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Mike313
Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2015
Posts: 73
Location: WA
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 Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 10:10 am Post subject: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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Anyone using an aluminum case in their T3? Any issues with the factory tins? I've read that the cases are a bit bigger than magnesium. I'm planning a long block for my fastback and don't want to start hacking up my engine tin but I've read that aluminum cases are more durable than aftermarket magnesium options. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Mike |
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Glenn 
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 80390
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 10:15 am Post subject: Re: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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| Mike313 wrote: |
I've read that aluminum cases are more durable than aftermarket magnesium options. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Mike |
Unless you're building a monster engine, the stock Mag case is fine.
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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"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
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Mike313
Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2015
Posts: 73
Location: WA
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| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 11:15 am Post subject: Re: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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| Thanks Glen! It's going to be a mild 1600 or maybe 1776. |
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Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 23567
Location: Kimball, Mi
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| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 12:43 pm Post subject: Re: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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| Mike313 wrote: |
| Thanks Glen! It's going to be a mild 1600 or maybe 1776. |
I don't think you'd need a "raised roof" case (bubble case) for a small engine (1600-1776). I've had a standard all aluminum case 1600 in my Notch for the last 19 years, and no issues with it, other than vapor locking the mechanical fuel pump. I've since gone to an electric low pressure fuel pump.
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Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
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Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 80390
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 12:53 pm Post subject: Re: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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| Mike313 wrote: |
| Thanks Glen! It's going to be a mild 1600 or maybe 1776. |
2180 with 9.5:1cr in my Beetle with a stock VW case. I think you'll be fine, don't make headaches for yourself by over thinking.
_________________
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"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
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Mike313
Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2015
Posts: 73
Location: WA
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| Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 1:05 pm Post subject: Re: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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| Thanks all! Appreciate the input! |
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Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 23567
Location: Kimball, Mi
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2025 12:06 pm Post subject: Re: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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| Glenn wrote: |
| Mike313 wrote: |
| Thanks Glen! It's going to be a mild 1600 or maybe 1776. |
2180 with 9.5:1cr in my Beetle with a stock VW case. I think you'll be fine, don't make headaches for yourself by over thinking.
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That engine looks great Glenn. I went with a new all aluminum case because I wanted an unused new case for my engine. And other than vapor locking mechanical fuel pumps, I haven't had an issue with it. And yes, I've driven it on long road trips too. 
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 80390
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2025 12:25 pm Post subject: Re: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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I'm not against aluminum cases, you just have to make sure there's no casting flash.
New magnesium cases are still available.
_________________
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"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
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Mike313
Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2015
Posts: 73
Location: WA
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| Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2025 7:46 pm Post subject: Re: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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Well, despite the general dislike for Empi around hereI decided to take a chance on their 1776 longblock with mag case. Once I get it swapped in and broke in I'll report my experience with it.
Mike |
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Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 80390
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2025 7:49 pm Post subject: Re: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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Don't expect anything more that a mild build with parts fresh out of the boxes they come in.
FTI
ENGINE CASE- AutoLinea-EMPI, H.D. “Bubble Top” Engine Case
Available in three standard configurations for Type 1 or 2 applications.
FLYWHEEL- Stock Style, 4 Dowel Pin, 200mm
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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"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
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Mike313
Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2015
Posts: 73
Location: WA
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| Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2025 8:28 pm Post subject: Re: Aluminum "bubble" case with T3 engine tin |
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I think my expectations are realistic. The car will be a weekend cruiser. Not looking for performance.
Mike |
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