Ideal motor and transaxle set up for all around driving?

[sanhozeezee]

Somewhat of a bus newb here and looking for recommendations for an ideal motor and trans (mostly concerned about motor size) set up for all around driving. i'd like to be able to cruise at 70ish and go up hills without getting honked at by prius drivers etc.

Right now i have a 1641 dp motor in a 67 split. according to my paperwork it's got a performance swing axle 12-volt and a 3.88 r&p and stock rbg's. it goes ok but would love to make it more drivable.

a friend said 1915's are bullet proof while another says a low compression 2180 is the way to go.

Thoughts?

[aa390392]

You have a bus, it is what it is...nothing is certian, what you have sounds sound..there met to cruise. ????????
Trying to bite my lip.
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getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
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[Eric&Barb]

[sanhozeezee]

[Eric&Barb]

[Erik G]

I would just start by adding dual carbs and a header and muffler. you may find that it's enough. stock bus did 65 mph all day no problem

[Glenn]

A stroker for pulling hills.

Last year i built a 2017 (90.5x78.4) with fuel injection for a Split Westy. The customer reports he has no problems keeping up with traffic or climbing long hills.
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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"

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[sub-hatchtim]

I have large nut boxes with a freeway flyer center section powered by a 1915

I'm heavily debating busting open the engine and making it into a stroker
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58' pg/sg silo fridge westy
58 Dove blue singlecab
76 911S

[2type2]

What Glenn said. My '66 has a 2017 and FF transmission. There aren't any hills in FL, but when I hit a high bridge its like its not there, no slowing down ,often pull it in 4th. IMHO it's more fun to drive in the "sweet spot", that is, where my bus likes to be, so about 63 is for easy cruising. If you're behind me, enjoy looking at an old bus or go around!
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"A life of peace and happiness depends on your own gratefulness"

[srfndoc]

[chrisflstf]

The 3.88 RP is killing you with a stock motor. Need a 4.12 instead

[Eric&Barb]

[Lind]

Have you considered a chevy van? They cruise up hills fast.

If you can't handle 3rd gear on hills, move somewhere flatter.

big motors are big money and big headaches. Stock motors are slow and reliable (and not all that cheap either.) If you can't handle driving 60-65 most of the time, you will put a huge amount into chasing those extra 5-10mphs.

Your drivetrain is already overgeared, so it will be a dog, especially at the top end. Always go up with power first before gearing.
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[Tizian]

Holy!

I drive the Autobahn with 44 DIN HPs!

Almost everyone is happy to see these busses and are waving at you. So where is the point?
OK, there might be some stupid truckdrivers honking at you on steep hills - but hey, who cares?

Drive and be happy!

Cheers!

[ZENVWDRIVER]

[Eric&Barb]

[AS350driver]

[sehilliard1]

I like this conversation.
I’ve read several good threads that all get at about the same idea. Seems like most people have different formulas that work best for them.

I’m in the process of having a 2017cc motor built for my Sundial camper bus. It has stock 67 gearing but a 3.88 r/p recently rebuilt by Rancho. Seems to be about the right recipe as several others in my area (Ohio) are running similar gearing and similar engine size. I had been running a stock 1600 single port behind the transaxle which ran well until it didn’t. I would agree that with the taller r/p the single port was out of guts for the hills of Eastern Ohio.

I did put a set of the larger AT tires on my camper, the 27x8.5x 14 Grabbers. I had been running a 195/70/14 prior. The bigger tires definitely added to the problem with the gearing and the power.

My 2017cc should be finished by the time to drive season returns to Ohio ( April or May) I’ll do my best to update and let you know how it performs. I’m planning for run dual Weber 44s at this point.

[Wade]

Hi. Because variety is the spice of life, I'll chime in with what I did. It's not for everyone, but it does work really well for me.

I have a '56 bus with a 2332cc engine and a big nut trans. I had the trans rebuilt with a 3.88 ring and pinion and stock '67 gear ratios, including the .82 fourth gear. I'm also running slightly taller 6.70 Firestone tires. The combination works really well. The engine is more than strong enough to push the taller gearing and tires, and I feel I have enough power to go over just about any hill. It cruises at 70 mph on the freeway and the engine stays cool.

Just another combination for you to mull over.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Regards,
-Wade

[NUTSFORBUSES]

I have an IRS w a 2332 (calmed down) to 180hp, lowered w 15's, 4 wheel disc-Even then a Chevy van as mentioned is a better idea. These are old w old ideas even after you have rebuilt just about everything.

My first bus was over 40 years ago, you either should have unlimited pockets or accept it for what it is, a vintage Bus that cruises. My first Bus was a 1200cc with Westy camping gear-slow was my name. Today I can easily hit 80 or 90mph fairly fast, but I don't. Climbing IS very easy, but if I look back at what I've spent, I would make You pay for my divorce, then kill you.