TheSamba.com :: View topic - Engine Case with serial # starting with D ??

Tue Jan 04, 2005 8:16 pm

Is an engine starting with a serial # of D a 40HP 1200cc engine from 1960? The Feb 2005 issue of Hot VWs states "we do know, however, that the D case was the interim 1192cc 40-horse engine, and was used from August 1960 until it was superseded by the regular 40-horsepower engine". This does not seem right to me. I had heard the last digit in the D cases needed to be a X in order to be a 40HP and also, they were replacement cases with better oil channels. I have never know what "dates" these D cases were from but I was under the impression it was much later than 1960. So, what is the real scoop.

Thanks

Thomas

Tue Jan 04, 2005 8:34 pm

amishman wrote: Is an engine starting with a serial # of D a 40HP 1200cc engine from 1960? The Feb 2005 issue of Hot VWs states "we do know, however, that the D case was the interim 1192cc 40-horse engine, and was used from August 1960 until it was superseded by the regular 40-horsepower engine". This does not seem right to me. I had heard the last digit in the D cases needed to be a X in order to be a 40HP and also, they were replacement cases with better oil channels. I have never know what "dates" these D cases were from but I was under the impression it was much later than 1960. So, what is the real scoop.

Thanks

Thomas

Hi Thomas,
Engines up to AUG65 never had a letter in the engine ID number. "D" engines started in AUG65 and went up to at least AUG72.
Engine ID numbers for 1960 started AUG59 with 3 424 453 and ended just before 3 912 904 AUG60.
Eric&Barb

Wed Jan 05, 2005 8:58 am

What are the D engines then? I have seen posted in various books D engines with X as the last digit are 40HP engines.

tj

Wed Jan 05, 2005 3:10 pm

my jan 70 ghia came from san diego. 1600 single port, stamped "D". in europe a "D" is a 1200 or 1300, can't remember zackly.

Wed Jan 05, 2005 3:30 pm

oorwullie wrote: my jan 70 ghia came from san diego. 1600 single port, stamped "D". in europe a "D" is a 1200 or 1300, can't remember zackly.

1600's use different size pistons/cyliders than a 40 horse and aren't interchangeable. 77mm versus 85.5mm. You either have a 40 horse or your case has been machined.