1500cc ideas

[casadelray]

First time I've posted in the engine forum so hello to all. I recently bought a 64 beetle and this is my first classic bug. The motor stamp starts with "H5" so from what I read, that is a 1500cc motor. Is that also the referred to as the "40hp" motor?

The motor runs well, has a single stack carb and that is really all I know. Our plans are to restore-mod the car, but I really don't have any idea what I can do with the motor. So here is chance for you to live vicariously through my wallet.

I plan on swapping out the points ignition for something modern, inputs on best quality products are welcome. And the wife wants A/C eventually......i think the bug actually had it before.

My goal is to make the most out of the motor without it looking modified. Thanks for inputs in advance!

[Kjell Roar]

The original 1500 is a nice engine. If you can live with the 60'ies feeling of travelling (its a true time machine), leave it as is. It got enough hp to follow todays trafic. The 1500 have 44 hp DIN from factory. The 40 hp is a 1200 with 34 hp DIN/40 hp SAE.

If I should do some small improvements, I would flycut the heads some, and a small port job, with 3 angle grind on the valves. And 1.25 :1 rockers.

Maybe a little bigger venturi in the carburator, and TDE (more open for higher rpms) endpipes. The engine case is not so good for a lot of hp, its better to use a newer 1600 as base.
_________________
I got a historic car, every scratch got a history...

My car, Aug. 4th, 1955 / an early 56: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=610438

[Slow 1200]

H5 is probably the worst case for any build, even a stocker, I'd keep it running as is and start saving for the day it finally pulls a stud, cracks behind #3 or who knows what and then spend your money on a good case