Need help/advice for engine rebuild project on my 1960 40hp

[src91790]

Just bought me a 1962 beetle project. got me an engine that was built in December 1960. Don't know ANYTHING about VW's but am so excited to learn. I was wondering, since I want to try and rebuild this myself, Where do I start? how expensive will this project normally cost me? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!! Engine #5499923.

[vwsteve]

That would depend on the condition that it currently is in. Does it run? smoke? oil pressure? locked up? complete? BTW, everyone on here likes pictures. Late '60 (61 model year) was first year for the 40 horse.

[Zundfolge1432]

The novice VW enthuisist would be well served visiting Amazon.com to order a new or used copy of "How To Rebuild Your VW Engine" by Tom Wilson.

This book is loaded with pics as well as parts interchange, troubleshooting and

a fairly good explanation on how to evaluate an engine for rebuild .. used

copies are probably in the 10-15 dollar range, new is just north of 20 ..

Read that cover to cover then read Gene Bergs book of technical articles and

book of instructions ... Finally obtain a used copy of the Robert Bentley

Manual ... You might like the John Muir " Idiot" manual although it lacks any

meaningful pics, it claims to explain things in very simple terms kinda like one

stoner talking to another, including stoner tricks such as tightening bolts and

nuts using hammers and chisels, LOL .....Keep in mind as with most antiques

condition is everything, top money and value always goes to those machines

maintained in original condition with numbers matching, original paint etc,etc

If however you are starting with a basket case parts car a restomod may

better suit your needs...I've done them both ways but prefer to never make

an alteration which is permanent.Yes I like the VWs as they came so that

makes me a purist.


All the reading material is best sourced used IMO. Good luck

[src91790]

The bug is complete, just no engine. Bought engine a few days ago and has a stamped #5499923. I was told by Chris from ClassicVWBugs.com (by the way, this dude knows his bugz!) that this engine was produced in December 1960 and is an earl 40hp. So what CC is this? excuse my dumbness here as I know ZERO about bugs. I plan to expand that knowledge as soon as possible. Tranny is mounted on so i'm hoping to slap this engine in as soon as I "pimp" it out. Money is a definite obstacle here as I barely have enough to get by. Nonetheless, I'm committed to this project. So, any advice on where/how to begin this engine rebuild/detail? By the way, How do I post pics on here????? can't seem to figure it out!!!!!![/img]

[KTPhil]

For a first-time VW engine rebuilder, I recommend having a shop rebuild yours as a long block. You will get experience removing and replacing the engine, stripping it down to the long block, cleaning, painting, repairing, and reassembling-- while having the critical internal work done to a high professional standard.

[src91790]

Spoke to a local Vdub mechanic who told me that I should upgrade to a 1600cc engine instead since this 1200 wont go as fast. He also said I could watch and learn how to rebuild and install this engine. Can't beat that. Anyhow, gonna just sell my engine and try for an upgrade. Thanks ya'll

[tasb]

I wouldn't surrender to a 1600 quite so quickly.

Engine builders frequently like to go with the 1600 as it's cheaper to build easier to find parts for and they are more familiar with them. The 1600 does produce more power

BUT

The 40 horse was stock for your car. You can do 70 with a 40 horse it just takes you awhile to get there. Going to the larger engine does require modifications to the car that adds to the cost. You'll have to do some reading on this site or perhaps someone else will chime in and help you out.
_________________
Roads Scholar
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018

1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse

Member# 2059

[src91790]

Very interesting spin on this. I'm now even more excited! I just keep hearing so many different opinions on what to do. I'm not looking to go 100mph, just wanting to put my baby on the road and cruise it slow and low. Anyhow, I'll definitely consider this. Anybody else out there agree????

[vwsteve]

In most cases, and especially if you still have the stock tranny with the 4.375 ring& pinion, the 1200 will give you better mpg. The 1600 will be faster getting up to speed. Some will disagree, but I think you can actually run the 1200 at higher rpm (higher top speed) than the 1600 without causing damage to the engine. This is because the stroke is shorter on the 1200, and I believe that the shorter the stroke, the higher you can safely rev the engine. The cost to rebuild is going to depend mostly on the condition of the engine you start with. I also recommend you hook up with a local hobbyist or VW club member for help with the rebuild. They could supervise you tearing it apart. Then you can clean all the parts on your own, and then they supervise you again on reassembly. Usually for the cost of pizza and beer.

[mykidsbug]

you should read that 1200 vs 1600 on this page.

[Helfen]

[src91790]

"pimp" it out is a slang term meaning, "make it super nice". This bug is for my own personal use. So I really am encouraged to rebuild this 1200cc engine. I thought that having a smaller engine wasn't the norm when it comes to vws. I've already contacted a local vdub shop who told me that they have all components necessary to get my engine running. Nice!!!!!!!