Considering rebuilding my first engine.

[spooky65]

With all of the engine kits available its hard to know whats junk and whats not. I really dont want to end up with poor quality junk that will fall apart or only last 15000 miles. I want to buy a rebuild kit so that I know everything will work together but I want it to be good quality because I will be driving it 250miles a week atleast.I have been considering the Scat 1776 kit but not sure about their reputation so I am turning to you guys for guidance here.
Also,with this being my first rebuild would I be better rebuilding to stock or is it just as easy building a 1776???
Right now I have a 1600dp with a bunch of unknown aftermarket parts(chinese distributor,starter) My carb is a Bocar 34-3. The engine ran when I pulled it last week but it was getting hot and leaking oil badly so I am considering a rebuild.

[PatterBon]

1776's are pretty mild. They're a little more involved than building a 1600 would be. I'd say go with a 1600. They're cheaper, easy to take care of, and will get you where you need to go. As far as kits go, I can't really help out there. I used to be an assistant engine builder at an ACVW shop, and have build tons of VW engines, but the kits were always just there at the shop so I didn't pay attention to see who made them.
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PNW Dub Folk & Kitsap dub Folk (KdF)
1973 Standard VW Beetle
1969 Cessna 172K Airplane

[kyleader]

I too am thinking about upgrading to a 1776, even though my 1600 is running like a champ (Still deciding). Why would it be more involved to build that over a rebuild on a 1600? I really want to do full flow oil + filter and maybe a cam. But maybe i should wait until my 1600 weakens?
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My bug build:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=465143

Happy Bug'in...