Official Engine Builder Topic

[kme9418]

No dyno chart because I just bought the longblock and assembled the rest myself. ACE didn't have any tin on it when they started it up with my carbs and distributor to check for leaks, etc. so they didn't do a dyno pull on it. As for the carbs and header size...Art Thraen said it ran like a sewing machine when they cranked it up so who am I to argue with him? Carbs and exhaust size were specified by him. He has built this combo plenty and estimates mine to be about 120hp/130tq. That is roughly the same power/weight as my BMW 330i so I'm cool with that. I haven't run it yet because it still sits as you see it. Hope to install soon.
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KME9418
1969 VW Beetle

[bbus]

what is the average price, or price range that these builders will charge for their services to assemble the engine?

[kme9418]

My specs are above. Longblock ONLY was $4,682 with all the best parts. Yes, you can buy a turnkey for that with cheaper parts. As Glenn always says, "Cheap, Fast, Reliable...you can pick 2".
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KME9418
1969 VW Beetle

[Glenn]

Prices depend on the shop. Some have a dozen unnamed people building engines while others have one or two and there's a good chance the owner builds them.

It also depends on the level of precision. More time, costs more.
BTW... it takes me 16 hours to "assemble" a stock 1600 turnkey. That's starting with all machined and cleaned parts. A performance engine will require more time.
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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

#BlueSquare

[bbus]

ya thanks, i understand.
but 4682 for an assembled long block seems like a good price since my parts list alone is more than that.
maybe i just like the good stuff...

[chacho_25]

But can one buy a turnkey engine from one of the above named engine builder with good parts. Also what about east coast builders. My problem is that I'm outside of the US, in the Caribbean so I don't really have any parts would have to order almost everything from the US anyways so it seems like a better way is to just buy a turnkey engine. But want a quality build.

[Stanagon]

I noticed a few posts looking for east coast builders. I can highly recommend Gary at Suburban Engine (www.suburbanengine.com) in Waltham, MA. Gary formerly built engines with Boston Bob (rip) at Boston Engine. He specializes in stock motors for Type 1 applications, 2.0L bus air-cooled engines and 2.1L water-boxer van engines. He also builds a 1700cc mild stroker motor for a little more umphh in your bus. He is the only engine builder I prefer and use regularly at my own shop, Stan's Classic Service in Natick, MA. I have never had any of his longblocks come back with any problems.

I personally drive two vintage VWs with motors that Gary assembled for me while he was with Boston Engine. The 1600cc dual port in my '65 panel bus has 20,000 trouble-free miles and the 1600cc single port in my '61 microbus has 15,000 trouble-free miles. Both still run strong and I expect them to last for many more miles. Suburban Engine is also listed here on the Samba in the Community>Businesses section.
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Stan's Classic Service, specializing in air-cooled VWs:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=614073

www.stanagon.com


My '61 Mango bus thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=110367
My '64 vert thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=386344
My '71 squareback thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=637709

[Kevinx]

[TCS_58]

Has anyone heard much about Strictly Foreign? Their prices are extremely good for what you get, especially with the stroker combinations they offer. I've just sent an email of to Chico but figured I should at least shop around a little..

[subwayaz]

I have found this thread to be very interesting and knowing that there are few good craftsman engine builders out there and being away from the little cars for awhile nice to read again about a few of the best and comments. Hey there not cheap anymore might as well spend your bucks on the best and not twice with the rest.

[kme9418]

[Zundfolge1432]

[fourtravis]

I'm in South Carolina and looking for a good high performance builder. Can someone help me out.

Thanks

Greg

[RHough]

I'm looking for a engine for a DD Ghia.

1600, W110 cam, 8.5-9.0:1 CR, 40mm Kadrons

This looks very tempting:

Aircooled.Net Long Block

http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Aircooled-Net-Stocker-Plus-VW-Long-Block-p/stocker-plus-long-block.htm

I want to build my own at some point, but having a reliable driver is job 1 for now.

Any feedback on engines from Aircooled.Net?

Thanks,
Randy

[72Justin]

I've been perusing these forums on and off for a few months now and I think I've decided on getting a 2110 for my 72 bug. I'm 24 and it was handed down to me from my father and has basically been a lifelong restoration for us, though he has his own 68.

I had been thinking of ordering a turnkey from mofoco but after a lot of reading I think I should go with a custom build. I'm looking for something I can drive daily in the summer.

Anyone know any good builders around the Grand Rapids, or West Michigan area?

[Tonyorlo]

I don't know if this company is considered a builder, but I figured I'd ask. I'm looking at gex international long block for my ghia. Any opinions on them? I'd really like to take a stab at building the engine myself. Im not sure how stout the engine from them is?

[Glenn]

[Tonyorlo]

The price seemed too good. Mid America has some decent price crate engines,
Same quality I assume? Maybe I should go for it and build the engine myself.

[vdubwizard]

You were told about them, (GEX)if it fits and turns they sell it with 30 days, good luck! Do it your self with a reputable builder selling parts and you can still find deals on Samba and Craigs list, even work your own heads from reading books, and asking q's! G-Man
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Please use <vdubwizard> for all messages, Big foot does not work correctly? Long rod Engines slow the piston down at TDC and BDC to let more flow and less angle to the pistons which helps the engine to last longer, less wear, and move the power band up the scale a bit.

[Midwest aircooled]

If your in the Midwest and looking for quality engine work and/or machine work, Midwest Air-Cooled does it all in house. I have over 17 years of engine building experience, and we have a full machine shop in house. We are in the St.Louis area

We do everything from stock 36hp engines to 2332cc turbo engines for street, strip, or off road. We also build type 4 engines for late Busses. We do all the machine work in house, and I build each engine from start to finish, one at a time, for your application. Engines are offered as a short block, long block, or complete turn key started/tuned.

The 2332 turbo engine in my car made over 300 hp to the wheels, and I drive it on the street, to and from work and around town, it doesn't run hot, and fits under the decklid. It can be done, and we do it! Check out the facebook page (facebook.com/midwestaircooled) for pictures of current engine builds, shop projects, along with customer reviews and feedback on our work. (The page is public so you don't have to be a member of facebook to look at it.)

Jason
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1972 Bug 2332cc turbo, all under the decklid and 400+ rwhp, street driven!
Featured in Hot VWs Dec 2010

1957 Oval window Rag, Cover car, summer issue Volksamerica Magazine

Midwest Air-Cooled & Machine
Facebook.com/midwestaircooled