What does a Okrasa kit do to a stock restoration ?

[Paul R. Caserta]

I have a 1957 VW Bus that I'm trying to return to stock . It has a 36hp 1200cc engine What does a Okrasa kit from Wolfsburg West do to a stock restoration . It's a low mileage Bus (around 10,000 miles) But I got it when I was a lot younger . So I cut out the rear wells and I painted it (not stock color) , I can fix all that . What I want to know is what the Okrasa kit does to the authenticity of the Bus . I read that it's a real old mod (50's) and that people like the extra boost . Would it devaluate my Bus or should I put it on there ?

Thanks Paul

[EverettB]

I don't think it would devalue the Bus at all.

If it truly has only 10,000 miles on it (and the speedo hasn't flipped), there is definitely extra value in the full stock original matching numbers engine.

I wouldn't risk blowing up that engine or damaging it with the Okrasa kit - use another engine/engine case.
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[Bub]

It used to be a pretty big deal to have any kind of period 36hp mods, and if any of it is vintage it's usually not a bad thing.

But these days...seems like it's almost harder to find one that doesn't have any.
So, probably doesn't hurt, but isn't very special to most people.
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[Paul R. Caserta]

That's good advice Everett & Bud : I got a 1300cc engine with it when I bought it (back in 1970) . I have that engine in it now but I was thinking of selling it , any ideas on what a good running ,complete engine is worth ? I was wondering about the transmission , the one that came with it started to pop out of 2nd gear , so I got another from a local wrecking yard ($125.00) . I still have the original one . What I was wondering is , is the original better fixed and put back in (numbers matching) . Or should I leave the newer one in , I heard the newer one is a better transmission (stronger) . I was also thinking of building a big stroker engine , like a 2110cc or something , and selling the bus with the 1200cc on the side .
I wanted to install a Grumpy's Sheet Metal sliding roof and additional 8 windows to make it a 19 window Bus but sence it is low mileage and close to original I should fix it and sell it . Then get another bus to modify .
I don't understand Bud : What isn't very special ,the mods or a bus without any mods ?
What are your thoughts on all this .

TNX Paul

[Bub]

[EverettB]

[puchfinnland]

Build and install any motor you want, keep the original on the shelf for the day you decide to sell it.
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[wagen19]

[pondoras box]

The wheel wells have already been cut and it’s been repainted. So it’s never going to be an original bus even if it is low mileage. So you can toss that argument out the window. If you build the Okrassa engine correctly and drive it for what it is plus probably never going to do 15,000 miles a year on it the engine shouldn’t blow up, it would only blow if there is another problem that isn’t addressed. So no worries there.

I would do it, it’s bolt on just save the original heads, carb and other stuff to keep with the bus.

Enjoy it, it’s your bus, do what makes you happy. Fake a sunroof bus if you want, my opinion is don’t do the skylights but it’s yours you own it! But if you only concerned with the value of the bus then only do bolt on reversible mods.

You are the owner not the steward of this object!
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1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
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1964 hardtop
1965 hardtop
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk

[Lind]

Must be some hard miles for it to get a new engine and wear out a transmission inside of 10,000 miles. Plus the cut wheel wells and the repaint, that poor bus lived a life.

Also, this topic is worthless without pictures.
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[Paul R. Caserta]

For Everette : It's a two tone green with a back seat. Its been repainted two tone green and looks real good ! ! !
For Lind : The 36hp/1200cc I got with it is a real good engine. I also got a 1300cc engine with it when I bought it. The 1200 is weak so I put the 1300cc engine in it. As for the transmission It started popping out of 2nd gear (I heard most of them do that) I will add that the transmission I put in its place has a different mounting at the front of the transaxle . So that's another non stock item. As for pictures , I haven't seen the bus in over 50 Years. One of my lawyers/friends has it. When I'm able to get to it I'll get some pictures . It should be real soon ! ! ! As for the wheel wells, I heard we all did that back in the day . I can fixit so you won't know it was done, but I'll disclose it at sales.
For Pondora's Box : I think I'll outright keep the 36hp/1200 on the shelf . Then build any engine I want , I'm thinking a 2110cc . Then sell it any way they want it.
Thanks Everyone: Paul

[gatorwyatt]

This thread gave me anxiety
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wanted:
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[Paul R. Caserta]

I have decided to leave the 36hp/1200cc on the shelf, to be sold with bus if wanted. I though that the Porsche engine was good idea, until I saw then prices.
I can put my money into a 2110cc engine, it will have all new parts ! ! ! I realize
now it's only new once and it was wrong to mess with the paint and the fender skirts but I was young and didn't know better. I'll try to put everything right and hope for the best. I know now that the sunroof/skylight are out. I'll get pictures to you just as soon as I can. On a side bar that Lincoln Zephyr that gatorwyatt wanted us to see is ah some, Mike Bello's has videos of him totally kustomizing chopping the roof and hot rodding these cars. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPiNwjdhAjRTqQHDmtfSV_A