TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:40 pm

I have a '76 Westy, pop-top, that has driven my family and I on many vacations around the country and Canada. I would like to put my bus on blocks come spring to give it a new engine, and a modified the transmission to get a higher 4th gear.

My question: Aside from paying $6000 at a local VW shop, how can I get a new or properly rebuilt engine?

I've just replaced the exhaust system and heater boxes. I just need a new engine :lol:

If anybody has done this, please share with me your wisdom.

Cheers.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:41 pm

How about buying a rebuilt longblock and you do the R&R and move all the parts over?

If you can't do it then you'll have to pay someone else.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:48 pm

There are lots of guys who re-build motors for the community, I'm going to pick up a freshly re-build 1600dp tomorrow for 595 with exchange. My guy is in San Antonio, and may have another one ready to go, PM me if you would like the #.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:49 pm

or you can buy a brand new longblock from 2 to 3K...look up brothers machine.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:12 pm

vwbdog, where are you located? Perhaps there is a forum member nearby that could help you.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:12 pm

it sounds like you know how to turn a wrench. you can order a kit from Jake Raby and have plenty of power and fuel economy. And I do mean plenty, but be prepared to open that wallet wide. Fora stock motor you can go to suburban engine and get an assembled motor shipped to your door. Either way you will need to dress it (add sheetmetal, alternator, induction exhaust) yourself.

here is a tip:
plan what you want
make a parts list
TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT THE FIRST TWO STEPS
revise your parts list and goals
order everything
put bus on jackstands
order 100$ of forgotten parts
reasemble
order 40$ of parts you borked reasembling

enjoy the hell out of that bus.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:09 pm

Doesn't Jake's basic kit cost only 4500 or so? Compared to the six grand, that's a sweet deal. Jake, if you're reading this (and I know you are), I'm almost ready to order mine!

Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:25 pm

yes, but i wouldn't use the word 'only'. Suburban engine will give you a stock engine for 3500 assembled if I remember right. But everything beats 6000. and you know if tis done right. or atleast howit was done and how to fix it.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:28 pm

choppachris wrote: There are lots of guys who re-build motors for the community, I'm going to pick up a freshly re-build 1600dp tomorrow for 595 with exchange. My guy is in San Antonio, and may have another one ready to go, PM me if you would like the #.

I'm sure you've noticed by now, but he has a later model Westy. A spare Type I isn't going to do him any good. A $595 rebuild? WOW - great price, almost too good to be true. I wish you luck on that and let us know how it holds up.

My guess is Mr. Raby will visit and respond, but hit kit program is "on hold" at the moment. Hopefully, kits will be available soon, but I don't think it's an option for anyone right now. Hey, but I'm not Jake so don't take my word for it.

Whenever the longblock subject comes up, Surburban and the once famous Boston Bob engines always come up with a lot of favorable reviews. I too, debate which route I'm going to take (a) quality longblock = piece of cake or (b) the pride and experience of doing the "kit" rebuild yourself = higher risk for the "inexperienced" like myself. Decisions, decisions.....

Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:28 pm

Don't know your location, but Painter's Grinding in Denver rebuilds engines under $3,000.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 12:44 am

Buy a kit from Raby, my kit is almost done and I was able to learn as I built!

Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:14 am

with jakes rep, I wouldn't worry at all about the difficulty of assembling one of those kits, and the man is fanatical about his work, he will make it work for you I am sure. plus you have the entire fora to help you figure it out.

ddwbeagles, you leave out option 3, design you own engine. just sayin...

Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:45 am

This is a little dated, but is the basic stuff on the Camper Special. It has a little more HP and a better torque curve than than a stock endine does, but the biggest plus is that it will run cooler and the heads are really well done to take the heat......

http://www.aircooledtechnology.com/vw_camperspecial.htm

By the way, you do not need to gear up 4th gear. These things are really already geared up enough. More gearing = more cylinder head temperatures = dropped valve seats. Even going to much taller tires more than 185R14 or 195R14 will also generate to much heat for the cylinder heads.

Choose wisely.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:15 am

We update and revise the entire kit program every two years... At the present we are in the middle of these revisions for the 2010-2011 kit program. The CS kit will return in spring 2010 with an added 7% of power over last years CS kit.

All the details are available on my forums.
I've never had a CS kit asembler have complications with assembly that compromised the kit. All it takes to be successful. Is to follow our directives.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:00 pm

With the support you get with a RAT kit, Bozo hizzself could assemble a Type IV. Here's a tip of the hat to Blake.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:54 pm

vwbrothers does good work
& you can get a long block from them for about $1500
switch everything from your old engine(fi & exhaust) to the new one
& reinstall