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SCOOPER Samba Member
Joined: November 29, 2007 Posts: 129 Location: Bainbridge, NY
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:19 am Post subject: Porsche 356 engine in a Manx... |
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I recently picked up a Manx with a Porsche 356 engine in it. The engine doesn't run, but it is free and turns over by hand, so it is rebuildable. My question is, would it be smarter to replace the engine with a VW engine, or use the Porsche. I realize parts for the Porsche will be a little more pricey, don't really care about that, just want to end up with a reliable daily driver when I'm done. I'd also like to keep the car as original as I can, and the Porsche engine has been in the car from the day it was build, so that makes me want to use it. What do you guys think?...
Coop |
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vincent9993 Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2006 Posts: 2025 Location: Montreal
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:21 am Post subject: |
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So it's true, it really exists: a Manix with a Porch engine!!! Please post pictures to lay this myth to rest!!! |
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SCOOPER Samba Member
Joined: November 29, 2007 Posts: 129 Location: Bainbridge, NY
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:30 am Post subject: |
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Myth??Here you go...
Coop |
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vincent9993 Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2006 Posts: 2025 Location: Montreal
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:01 am Post subject: |
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Please don't take it the wrong way, I was simply trying to be funny...
I was only making reference to Murzi's ever too famous comment:
Murzi wrote: |
must be a manix with a "porch" engine ...my brother in law had one in the 70's ...would pull wheelies in third gear
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I've heard this comment way too often, I had no doubt that yours really had a 356 engine! |
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SCOOPER Samba Member
Joined: November 29, 2007 Posts: 129 Location: Bainbridge, NY
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:09 am Post subject: |
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No offence taken, knew you were joking...
Coop |
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PhotoAaron Samba Member
Joined: May 27, 2004 Posts: 167 Location: PHX
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:23 am Post subject: |
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First thing I would do is contact the Meyers company and see if there is any significant history on that buggy.
That 356 A engine is cool, but they can be expensive to rebuild....$300 for a big bore kit, $350 for a set of main bearings ect... |
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JiI Samba Member
Joined: February 18, 2006 Posts: 1844 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:39 am Post subject: |
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That'll be a sweet ride when you get it going. Just move the gas filler. I always think they look odd like that.
JiI |
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Lo Cash John Samba Member
Joined: February 06, 2004 Posts: 2246 Location: Jacksonville, FL
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:44 am Post subject: |
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I know the engine gasket set for a 356 motor runs about $85!! Compare that to $8-$10 for a VW Type one motor.
Still, if it's original I'd suck it up and rebuild the Porsche motor. _________________ www.LoCashRacing.org
More brains than bucks...Believe it or not!!
If you actually drive your VW, you need www.AirMapp.com
My boss told me I need to work on my mutli-tasking. So now when I use the bathroom at work I surf The Samba on my iPhone. |
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Glenn Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001 Posts: 76760 Location: Sneaking up behind you
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:48 am Post subject: |
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For the cost of properly rebuilding that 70-90hp 356 engine you can build a brand new 140hp Type 1 engine that will be very reliable. _________________ Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
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PhotoAaron Samba Member
Joined: May 27, 2004 Posts: 167 Location: PHX
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:11 am Post subject: |
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Glenn wrote: |
For the cost of properly rebuilding that 70-90hp 356 engine you can build a brand new 140hp Type 1 engine that will be very reliable. |
I totally agree, and this is coming from someone who has 2 356 engines in my care and a basketcase Super 90 that needs to be built. HOWEVER there is something familiar about that "Powered by Porsche" graphic on the rear deck. I'd really research the history of that buggy before I'd start changing too many things on it. |
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SCOOPER Samba Member
Joined: November 29, 2007 Posts: 129 Location: Bainbridge, NY
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:38 am Post subject: |
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Yes, I plan on researching the cars history before I change anthing, and if the engine can be a reliable engine, I'd rather stay with that engine, cost of rebuilding is not an issue.
"Move the gas fill"...Never!!! I don't want to cut the body at all, gotta keep it there. The fiberglass is in good shape, just needs paint....
Coop |
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JiI Samba Member
Joined: February 18, 2006 Posts: 1844 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:41 am Post subject: |
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I'd fill it in and put the tank in the back or relocate the filler in the center. IMHO
JiI |
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BL3Manx Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2006 Posts: 6767 Location: Northern California
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:50 am Post subject: |
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That one has some great history. You should restore it as you got it, gold flake body(?), Porsche engine, sidewinder exhaust, beetle seats, white steering wheel, white top and "Powered by Porsche" logo and all. You get that Porsche engine rebuilt right, I'm sure it will take you as fast as you probably want to go.
Besides the Car&Driver, DB&HVW cover car, James Garner raced a Porshe powered Manx in the first Mint 400.
If its gonna be repainted, I would also move the fuel filler to the rear center of the tank though, besides looking a lot better, its safer. Is that an Eelco or an Enots filler? I'd remove the VW turn signals on top of the fenders and use Lucas L488's on the front fender edges . I'd add a chrome 64-66 VW license light in back. If you can't find a set of finned aluminum 356 brakes, a set of 4 discs would be a good move too.
Last edited by BL3Manx on Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:54 am; edited 1 time in total |
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JiI Samba Member
Joined: February 18, 2006 Posts: 1844 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:54 am Post subject: |
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BL3Manx wrote: |
That one has some great history. You should restore it as you got it, gold flake body(?), Porsche engine, sidewinder exhaust, beetle seats, white steering wheel, white top and "Powered by Porsche" logo and all. You get that Porsche engine rebuilt right, I'm sure it will take you as fast as you probably want to go.
I would also move the fuel filler to the rear center of the tank though, its safer. Is that an Eelco or an Enots filler? I'd remove the VW turnsignals on top of the fenders and use Lucas L488's on the front fender edges . I'd add a chrome 64-66 VW license light in back. If you can't find a set of finned aluminum 356 brakes, a set of 4 discs would be a good move too. |
Solid wheels widened and powdercoated white with trim rings and moon hubcaps!!!
Last edited by JiI on Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:38 am; edited 1 time in total |
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JiI Samba Member
Joined: February 18, 2006 Posts: 1844 Location: Michigan
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GTMike Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2007 Posts: 259 Location: Kissimmee, FL
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:05 am Post subject: |
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I'm surprised no body has asked this yet, but I'm dying to know what the purchase price was. Did you get a good deal on this history book?
-M |
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CoryN Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2008 Posts: 403 Location: DFW
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:08 am Post subject: |
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If I recall - it was like $250 |
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SCOOPER Samba Member
Joined: November 29, 2007 Posts: 129 Location: Bainbridge, NY
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:13 am Post subject: |
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Yes, I paid $250.00 for it, I found it on the Manx Club classifieds. But, I had to go get it, it was in Jacksonville, Fl, I'm in upstste NY, so gas and trailer rental...got it home...
Coop |
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SiggyManx#33 Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2005 Posts: 877 Location: Southeast PA
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:34 am Post subject: |
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If it were mine.
I'd take the money you saved on the purchase and bring it back to it's former glory. (engine, logo and all) That car needs to look like the day it was finished and be ready to go another 40 years.
But it's yours, so whatever way you go......have fun with it. |
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SCOOPER Samba Member
Joined: November 29, 2007 Posts: 129 Location: Bainbridge, NY
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:44 am Post subject: |
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It also has this on the side of the car, I understand he is decesed now, I bought it from his estate. Mean anything to anybody?
Coop |
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