TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Jul 21, 2012 4:43 am

Just picked a nice 66 with original 1300 that I am restoring for my grandaughter. I want to give the engine, which needs rebuilding, better perfomance and reliability with out going exotic. ANY ideas would be appreciated as I just want to give her little more power to pass ans run interstate speeds.

DGH

Sat Jul 21, 2012 6:12 am

I suppose you want to keep things simple, because you could swap the pistons and cylinders for larger ones ( 1600 or larger aftermarket options), buy 1600 heads, maybe a performance camshaft and dual carburettors.

However, you could also build the 1300 to stock specifications and you'll find out that it's already a pretty lively engine to begin with. Slap a dual carb kit on it and that might be the winning combination. Happy engine, reliable, and good mileage.

Sat Jul 21, 2012 6:14 am

DGH wrote: I want to give the engine, which needs rebuilding, better perfomance and reliability with out going exotic.

DGH
Put a 1600DP in and you'll get a nice bump in performance and it's stock... just not for a 66.

Sat Jul 21, 2012 9:26 am

As a former VW mechanic/engine builder and also a Greatgrandfather to boot would reccomend a 1641cc engine. At our age speed is not that important...... Saying that tongue in cheek as I drive a 1776cc Turbo in a 66 bug.

We like the feel of HP but hardley ever use it.

A stock 1300cc is a good driver and MPG car.

A 1641cc will give more HP and same MPG (driven properly)

Just one opinion.

Sun Jul 22, 2012 8:53 am

I drive a dead stock 66 every day. It has plenty of power and torque for my driving; mostly in town under 50 but with frequent 65mph trips down I-95.

When I bought the car I drove it from Bradenton FL. to Portsmouth NH. with out any problem except losing the drive clip to the wipers in a snow storm on the NY Thruway. (I ran shoelaces to the wiper arms through the vet windows and pulled them back and forth as needed).

Anyway, great car with plenty of motor esp. when in tune.

FG

Sun Jul 22, 2012 1:43 pm

Even though they look the same outwardly, there's a big power bump between our stock 1300 and 1500 engines.

A stock 1300 is adequate and thrifty. But the larger jugs and bigger valves of the 1500/1600 heads will give the power you want, at the expense of about 5 mpg.