TheSamba.com :: View topic - What size engine and HP/torque do I need??

Sat Apr 28, 2012 11:28 am

OK, so Ive owned a pretty mild baja bug before but most of my experience is with big american V8 cars n trucks so my knowledge of small air cooled engines is limited. I want a Type 1 that I can drive on a regular basis, go on trips, go up into the mountains, explore back roads, and occasionally attack a windy 2 lane road. I also want decent mileage, something that will last, and be reliable for long drives. Some of the freeways are 70MPH speed limits so I will need to cruise at 70-75. Im thinking of also going with a freeway flyer. Now I dont plan on whooping on Mustangs, Camaro's, Evo's, and Bimmers. But I would rather not have my doors blown off by some soccer mom in her minivan or small SUV. Being able to keep up with fart can imports would be nice but not needed. Just something fun, that can pull out of corners on a twisty back road, be able to pass grandma in her cadillac and big trucks going up grades is wanted. If possible I would like it to be able to run off of cheap gas or mid grade. Do I want 100hp or 130hp, or??? A 1776 or 1915cc motor?? Cost is an issue so no built 23000cc monsters. Thanks guys.

Sat Apr 28, 2012 11:55 am

the cost of a 1915 isant much different that the 2332.go with the big mild motor & duel 40-44 hpmx crabs.build it right build it once and have fun.

Sat Apr 28, 2012 12:18 pm

mark tucker wrote: & duel crabs Absolutely go with duel crabs! :D

I'd go with an 82mm crank and 90.5mm or thick wall 92mm P/C set. This will give you 2110 or 2180cc. In a light Baja Bug anything over 2 liters will be fast.

Have you read this:

http://www.aircooled.net/vw-performance-engines/

Sat Apr 28, 2012 12:31 pm

my choice would depend mostly on gearing(trans and tire size), and how important is offroad VS highway?

Sat Apr 28, 2012 12:50 pm

Im sorry I guess I didnt write this right. I meant Ive had a Baja Bug in the past. But now I want a street Bug. Lower it a little, disc brakes, purdy wheels, and wide tires.

Sat Apr 28, 2012 12:53 pm

My basic 1835 w110 combo in my baja is very very fun. Mid 15's in qtr which is in line with many civics, etc. Cheap combo, easy to build and fun. 1915 would be better choice but it is what i had.

Sat Apr 28, 2012 12:57 pm

ah, I see
well, that does narrow it down some
if you keep it stock stroke then you should also keep the gearing no higher than factory late model

If you stroke it then maybe you want higher gears

Sat Apr 28, 2012 1:14 pm

Is there much difference in mileage between engine sizes? My V8 cars have gotten as good as 23MPG cruising at around 80 MPH full tank all hiway. None of those were stock either. If I kept my cruising speed at 65-70 MPH depending on posted speed limit, what kind of MPG's can I get? I would like high 20's if not 30 but really dont know what to expect.

Sat Apr 28, 2012 1:52 pm

a stock 1600dp will go 85mph all day if it's in decent shape.

http://www.aircooled.net/1800cc-vw-engine-no-machine-combo/

Sat Apr 28, 2012 1:53 pm

my 1874 got the worst mpg the 2332 the best, the 2028 is a little less than the 2332. 30-36 mpg combined in town&highway. a biger motor has to work a lot less and will push a bug just fine just barly opening the throttels so the crabs dont get out&bite the camarows&stanger's

Sat Apr 28, 2012 1:57 pm

There is a saying that the only thing that will beat cubic inches is cubic dollars. If your going to punch a hole in the case might as well make it a big hole. If your putting a stroker crank in the case, go big....it's the same money. Put some heads on it.....as much as you can afford and then a cam to compliment the package. Tuned properly you will get decent mileage. It takes less than 50hp to go 70mph even if you have 150 available. The other 100 hp is for fun and you can't put a price on fun. IMO.

At least half of the expense will be the mods to make the car able to handle the power.

There is some very good reading at http://www.aircooled.net/vw-technical-articles/ and here on the "sticky's".

Sat Apr 28, 2012 2:19 pm

36 MPG out of a 2332cc motor?? Thats insane!! That aircooled.net 1800cc no machine work motor looks interesting.

Sat Apr 28, 2012 2:24 pm

the one thing you must never EVER forget is no matter what power output you wind up with, you only have a 80hp cooling system.

Sat Apr 28, 2012 5:14 pm

Let u know what you now have to start with and give us a fair estimate of how much you are really willing to spend and we can make a suggestion.

Sat Apr 28, 2012 6:33 pm

My 1850 will run 75 on the interstate for hours ( 10 hours last November to Daytona) , run low 15's maybe high 14,s if the traction's good and still get 30+ MPG. Had been doing it for years.
Tim

Sat Apr 28, 2012 7:59 pm

rgdedge What is the combo to get 1850cc's?

Sat Apr 28, 2012 9:06 pm

[email protected] wrote: the one thing you must never EVER forget is no matter what power output you wind up with, you only have a 80hp cooling system.

Thanks. Thats good to know. I'll have to look into cooling setups.

Sun Apr 29, 2012 5:32 am

gt1953 wrote: rgdedge What is the combo to get 1850cc's?
76x88. 041 heads I ported, 36mm Dells, FK-8 cam ( I know, needs smaller cam but pulls good to 7000) thunder bird large flange header with heater boxes. Orignally built in late 80's, rebuilt about 8 years ago.
Tim