TheSamba.com :: View topic - Trying to rebuild my original engine 1963 M216

Sat Dec 21, 2019 2:53 pm

I have a case that I think came from when I bought the 63 double cab 25 yrs ago. I want to be sure I understand how this case should be built and that it is the right one.

My Goal is a reliable near stock s/p: 1500 engine --> i.e the 1963 M216 engine. Not a show vehicle but a driver (so changes to accommodate current part availability is fine with me). Case looks good, although it will get a first cut line bore, cam bearings cut, and case savers for longevity. and balanced.

I am a little unclear of parts in the M216 case because of course p/c are long gone and I have no idea which size crank came out of it because I was 25 years younger and stupider (didn't write stuff down 'cause I can remember - yeah right)

all help, guidance, or groans appreciated

So here is what I have:

engine code: 0247654 (tells me 1963 M216 case -- May 63)

case stamps (looks like): 12/12/23 and 8/12/23

case casting: 113 101 102B 34/37(Rt/Lt) (I always thought this was suppose to be 311 xxx xxx)

From a quick inspection to me the case looks to me like a normal 40hp case (no cam bearing , big circle oil fill (not D)) - so to get to 1500 how'd they do it

Did VW produce a stroked 40hp by using a 69 mm crank (69 x 83)?

Was the p/c merely the 83mm big bore cylinders that are used today or 85.5 with narrower cylinder base (~86mm) and the 64 mm crank, the 83 mm p/c from a Type 3 from that time, or the 83 mm used on the 67 1500 for Type 1 on the 69 crank? Im so confused …..

A side question

should I just bore out case to take allow me to use of a set of NOS K/S 85.5 mm 1600 pistons I have couple to a 69mm crank and use 1600 rods in the original case.

thanks for the input

Sat Dec 21, 2019 6:43 pm

The 1500cc engine was the same parts in size, length as the 1600cc engine. Except for the 83mm P&Cs. So if you want to use 1600cc P&Cs of the 85.5mm size, they will just drop into place.

Quote: Did VW produce a stroked 40hp by using a 69 mm crank (69 x 83)?

Not for production.

Sun Dec 22, 2019 11:56 am

Eric & Barb thanks

My confusion is that the case cylinder bore on the 0-case is 87mm

so not a 1600 standard cylinder bore of 90mm as you find on a H-case

Am I right that the early 0-case is a strange case then ----leading me to think the early '63 Type 2 1500 1-ton used a 69mm crank in a 40hp case but with big bore 83mm (1200 case) cylinders for 1500 with a 63 - 1200 head.

or

maybea 1500 cylinder from a Type 3 (p/n 311198063 - I think) as they shared the same case for 1963. What is case bore on the type 3 any idea?

I am thinking it might be time to bore out 0-case wto 90mm - but hate to cut the original case

Sun Dec 22, 2019 1:37 pm

Might be a 40 HP engine case with the original 1500 engine number transferred to it. Some USA states back in the day used the engine number as VIN ID and kept track the engine to boot. Guess too many folks back in the day had engines stolen.

Please do post the stamped in engine number.

Tue Dec 24, 2019 10:19 am

it is possible to cut down the later 1500 cylinder to 87mm. the rods also should be the early ones similar in design to the 40hp ones.