Engine cases & Type of VW

[K9SWR]

I see different cases for type 1 and the other types, and I mostly understand it. I was nosing around and saw there were different crankshafts (or it was noted that way). What all engine parts are different in different cases.

More curious than anything. I don't yet have a VW, I want a bug, would love a 58 (my birth year) but I don't think I can be that picky...

[early]

There are a lot of variables to the VW engines.

I would suggest you peruse the stickys at the top half of the page
You will find the engine guide helpful for visual I'd and the performance fQ's helpful as well.
Then more specific questions will arise.

Good luck.
_________________
early-
Barnfind westy project
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
my 73 sports bug project build
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=497088
Current Projects :
73 Sport Bug - L13M gone now
67 Westfalia
57 oval window ragtop - sold june 2021
61 sedan
68 Corvette Roadster - Small Block, 4 Speed
86 GMC Sierra Classic- 4x4, Shortbed
94 Harley Flstn

[txoval]

If you want a 58 (great year for a VW in my opinion) there are plenty out there if you’re willing to drive to get it.

Get what you want, if not you’ll regret it

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php...words=1958

[K9SWR]

[K9SWR]

[Willin]

Get the Tom Wilson book "rebuilding air-cooled vw engines"
He describes the different types, and all the different , stock, parts.
And the John Muir "Idiot" book if you've never owned an air-cooled.
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73 bus. Org. 1700 with dual Weber 40 idfs, bus header with Empi qp muffler, CB magnaspark 2 " ready to run kit".

[K9SWR]

[Dusty1]

'58 came with a 36 horse. 36 horse parts are their own thing. Almost nothing interchanges with later motors aside from the carburetor.

New came the 40 horse. I know what happened to all the old 40 horse parts now that I'm into Formula Vee.

When you get to 1966 the Type 1 engines go

1300, 1500, 1600.

Type 1 engine parts are mostly interchangeable with Type 3, that's fastback squareback, notchback.

Type 1 is interchangeable with Type 2 Bus through '71.


If you want a '58 track down a '58. Bear in mind '58, '59 and '60 are very similar. Most people can't tell the difference between a '58 and a '64 or even a '65 when it's going down the road.

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"May you live an interesting life."

[K9SWR]

[Dusty1]

[Dusty1]

This guy says, "Don't waste my time!" and with that attitude sellers can usually be sure I won't. Waste their time, that is.

What about my time?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/14723760...aa22f6592e

Just the same, that motor may be ugly but it has good bones. It may run as- is. Lotta VW enthusiasts have a test stand made from an old transmission case or Bus bellhousing, a starter, a battery and some sort of fuel tank. I prefer a plastic Tecumseh from the herd of snow blowers lurking behind my garage.

You can start and run a VW motor on your garage floor.

Hearing your motor run might be just the boost your enthusiasm needs.


That New Mexico Bug in the link above may be worth the trip. A straight dry Southwestern car is generally a lot less hassle than a Rust Belt rust bucket. I would get it running, go through the brakes and just drive it.

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"May you live an interesting life."

[K9SWR]

[Bobs67vwagen]

All good points by dusty1. I would only add that if you do not want to swap a early body onto a late IRS pan, the 66 or 67 cars are the best road cars because of the ball joint front suspension. The 67 transaxle will also take the larger 12 volt flywheel with no modification.

[Rome]

For a '58 Beetle: Keep in mind that slightly later Beetles look very similar, but have improved features each year. For example, starting with the '62 model year, Beetles had factory-installed mounts for 3-point safety belts. Just bolt them in and you're good. You'd need to do some drilling at least on a '58 to install belts; better would be to weld in reinforcement plates at each location.

Taillamp size is bigger on the '62 (first year of the larger, 2-chamber lamps with turn signals on top, and running + brake lights below)- and also mounted higher up the fender- for better visibility to drivers behind you. '62 also had a slightly more powerful engine; still the same 1192 cc as the '58's 36 hp but the '62 (already in '61) was rated at 40 hp and was a nearly complete redesign.

All windows got bigger for '65 which gives the impression of "roominess". '67, as mentioned already, has a larger engine- 1500 cc @ 53 hp, first year of 12 V electrical system in the USA, and the last year of the bumper style which the '58 had. Also the last year of the "wide 5" wheels, though the '66 and '67 had "sausage" shaped cooling slots in the center portion which the '65 and earlier did not have. That's why the earlier wheels are called "smoothies".

Have you seen this, to help you decide on the optimal year?
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/77whatyearisit.php

My dad brought this brochure home in the early 1970's when I was a young teenager (I'm a year younger than you), and memorized most of the years' changes within a couple of years so that I could discern major parts at junkyards when I started with a '60 hobby Beetle.

If you are strongly set for a '58, try to find one at a local VW show of with a local clubmember. If you can arrange a drive, even in one that is not for sale, you might find that the experience is way too "primitive". First gear is not synchronized so you have to come to a full stop to shift into first. The '61 is the first year of the fully synchro box incl. 1st gear. But if you do like the '58, try to find the best '58 as possible- no rust, mostly original, etc. so that you don't have to do much work or have down-time once you get it home.

[K9SWR]

[K9SWR]

Well I pullled the trigger. I bought a 1966 bug and it has a later model 1600 DP with an alternator. Runs but doesn't idle. So the carb needs rebuilt or replaced... But that's what I'm looking forward to.

And Sunday I'm picking up a free DP long block. One to drive, one to build.

Thanks for all the help. I think I've collected almost all the VW books. I have lots of plans and ideas. Maybe I'll just make this my build thread if that's OK.

Dan

[Rome]

Congratulations on buying a suitable Beetle! We look forward to some photos of it, as well as your freebie engine.

'66 is an attractive year, and since it already has been converted to 12 volts, one of the few "weak" points- the original 6 volt system- has been resolved.

[Bobs67vwagen]

I will 2nd that opinion on the 66. It is a very good year and in my mind the year that ushered in the feeling of a more modern driving bug with more power, ball joint suspension and a nicely matched transmission to engine power curve. Good luck with it and enjoy it.

[K9SWR]

Freebie engine was a bust. It said free but it was free plus $700.

The car is here in the driveway. I need to rebuild the carb first. It won't idle and the accelerator pump is rotten. But it will run. Brakes work. I was told a newer clutch - and I trust him.
Lots and lots of spare parts and new parts. It's sort of a dark purple/black color. Stock it was green. I know the word patina is overused but this car has earned its patina. I plan to seal it and leave it alone. It has stock wheels, wheel covers and trim rings. Tires are full of tread but date code was a long, long time ago. It has VW highback buckets, the pasenger needs the outside hinge bolt. The carb is an H30/31 Pict. Looks like an 009 distributor plus an extra. I've done my first bonehead thing. I locked the drivers door. Now it won't unlock... Doh!

Has an alternator so already 12 volt. Pans look good, heater channels look good. It has been hit in the nose at some point - has some cracks in the sheet metal No unusual rust in the spare tire well. Still has the under bonnet carpet and some original looking tools. I need the emblem and front chrome for the bonnet (OK trunk lid). The engine lid needs to be adjusted, it just touches the bumpers. Instead of an engine number on the alternator stand it says "FIRING ORDER 1-4-3-2" I'll read up on that.

Needs the fuel tank cleaned, a new rear window rubber. I will need to work on the window regulators. If possible I would love to drive it in a Christmas parade in a small town near here.

[Rome]