What would be a good engine swap for my 66 Beetle?

[NRAgunnut1993]

My Beetle currently has a Brazilian made engine which I believe is 1300cc. It’s top speed is maybe 70 to 75 mph. I would like to put a bigger engine in it because with the one I currently have I cannot drive on the highway and just have to stay in town. To my understanding the later model VW buses (70s) had a bigger engine and from the research I’ve done it should just be a drop in (direct fit) replacement with no modifications made. I’m still pretty new to air cooled VW’s but I would like to make my Beetle have a top speed of at least 90 mph so I can take slightly longer trips.

Replacing my engine on the bus engine was the first thing to come to mind I would like to still keep it somewhat original without breaking the bank too much what what would yall recommend? Thank you in advance!

[Glenn]

How fast can you afford?

Type 2s had basically a Beetle engine in them to 1972 when they went to the Type 4 engine. That being said, you can fit a T4 engine in but it's not a straight bolt up. A late model 1600 T1 engine is a stock upgrade. From there you can go to a 1776 or then to a stroker 2110 and larger.

It just depends on your budget
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

[NRAgunnut1993]

I wouldn’t want to spend more than a grand, but if I needed to i would. like I said I’m not trying to make my Beetle beat a Z06 on a 1/4 mile, I’m just trying to drive comfortably at 80 and more if needed on the highway to the beach or something.

[NRAgunnut1993]

One thing I should’ve mentioned earlier, is what do y’all think of the Mexican Beetles say from the 90s? I’ve heard those engines are very desirable because their fuel injected and a few other things. I live very close to the Mexican border so I might be able to get ahold of one very easily, would just like y’all’s thoughts.

[Glenn]

[NRAgunnut1993]

I planned to go used in the first place, and if I need to make some modifications like rebuild the carburetor or replace some other parts I will. I’d prefer to do the work myself and save money. So it could be an old dirty engine for all I care

[KTPhil]

90 mph in an otherwise stock Beetle doesn't sound like a fun or safe driving experience!

But for better acceleration and easier trek to freeway speeds, a stock dual port 1600 will do wonders. They are so common they are the most affordable way to increase power from your single port 1300.

[Zundfolge1432]

Whatever you do don’t drive a VW fast. Using the words right out of the owners manual I quote. “ Your new VW can be driven at full speed, cruising speed is full speed”

I’m running pretty much stock 74 bug 😀 I like driving it at speed, it feels good.