TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Aug 15, 2014 7:19 pm

I'm sure that the following question has been asked ad nauseum on here, but from what I've read, many of the responses were in support of building one as opposed to buying one. However, in an attempt to curb those responses, building a 1776 from my current 1600 is just not feasible (broken crank, long story). Also, between work, school, kids, etc., I REALLY don't have the time, and I need to get this car ('74 SB) back on the road (daily driver). Therefore, I'm looking for a 1776 for < $2k that preferably comes with a warranty. I've already found a number of suppliers (Gex, Scat, etc.), but I'd really like to know which vendor the Samba community trusts.

Additionally, as I'm relatively new to the VW world (first bug), will the working parts on my 1600 (ie, fan, intake manifold, exhaust, etc.) swap over "seamlessly" to a 1776?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Fri Aug 15, 2014 8:10 pm

Gex seems to be junk. Look threw the new parts vender section on here.

Fri Aug 15, 2014 9:41 pm

If you buy GEX it will melt. I'm not exaggerating

Fri Aug 15, 2014 9:45 pm

stay away from GEX.

now for your budget your going to be hard pressed to find a well built 1776 for that $$.

i would probably check out MOFOCO. they build decent stuff.

Fri Aug 15, 2014 10:12 pm

I remember working on a few GEX rebuilds in the shop back in the ’80’s, and don’t remember anything out of the ordinary about them (which is a good thing I reckon).
However since getting back into the VW scene a couple of years ago I’ve been hearing that the quality has gone way, way downhill over the years.

You can read through the 18 pages of horror stories here :
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=92079&highlight=gex
And compare that to almost 1 full page of (somewhat) happy campers here :
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7317213
That’s just GEX, not sure about SCAT or the others.

Me, I wouldn’t roll those dice, but if your willing to gamble then it’s totally up to you.
This really is a situation where you get what you pay for, if you buy a $1700 GEX motor and are hoping to get a few months to a year out of it before you sell the car, then it may work out for you.
Otherwise, if you are really planning on keeping the car, which it sounds like you are, then you have a few choices.

1- If you really do want to go the long block route you can search the feedback section here, I’ve heard good things about MOFOCO and aircooled.net motors, but again you get what you pay for (and it’s probably going to be about a grand more).
http://www.mofoco.com/item/_Project_Streetwise_1776cc_Longblock_BE1776PS/284/c71
http://vwparts.aircooled.net/SearchResults.asp?Search=long+block
2- find a reputable VW shop (or even an automotive machine shop) in your area who has experience in rebuilding ACVW motors, there must be some stuff that can be salvaged from your existing motor.
3- I realize it is a matter of having the time to do do this but you could bite the bullet, buy a book and a few basic tools. to rebuild it yourself the way you want to and then you will know it’s done right.
http://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Volkswagen-air-Coole...d+vw+motor

If it were me, and I didn’t have the time or money, to buy or rebuild the motor I wanted, I would look for someone locally who I could trust to build the motor I wanted.
I would seek out some local VW clubs in the area, and get the scoop on who is the most competent ACVW guy around to rebuild your motor the way you want.

Just my $.02, hopefully it helps.

- Jay

Sat Aug 16, 2014 2:56 am

Another source for long block engines. Not sure I can recommend them since I've not bought one, but you may find others who have and can comment.

http://www.mamotorworks.com/VW/product/streetwave-...ore_313670

Sat Aug 16, 2014 7:46 am

Yes, your stuff will bolt right up to 1776cc engine.

gt1953 here bought a 1776 longblock here in Phoenix and runs it in his VW up in Show Low, and likes it.

My own 1835 was built by me after getting parts machined (in 1986, and in 1976 with a different engine case).

Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:02 am

Thanks all for your quick feedback. I decided to bite the bullet and fork over the extra $$ for a MOFOCO 1776:

http://www.mofoco.com/item/_Project_Streetwise_1776cc_Longblock_BE1776PS/284/c71

I had a chance to talk to Paul - one of 2 brothers who inherited the business from their Dad - and he was great in answering all of my questions.

For those who are interested, it looks like it'll be a 6 - 8 week build. They'll break in the motor on a stand (3-4 hours running at varying RPMs over 2-3 days), and according to Paul, all I need to do post-delivery is swap over intake, exhaust, tins, etc., drop it in the car, and go for a ride. Of course, there will be a necessary break-in period of about 500-1000 miles with 2-3 oil changes within that interval, but I won't have to seat the rings or charge the lifters or anything, so that's nice.

Again, thanks for all your feedback. I'll try to follow up with progress and pictures when it comes time to do the swap.

Sat Aug 16, 2014 12:31 pm

Personally, I would also likely try MoFoCo. Roy from there posts here, is seems both straightforward and knowledgeable.

I also like that they pre-run.