Engine advise, Rebuild or Buy new?

scott.carrick

I am 17 yrs old and currently own a 1973 Super Beetle. My engine runs somewhat strong however I plan to own this car for many years to come. I have had some small issues in the past which is why I thought to have my engine completely rebuilt. Here's the problem, my engine is (at least I'm told) a 1966 dual port 1600cc. My question is can this engine I have be rebuilt to a stronger more reliable state given its difference in year? Or should I invest in a brand new turn key engine? Please help, I really want my love back on the street soon. Thank you.

volkswagen_bug · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 6:46 pm Post subject:

If the case is true, you can rebuild the engine. What makes you want to rebuild it? Also, dual port engines were not made in 1966. Post the number stamped into the case under the generator arm and we'll tell you what year the engine was produced.
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1968 Volkswagen Bug w/ 1600 Dual Port

"It’s better to give than to receive. Especially advice." -Mark Twain

-Zodiac- · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 6:54 pm Post subject:

I don't think its a 1966 1600 DP ...

other than that, I would do a rebuild ( unless there is nothing wrong with it ) or you can get another old engine to rebuild, while your current one is still running strong.
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1973 karmann ghia - current, not the last VW.
1947 Chevy stylemaster - gone, but not forgotten.
1995 Ford F-150 - gone, hatred for it lives.

Cusser · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 6:59 pm Post subject:

Don't rebuild if it's running good. Get a used engine and rebuild that if you need a project.

Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you !!! Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you !!! Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you !!! Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you !!! Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you !!! Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you !!! Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you !!! Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you !!!

Similar to "let sleeping dogs lie"
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

scott.carrick · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 8:48 pm Post subject:

@volkswagen_bug The number stamped says F0280832[/img]

volkswagen_bug · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 8:51 pm Post subject:

It's a 1300cc 40bhp DIN, 50HP

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/engine_letters.php
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1968 Volkswagen Bug w/ 1600 Dual Port

"It’s better to give than to receive. Especially advice." -Mark Twain

andrewvwclassic · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 8:57 pm Post subject:

There is no such thing as a 1966 dual port. If it is a single port 1966 motor imo switch it out with a dual port. there are howver some things that can be done with a single port to get it breathing a little fire. The best book by far that goes into depth with single port tuning is the how to hotrod your volkswagon book. be sure to read it all the way through to pick up on all the hidden tricks. I would definitely pick up a few other books as well to use in conjunction. I have 3 manuals and I need all of them. the vw like many have said is a finly tuned ballancing act that needs to be just right. Some people like keeping it stock you might want to consider that as well. if you do howver have a late model dual port it might be worth a better look to decide if it is worth a rebuild. if it is lacking the power or dressing you want for the future like the above poster said build one on the side and take your time. lots of people have learned to work on cars starting with the volkswagon. Welcome to the Samba

jhicken · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 9:44 pm Post subject:

It's possible that an original 1300 was rebuilt to a 1600 and dual port heads were added. Regardless, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you are concerned about the condition/reliability of the motor, best thing to do is a compression check. If each cylinder is holding 115# or more, then it's healthy. Start a new motor fund, and deposit a hundred bucks a month till and save till ya need it. In the mean time, learn how to take care of the motor you have.

Keep it tuned, change the oil every 3000 miles and keep the valves adjusted. Make sure all the original engine tin is present and the engine seals, even the ones around the spark plugs, are in good shape. Change the fuel lines, chances are they haven't been changed in a long time. If you have a fuel filter within the engine compartment, move it to above the transmission. It's safer there. Check the brakes, replace the soft brake lines for the same reason as the fuel lines.

Buy a few manuals, the Muir book is a good primer for a novice, and the Bentley manual will have most all the technical info you'll ever need. Learn as much as you can and enjoy it.

-jeffrey
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Der Kleiner Kampfwagens

Danwvw · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 11:21 pm Post subject:

Dual Port:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Single Port:

Single Port Manifold:

Dual Port Manifold end castings:

Dual Port Manifold:

Heads:

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1960 Beetle And 1679cc DP W-100 & Dual Zeniths!

scott.carrick · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 11:26 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the advice Jeffery. I have a question though, is it safe/good for the engine to run this set up? I'm worried that since this block originally wasn't dual port that it will damage the block, is that true?

Danwvw · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 11:46 pm Post subject:

It's fine! If what you have is a 1966 case that someone put the 1973 Dual Port Heads and Dog House cooling on then it's fine to do. The the F case won't be a dual oil pressure relief case and the 1973 case AE or AH or whatever was Dual oil pressure relief. The Dual relief cases are preferred though.
If you going to build your engine into a performance engine though like a 1776cc or more then it would be nice to get a dual relief case and use the Dog House Fan set up on it too. The Fan shrouds before the Dog House fan Shrouds like the 1966, 67, 68, 69, and 70 did not cool as well the fan's were narrower and the oil coolers were steel rather than aluminum and the steel oil cooler sat in the air flow to the #3 cylinder making it run hot. Volkswagen retarded the ignition on #3 about 3 degrees to compensate. This is a function of the distributor so it's important to use the correct distributor when using an non doghouse cooling system.
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1960 Beetle And 1679cc DP W-100 & Dual Zeniths!

Bashr52 · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 5:23 am Post subject:

Run it until it dies. Buy a true dual port engine/case from a later model car as it will have the updated changes (dual relief, doghouse system, 8mm head studs, case savers, etc) and build a bigger/stronger engine on that.

jhicken · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 5:48 am Post subject:

Volks Wagen · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 10:09 am Post subject:


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