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Tue Nov 18, 2008 10:36 am

Can anyone tell me the first year VW started to load on the smog gear? Are all type 4 engines load with smog gear? Any info will be gtreatly appreciated.
Dusty

Tue Nov 18, 2008 10:41 am

Dpends what you define as smog gear, a 68 even had a little. Really noticeable stuff like air injection and EGR started in 1973 in North america.

Tue Nov 18, 2008 10:54 am

Busdaddy,
By smog gear I mean all the crap that you gotta have a computer to figure out if somethings outta whack. I can't decide whether to go with a type 4 or somethin like a 1600. The older engines look so much simpler. I bought a new transporter in 74 and back then that type 4 looked spooky to me. I've just about desided to start looking for a bay window for my first restoration. Any advise other than save up a bundle of cash before I get started.

Tue Nov 18, 2008 11:41 am

Quote: By smog gear I mean all the crap that you gotta have a computer to figure out if somethings outta whack.

How much did a "computer" cost in 74? Yes there is diagnostic test equipment for your electrical system, but all you really need is a simple volt meter and some roach clips.... for testing and stuff.

P.S. The only thing thats scary about a type 4 is how much you will end up spending.

Tue Nov 18, 2008 12:02 pm

Even fuel injection (75+) only requires a multimeter and pressure gauge to diagnose, the only thing you need a computer for is to ask questions here.

If that 74 gave you the heebiejeebies maybe you should stick with something pre 72. Type 4's are far more evolved than any type 1 and better suited for pushing a bus, but if you start yanking off all that "crap" it'll give you nothing but grief.

Tue Nov 18, 2008 8:56 pm

Perhaps my experience can help you decide one way or another.

I removed the 2.0L engine and transmission from a good running '78 bus and installed it in a '74 smog exempt bus (removed the 1.8L first ;) ) this past summer. I transferred the smog stuff along with it. Yes, I have heard that one can plug this and that and remove such and such but my choice was to leave well enough alone, that is, why mess with something that is working good. My goal was to remove a good running engine from a '78 bus and install into a smog exempt '74 bus.

The project went well and the ’74 bus is running excellent, very smooth and the fuel injection has been flawless these past couple of years. The MPG is about 20-21 but more like 12 MPG if not tuned up , i.e. good points, plugs, air filter and proper timing are a must.

I have rebuilt a 1600 in the past and from my experience one should be o.k. with either engine as long as a couple different reference/repair manuals are available, and with “TheSamba” forum and www.ratwell.com for support.

Good luck with whatever choice you make.

Tue Nov 18, 2008 10:39 pm

OK chitty, i guess i been usin my roach clips too much lately, let that one slip right by. Thanks for all the info on this subject. I have been looking close at years 68 though 72 for a good buy. i also intend to find an lod junk 1600 to tear down and build up just to get my hands dirty.
Thanks again