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Sat Jul 26, 2008 10:59 am

Hi, I am looking for feedback on gas mileage from those running a Type IV engine in a Type I vehicle. I have heard good numbers from guys that have re-geared the transmission or who are using the engine in a 914. What type of fuel economy can I expect if I bolt up a near stock Type IV to a stock VW transmission?

Thanks!

Sat Jul 26, 2008 11:15 am

Need to give us more info. Depends on what carbs, cam, compression, ignition, tire size, gearing, ect..

Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:16 pm

Craigman, I was hoping people that had done a conversion would tell me their combination and mileage. It doesn't have to be a cali conversion, although that is what I am considering.

Who has done it, what type of gas mileage do you get, what type of vehicle?

Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:43 pm

You'll get some replies here, but check Jake Raby's forums...

http://forums.aircooledtechnology.com/

Sat Jul 26, 2008 7:28 pm

...or stop by the Type4rum over at the Shoptalk Forums:

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewforum.php?f=1

Joe Cali is one of our regulars there along with some really friendly and helpful Type 4 enthusiasts.

Tuna

Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:47 pm

tuna wrote: ...or stop by the Type4rum over at the Shoptalk Forums:

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewforum.php?f=1

Joe Cali is one of our regulars there along with some really friendly and helpful Type 4 enthusiasts.

Tuna

Sorry Tuna...didn't mean to exclude you and Joe Cali ... :oops:

Sun Jul 27, 2008 9:26 am

If you look at the type4 brochures on this site the 411 car says 22mpg

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/71411s/page5.jpg

So in a lighter bug with that stock engine and the bugs stock gearing/tyres I would expect around the same, or better if you lenthened the bugs gearing to take advantage of the type4 engines TQ.

Sun Jul 27, 2008 7:17 pm

Hi, the mileage really does depend on the engine not the cooling system. Yes a bug is much ligther then a 914 so that is one point that is great for mileage. Also the T-4 in a upright converted form is just 25 lbs more then a stock 1600, so again more weight loss from a stock T-4. I would say you lose several hundred pounds from a 914 to a 1700 lb bug. Actually just checked it is 500 lbs less then a 914. That's like putting two 250 lb guys in the bug with you.

But still the engine and trans is the factors to gas mileage. Jake has engines that are monsters in hp ( over 160 hp ) yet get well into the 30's for mpg. So simple factors, if you are running carbs you will get good mileage if you keep at a steady speed about 55 to 60. If you hit the gas, and remember you can only go duels or FI on a T-4 Conversion. The Carbs will suck that gas like crazy. The FI will be much better. As for the tranny, sure go for a taller 4th, I did and love it . Dropped close to 1000 rpms at 70, less noise and with a T-4 no power loss.
OK your first report to your question. MY car it is a 2.0, 8.5 compression, duel 36 Dells. Jacobs Bug Pac and Mallory Unilite dizzy. Stock FI cam. The car get exactly the same mileage as my stock 1600 with a single carb. Yet the T-4 is pushing about 110 to 125 hp. Sooooo I get
26 to 30 mpg. That is driving hard and enjoying the car.
Joe