TheSamba.com :: View topic - Can I install a 2000cc aircooled engine (Vanagon) to my 1965 bug

Thu Feb 29, 2024 2:43 pm

Need some advice: I have a 2000cc aircooled engine block ( Vanagon bus) in really good condition. My question is, would this engine fit my 1965 bug? The serie # starts with CVD0.....

Thu Feb 29, 2024 2:53 pm

You say "block". Is it just the block or a complete engine?

The 2 liter Vanagon engine was based on the type4 engine so I would assume that it would work as long as you do all of the normal mods necessary to put a type4 engine in a Beetle.

Thu Feb 29, 2024 3:02 pm

The short answer is yes, you can put a type four engine in a beetle. However, it’s just not as easy as stabbing it in. Google Type 4 I. A Beetle, lots of info there. Also lots of info in the performance forum. There’s a Samba member who published a book on the subject, but I can’t remember his user name at this moment.

Thu Feb 29, 2024 3:10 pm

splitjunkie wrote: You say "block". Is it just the block or a complete engine?

The 2 liter Vanagon engine was based on the type4 engine so I would assume that it would work as long as you do all of the normal mods necessary to put a type4 engine in a Beetle.

Yes I only have the block with a new set of heads

Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:36 pm

Here's a little more info on the T4 conversion to T1 Bug.
https://lnengineering.com/type-4-store/dtm-cooling-systems.html?limit=12
This is by no means a cheap conversion. But doable as Rich stated above.

Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:48 pm

This is s T IV store deal, it’ll go, I use a foam bus engine seal.

Thu Feb 29, 2024 7:05 pm

Jeff Geisen wrote:

This is s T IV store deal, it’ll go, I use a foam bus engine seal.

That exhaust system appears to be the lowest thing by far on the back end, and it is hanging out behind the wheels a good deal. Is there a set up that is not so low hanging?

I have heard the type 4 is wider so fitting dual carbs might or might not be tight fit within the body You may need to cut body a bit? Even with type I motors, with some big dual carbs you need to cut the body to give access to the adjustment screws on some carbs for tuning while carbs are in car purposes.

Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:56 pm

Are you finishing up a type IV conversion? Starting one? Buying parts?

Big carbs, no panels needed to adjust mixture. Not a job recommended for the timid, under experienced or budget impaired.