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Fri Mar 23, 2012 7:13 pm

Well I have had several false starts on this before NOW IS THE TIME> I need a motor for my porsche 550 spyder kit. WHo do you reccomend? Also what size?

I am an older driver so I dont think I want or need something WAY crazy. Also I am not very familiar on how to fix and maintain VW engines although I figure I will get there. ( I am very good at diesel engines)

SO I think I want 110HP maybe a 1900CC or 2100CC duel webers or Kadrons

Does this sound right? Is anyone running a deal right now? CB? MOFOCO? etc.

All info is helpful!

THanks

Fri Mar 23, 2012 7:18 pm

The latest crazy for the 550 kits are the Suby engines. A couple of those at least year's kit show here in PA. If you want to stick to VW, Scat products sells turnkey motors in a couple different sizes. I'd personally stick with 1835 or under - larger motors lead to different issues if it's going to be a regular driver. Oddly, and I'm going to be flogged for this, JC Whitney sells Scat parts and motors now, and their prices aren't all that bad.

Sat Mar 24, 2012 5:53 am

I Have heard good things about scat. Also I am trying to stay away from a Suby motor. Introduces other problems I dont want to deal with.

1835?? Will that be enough displacement to safely produce about 110HP?

Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:28 am

Pat Downs at CB Performance.

Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:49 am

I've had good experiences with the same 1776 in three vehicles. When I bought the parts for the build from Gene Berg in the 80's, I took their advice, which was that going much bigger than 92mm on the barrels compromised the strength of the case and added waste heat that would lead to increased wear and shorter engine life. I think in a 550 kit, which can't weigh much more than 1400 lbs, something on the small side like a 1776 or 1835 would give you enough scoot to scare the bejeezuz out of you while at the same time proving to be quite reliable in the long run.

Others may testify that bigger motors can last just as long. And they may be right. I can only tell you what my experience has been with one motor that has lasted 24 years, and from my experience with this motor in a car which I would guess tips the scales at least 200 lbs heavier than yours; It has all the power I need.

I had to laugh when you said that you were an "older driver"....you may be older my friend, but if you are building a kit car, you are certainly young at heart, as are many people on this forum.

Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:49 am

Stay away from MOFOCO, GEX

CB is great (I have a 1904cc and 2387cc from Pat)but also on the high side when it comes to price and usually a long waiting list

I see you are in the NorthEast, so this info might help....
APM Aircooled Performance Machine located in Bohemia, Long Island NY
Chris 631-512-2970 I have a 1745cc and a 2276cc built by him and I'm very happy with both engines. He can build whatever size you want and can do the break-in and tune before giving it back to you providing he has all the parts(carbs, exhaust, etc.)

Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:54 am

Aircooled.net period!Talk to John!!

Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:10 am

Wow thanks for all the help!! And I mean it. I also appreciate the sanity check on engine size and performance. This car will weigh about 1300#s when finished. So when folks are telling me (Other site) "ohh you need 2300 2400 etc 160HP" I am like are you crazy. I am using the stock size tires... THat much motor would just let those things slip! I need something that will look good while I go get Icecream!! Or take a cruze through newport. But still have enough zip that if I want to get it out of a hole it will.

I will look into the suggestions. What is a reasonable HP to expect from a 1835? Or 17##?

I Have been told from reasonable minds (?) that 90-110HP is where I want to be. As a second opinion does that make sense?

Also Aircooled.net. I talked to them last fall on a false start to get the motor. They seemed expensive for the parts, and I cant build this myself, nor do I want to for this car.

Thank you for the help!!

Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:24 am

You are in the wheelhouse for your desired HP with a well built 1.7-1.8 size engine.

Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:49 am

Aircooled.net sells turnkey motors 1600cc and up!!

Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:19 am

I had a 1776 in my 1100lb buggy for years and was very happy with the performance till I built the bigger motor.

I've driven Beck 550s, you're right you don't need a ton of power. An 1835 or 1914 with good heads and a midrange cam will get you an easy 100-110 hp. I would recomend getting thick wall 92s for the 1835 if you go that way. With the bigger displacement you will get to your goal without the engine working harder like a 1776 would. Mine made close to 100 but it was pretty high strung

The 550s I worked on were 2+litres and all they did was smoke the back tires. 165s can't hold a lot (none) of HP.

brad

Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:50 pm

Thanks for the info on smoking the back tires. When I want to it would be nice to know I can. But there is too much power! Especially if I will be running the 165.s which I intend to run.

I also have heard the same about tuning up a 1600 to make 100HP means way to much stress on the little motor. on the other hand going to big 2+ liters may mean it is more maintanence to keep it running right.

So if I am understanding the opinion well. 1700 maybe a little too little but 1800 and 1900 is where I should look?

Sat Mar 24, 2012 3:37 pm

I'll suggest a 69 X 94 = 1915cc
40 X 35 valves with a good oval port
Engle W-120 cam with stock 1.1 rockers
Weber 40 IDF's with 32-34mm venturies
1 1/2" exhaust

That will get you a solid 100 HP, 30 MPG if tuned correctly and good relibality.

Sat Mar 24, 2012 5:29 pm

A 1745cc with a real good set of heads, the right cam, carbs, etc will make over 100HP and tons of torque. Also, with it having 85.5mm pistons/cylinders it will never run hot and with a good tune be very reliable on the street and make all the power you could want, when needed. Also, make sure that whoever you have build you an engine make sure they can tune for weather that you have where you live not the west coast.

Sun Mar 25, 2012 1:32 pm

Interesting thread. I ordered a 550 kit two weeks ago. I dropped out of the VW scene about eight years ago. Things have changed a lot. I hung on to a '67 that I will be using as the donor. I want a very drivable car with a little get up and go and decent mileage. The 1914 seems ideal for me. I have been researching motors a lot over the last two weeks. My current desired configuration is almost exactly like what vwracerdave recommended.

Check the Buyer Seller Feedback forum. Some interesting comments. I'm building on a modest budget. As much as I want to save a buck, I realize buying a cheap motor will only lead to trouble.

I have whittled the candidates down to three shops. The two features that I want are full flow oil system (for filtration) and OEM doghouse cooling. It looks like most of the turnkey motors come with after market 36hp shrouds.

Good luck with your build.

Daris

Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:31 pm

Yes I am still in the air. I reached out to Skat and Mofoco. CB doesnt seem to sell turn key motors. What kit did you get? I have a left over Stuttgart. So far it is pretty sweet. I just need a motor and I am done. (ok motor exhaust and shifter)

Then I am done.

Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:36 pm

I ordered a Thunder Ranch. I staying away from the turn key motors. They all seem to use the reproduction 36 HP fan shrouds. I have an old doghouse fan shroud setup, which is supposed to cool much better. I've heard good things about Mofoco and CB. Also Aircooled.net. Check the Buyer and Seller Feedback forum for Scat. I haven't dealt with them directly. Do you own research. I've decided against a couple bigger names based on some things I've read. That's too much money to take any chances.

Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:52 pm

If you havn't decided on an engine builder yet, you might give Jeff at the Kaddie Shack a call. He is in Pasadena, and knows his stuff!!!

Tue Mar 27, 2012 6:04 am

Thanks for the tip. I'll look into that shop.

Tue Mar 27, 2012 8:14 am

darisb wrote: I ordered a Thunder Ranch. I staying away from the turn key motors. They all seem to use the reproduction 36 HP fan shrouds. I have an old doghouse fan shroud setup, which is supposed to cool much better. I've heard good things about Mofoco and CB. Also Aircooled.net. Check the Buyer and Seller Feedback forum for Scat. I haven't dealt with them directly. Do you own research. I've decided against a couple bigger names based on some things I've read. That's too much money to take any chances.

I've built a lot of engines for those kit cars. Actuallly, if you check my ad in the classified's, the picture is an engine I built for a Spyder Replica. Please e-mail me direct for any price quotes.