volt? I know let me have it!

I am used to cruising in the slow lane or having other drivers up my ass until a passing lane with my 59 singlecab. :wink: Should of seen me this week hauling 17 sheets of drywall in the bed doing 45mph :shock: People were passing me like I was standing still.

Sat May 03, 2008 5:13 pm

When people pull up on my ass I figure they want a closer look...so I drive slower.. :wink:

Sun May 04, 2008 9:03 am

nice star coil ! where did you get it ?? :wink: :wink: :wink: