1776 vs. 1600dp in my '71

[ccpalmer]

Well, 2mm of endplay is just too much... so it's time for a new engine. I'm debating between a bone stock 1600dp and a 1776. I'd still run the 1776 stock (carb, dizzy, exhaust)

I'm wondering if anyone out there has a 'stock' 1776 running in a '71 and if so... what kind of mileage you get and how the temps are on the highway. I like the idea of a bit more power but don't want to sacrifice too much.

I'm looking at a Brothers Machine Shop longblock - anyone out there have experience with them?

Thanks so much -
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'71 Westy

[Randy in Maine]

A good engine balance and a counterweighted crank are required to make you a happy boy.

[Jody '71]

You pose an interesting question regarding increasing the displacement to 1776 and keeping the rest of the engine stock for a '71 Bus. There are many things to consider, and maybe the rest of the Type 1 Engine people will reply.

Like, re-jetting the 34-3 for the larger displacement using the original dual port intake as opposed to dual carbs. Rob and Dave's webpage addresses this issue.

And, will stock exhaust work with the larger CC's, or will you have to go with a header and a suitable muffler?

I would think that if you're gonna keep your new engine stock, then keep it as a 1600DP if you're not going to change your fuel delivery and all the pertinent stuff regarding the engine, although the the balanced and weighted considerations will produce longer engine life despite what size engine you build.
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'66 Beetle
2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring

[rsorak]

I will say much of the benefit of the larger engine is being wasted if you refuse to goto dual carbs and a header.....
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Rick '71 Westfalia & '73 Thing

[moxnix]

I ran a stock 1776 for 6 years - any advantage was negligible.

Spend your money on optimizing a 1600 instead.
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Ritterlich im Kriege, wachsam für den Frieden

[Adventurewagen]

Rsorak is right. Don't go with the 1776 unless you rejet the stock carb or go with duals.

I run a 1776 with dual webers in my 71 right now. I ran with a 1641 for 30k+ miles before it died and all I can say is the 1776 was a HUGE improvement. I'm not sure what Moxnix was running that made the size difference negligable but I run a heavy camper conversion with a high top so maybe I notice a difference because of the weight.

My old 68 with a stock 1.6 SP had lots of kick so maybe it's a weight thing. Either way I'm very happy having gone with the slightly bigger displacment but I question how much you'll take advantage of it without at a minimum jetting the old carb bigger.
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63 Gulf Blue Notch
71 Sierra Yellow Adventurewagen

[tom62]

I'm running a 1776 with a rejetted carb stock exhaust and a (GASP!!) 009 dist. with a piertronix ign
HUGE difference over the tired old single port that was in the single cab before.
Well worth the effort in my opinion.
duals and a header would make more hp but not sure if it would help much with torque.
Will run 70 for hours and will even climb hills in 4th gear!

[ccpalmer]

Sounds like a consensus. My gut feeling was that 1600 was the way to go - and I'm a stock kind of guy so that was my first choice.

I have a feeling that after driving a number of tired, old engines that a new 1600dp will feel plenty powerful to me. Heck, my current tired 1600dp feels super strong to me. But leaking oil out the front seal all the time is not OK!


Thanks -
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'71 Westy

[Jody '71]

Buyer/Seller Feedback Forum shows nothing but praise for Brothers Machine, but there are only less than a dozen posts, some most recently this year. They are in Ontario CA.
Viewing their website, they do not show exact prices for a 1600 long block, I imagine they price these based on what you want them to build for you. I would at least begin with a new universal case that has the bosses for the rear engine mount. A nice addition would be the full flow option with the Berg oil pump cover and AN fittings and using steel braided teflon lines as opposed to barbed connections with rubber hoses. But then again, that's not stock.
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'66 Beetle
2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring