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Wed May 05, 2004 11:05 pm

Hello all. First time on this site. I'm building my first dune buggy with the help of my father-in-law, who has about 20 years experience. Anyway, we plan on building a 1915 (69 X 94). I've got some concerns about the high heat with running 94's. Right now I have a 1600cc dual relief case from a '74 Type I. I plan on running the factory doghouse cooler with a remote mounted cooler and filter with a full flow system. Any comment, suggestions or past experience with a similar set up would be greatly appreciated.

Thu May 06, 2004 12:25 am

While cooling is certainly important, I believe it is less of an issue in a lightweight dune-buggy with an exposed engine. You shouldn't have any problems with 94's using a doghouse setup. I'm running thinner walled 92's (gasp) on my 2180cc buggy motor, with a doghouse shroud only, no external cooler, and it doesn't run hot. I don't have a CHT gauge on the buggy, so I'm just going by the feel of the dipstick and experience. I just aquired an IR Laser thermometer and I plan to take some measurements this weekend just for grins.

Do you think the external cooler might be a bit much?

Thu May 06, 2004 10:15 am

Uncle Bob, thanks for the reply.

I have very little VW experience. I've talked to several people, I know everyone has their own view of things from their own experience, one of the guys that buggies with us has run a 1915 for quite a while without problems. Another guy I've talked to that has built turn key buggies (designs his own chasis and everything) for about 15 years recommended not going bigger than 1776cc.

Just about every engine manufacture I've researched doesn't recommend 92's or 94's for reliablility, but I'm not building a daily driver. I'm building an off road toy with the intention of driving it on the street once or twice a year.

With the external cooler, I plan on plumbing in a thermostat into the lines and an electric switch for the fan on the cooler. Bernie Bergmann's add in Hot VW's recommends a factory doghouse and external cooler setup as I've mentioned.

Is there such a thing as too much cooling?

Fri May 07, 2004 6:28 am

yes there is such a thing as over cooling!

With 94's you'd need to be more concerned with the case/heads as they are cut alot thinner now not so much the cylinders.

I always wonder why I never hear ANYTHING about Bergmann motors
(except in the occasional info list of a trailer queen in the Hot VW's) HMMM...

Sun May 09, 2004 7:45 pm

mdetro4660 sorry, not sure what you ment with this comment.

I always wonder why I never hear ANYTHING about Bergmann motors
(except in the occasional info list of a trailer queen in the Hot VW's) HMMM...