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Thu Jan 05, 2017 2:31 pm

Now, the topic sounds like a dumb question, but I'm doing a near-factory restoration on my 1971 Beetle, but I want it to be a bit of a sleeper (of course practical upgrades, new stereo, front disc brakes, upgraded suspension) and I want to end up with two engines in the end: a stock 1600cc DP for show purposes, and a bigger, gutsier motor for daily driving. While a performance engine will come later on, I want to start doing a mock-up pricing list to know what kind of money I'm looking at for the final build. I want to have an engine that will be reliable for daily driving, but also have enough power to show up anyone who thinks they can outdo my Beetle (granted, most of the guys to do that think a 1998 Mustang or a big, obnoxious lifted truck are prime examples of speed demons). I know I can build a 2276cc easily enough, but is it going to require I be on the side of the road tweaking it all the time?

For whatever reference is needed, I'm a total novice to building performance VW engines, but I know that in the end I want to be running dual carbs (preferably Weber IDFs or IDAs).

So my question is how big can you build your engine and keep it reliable?

Thu Jan 05, 2017 2:43 pm

as big as you wallet. it will last if built with quality parts, and quality parts cost $$$.

but there is also a lot of other factors. a high rpm small engine will not last as long as a low rpm monster.

Thu Jan 05, 2017 3:17 pm

If you spend the money for quality parts a 2276 cc with 170 HP can last many years of street drive, run mid 13's in the 1/4, and beat all the factory V-8's. Expect to spend around $7500 for a 2275c with all new parts.

Thu Jan 05, 2017 3:37 pm

vwracerdave wrote: If you spend the money for quality parts a 2276 cc with 170 HP can last many years of street drive, run mid 13's in the 1/4, and beat all the factory V-8's. Expect to spend around $7500 for a 2275c with all new parts.

X2

Thu Jan 05, 2017 4:56 pm

Alright, switching tracks then: I know I can build a 2276cc with no problem, but that's a lot of power for a streetcar. What would you recommend for a practical engine for a daily driver?

Thu Jan 05, 2017 5:14 pm

Dustman985 wrote: Alright, switching tracks then: I know I can build a 2276cc with no problem, but that's a lot of power for a streetcar. What would you recommend for a practical engine for a daily driver?

2276 with 120, 40x35 heads and 44's. 5500 rev limit and drive forever.

Thu Jan 05, 2017 5:22 pm

1904cc 74x90.5 a set of decent heads, twin carbs, mild cam (Engle 110, Web 163), 110 hp easy and dead reliable, won't eat mustangs or monster trucks, but will scoot along just fine and fit in your engine bay with out a lot of work.

I built a 2276 just like Murzi laid out for a Ghia ragtop, pulled like a freight train.

brad

Thu Jan 05, 2017 6:18 pm

The builder makes it reliable. If you throw shit together monster what size will that be reliable?

Thu Jan 05, 2017 6:26 pm

A 2110 or 2180 with 130 HP can get you mid 14's, runing bumper to bumper with the stock Mustangs & Camaros, and be driven everyday for 100,000 miles. Cost about $6000 for all new parts

Thu Jan 05, 2017 8:02 pm

Go big or go home. How does that saying go about fast cheap reliable?

Thu Jan 05, 2017 9:04 pm

pick two.

Thu Jan 05, 2017 9:17 pm

Why have 2 engines? How about a 1915, Engle 100, stock valves and a modified PICT34. It will pull hard and look stock.

Thu Jan 05, 2017 9:23 pm

richparker wrote: Why have 2 engines?

Money can burn holes in pockets, must get rid of it.....

Thu Jan 05, 2017 10:32 pm

Practical is relative, as you can see by the varying responses. Figure out how much power you want, and ask yourself if you can afford a high-quality engine at that power level.

To answer your original question, the largest reliable engine is the largest engine possible, built by a really good builder. If your pockets are big enough, a 90x103 can be made to run just as reliable as any other engine.

Fri Jan 06, 2017 7:10 am

Dustman985 wrote: For whatever reference is needed, I'm a total novice to building performance VW engines, but I know that in the end I want to be running dual carbs (preferably Weber IDFs or IDAs).

So my question is how big can you build your engine and keep it reliable?

Like others have said already: quality parts, quality build, how you drive it will definitely affect the reliability.

I'd recommend 1776 or 1835cc. I have 1835cc DP in my 1971 convertible, like the way it drives (I built that in 1986); and I've had 1835cc engines since back in 1976.

Fri Jan 06, 2017 9:01 pm

Thanks for all of the great input! I'll probably end up going with an 1835cc or 1915cc for budgeting reasons, and build up from there. After I get a good feel for the motor if I decide I need more power, I'll consider building up (or do something radical like a Subaru swap :lol: ) If anyone else wants to put in their two cents, I'll keep checking the thread, but for now it's back the project. Thanks again!

Sat Jan 07, 2017 12:05 pm

so whats the $$ diferance between the 1915 and a 2276? or 2110?2165?2332?. in mild form they all cost about the same,you might skip a trip to starbucks 2~3 times a month for the added power and happyness.

Sat Jan 07, 2017 4:11 pm

2021 is also a good driver with more than plenty power also. the one i built for my square left several "factory muscle cars" and a small chunk of modified imports at it's tail in the 2 months i drove it before i wrecked the car and it's now sat for nearly 4 years.

CB76mm crank, AA 92 Thick Walls, 40x35.5 heads with some more "work" put into them during build, Web 163, Rev Master rods, 40 Dells with alot of time out into tuning perfect for the combo, straight cuts. super little runner and cost about $6500 to build.........

Sat Jan 07, 2017 4:20 pm

Yes!
has it been ten years since Jeff Denham built a 3.0, drove to Las-vegas bug-in, won the real street class, and drove back?
Limit 3.0
I don't think anybody will top that.
Actually I don't believe in four bangers over 2.4 liters for sportscars, as they have too much VIBRATION, but will do fine at lower rpms, plenty of tractors over 3.0, although some have balance shafts.
around 2.0-2.1 is very good size, can't go wrong.

Sat Jan 07, 2017 4:57 pm

Remember, much power need a new trans, also cost money.
100 hp in a beetle, will make it a quite quick daily driver. Stock crank will hold the cost down.

I bought disk brakes before I upgrade the engine.