356 1600 Super engine into a 1963 VW T2 Split bus - Questions

[Poze123]

Hi guys

I am almost ready to fit my 356 1600 Super engine into my VW T2. I have finally got all of the linkage parts and the engine is complete minus the muffler and front and rear tinware.

I want to install the engine this weekend then I can see what the situation is with the various bits of tinware. I have the tinware at the sides of the engine, but not the piece over the flywheel area or front pulley. I'm hoping to use or adapt VW pieces if there close.

Does anyone have any advice or photographs/info on fitting one of these engines? Can I swap over the VW clutch? Can the tinware be adapted to work or is it completely different?.

I don't have much money to spend on this project, its all on a strict budget (I was lucky with the engine purchase being so complete), so I'm just after any advice people can give for when I start the swap tomorrow.

Many thanks,
Paul

England.
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1958 Beetle Deluxe
Chopper & Tamiya & Sinclair C5 collector
EX Cars- 53 T2 Barndoor, 53 T1 Standard Golde, 56 T1 Golde, 57 Oval, Mr Wizzo Wizard

[Bulli Klinik]

I did this once. From what I recall, I had to trim the 356 pieces to make it fit within the confines of the engine bay. The flywheel and clutch worked with the 6 volt starter. If you are running 12 volt, you may have to have the flywheel ring gear replaced with a 12 volt unit.

It basically fits right in, with lots of fiddling. I think you would be better off with a VW motor. Porsche motors are 36hp bottom ends with 100hp top ends.

The one I did ended up in a 66 Westy.
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I've never met a Bus I didn't like.
Mike K
Bulli Klinik
Colorado Springs

[dsrtfox]

This was a very popular swap many decades ago. 36 or 40 hp out, 75 hp super in, what could be better. All 4 pieces of the Porsche tin was cut to fit the VW hole so to speak. The problem is that the tin is now very valuable, as are all Porsche engine parts. Every once in a while I see Porsche tin cut for VW on Samba or 356 registry classifieds. I would do a search for that. I always used a 6 volt flywheel and starter weather 6 or 12 volts. If you want to get real tricky you can put a 12 volt solenoid on a 6 volt starter, it will work just fine. Back in the day there were many cheap extractor exhausts for Porsche that would work on VW conversions, I don't know about now. A little fabricating for heater box and throttle controls and your good to go...

[gears]

[Poze123]

Hi guys

Thank you very much for the info and the advice so far, it was very useful and helped me when I installed the engine at the weekend.

So, the engine went in, no dramas expect for the bolts behind the fan housing being tricky to access with the carbs on. But all sorted now.

I made two videos, heres the first on of the first start up in approx. 35 years. There is no muffler, but I needed to do a quick start up to confirm it worked before I spent money importing muffler from Spain.

Many thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEn3RXX2D8U
_________________
1958 Beetle Deluxe
Chopper & Tamiya & Sinclair C5 collector
EX Cars- 53 T2 Barndoor, 53 T1 Standard Golde, 56 T1 Golde, 57 Oval, Mr Wizzo Wizard

[Poze123]

I also used the existing starter motor with no probs, it was a reproduction 12v unit I fitted a number of years ago - works well (I think I used a bronze bush or something to fit it originally...).

Once I get the muffler, I'll then of course try to get it warm and to idle. I don't want to damage the engine (and its noisey) , so i'll sort that once I buy a muffler.

Tin Ware wise -- the 356 side tin ware could be cut to fit, but I think that's a waste so I'll make some tin to fit the small gap I have. The front tin ware by the pulley I don't have, so I cut a old Beetle piece slightly and I'll then fill in the holes once I get the muffler on - I'll keep two holes for hose to warm the carbs (from what I have seen on complete engine installs).

Rear tinware over the bell housing -- looks to be very tight fit, so I think the carbs will need to come out to get this in - so I'll get some tinware and see what I can do on this possibly tight/fiddly job...!

Thank you all
_________________
1958 Beetle Deluxe
Chopper & Tamiya & Sinclair C5 collector
EX Cars- 53 T2 Barndoor, 53 T1 Standard Golde, 56 T1 Golde, 57 Oval, Mr Wizzo Wizard

[Starbucket]

Cut some 1/8" rubber to fit instead of tin and remove motor to screw it to the body. You will get a better seal and it is flexable so its forgiving on fit.

[Danwvw]

[roy mawbey]

Paul,

Well done on fitting it and it sounds good even without the exhaust !!

Roy
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Roy
RHD356A super75 106954

[Poze123]

Thanks Roy.
It seems to run well, it's just needing that muffler.
I've seen a 356 copy muffler on eBay at £169 plus £50 postage, from Portugal.

So once I get some spare cash I'll grab one of those and fit that. I think it will clear the rear valance and give me the twin pipes, plus it won't be to loud. I'm not after the speed/noise, just knowing it's a 356 in the back and that bit of extra power up the hill.

Hopefully I'll get the muffler in dec or certainly January.
Cheers
Muffler eBay item-- https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F142512736468
_________________
1958 Beetle Deluxe
Chopper & Tamiya & Sinclair C5 collector
EX Cars- 53 T2 Barndoor, 53 T1 Standard Golde, 56 T1 Golde, 57 Oval, Mr Wizzo Wizard