Engine thoughts

[Chrisholdsworth]

I have to start thinking about an engine for the car. It comes with a 1600 VW type 1 as standard but i can upgrade that or source my own. Im not really that au fait with engines and how well a 1600 may perform.

Any thoughts or suggestions. Is a 1600 enough to keep up with modern traffic on the freeway? Would a 2100+ be too over the top or maybe in between with an 1800.

Or a Porsche engine of some description. maybe a 912? or more modern.

All suggestions welcome. Thanks!

[molleur]

Consider a Subaru boxer 4 cyl. 2.2 or 2.5

[Gearz]

Here's another option

[Impi]

If you considderthat most 356 cars were in the 70-80hp range and a 1600 beetle engine should have about 60hp it is pretty close. Add twin carbs,slightly higher compression and 70 hp is within reach without breaking the bank
armand

[Chrisholdsworth]

Thank you for the suggestions

[roy mawbey]

Chris,

What Armand says is right to the point. Of course if you want more grunt then other options. I reckon a 1600cc well sorted, will keep your car up with the normal traffic just fine. My super engine with 75 hp has no trouble.

Remember a 356 engine or 912 is fine but if its well worn it will cost you a lot to rectify. Its the way you go, not always how fast it goes!

Roy

[molleur]

A good compromise would be a VW Type 1 at 1715CC.
It will reliably put out about 90 to 100HP all day.
Easy to build as well.

[Chrisholdsworth]

Thanks again all good suggestions. I like the sound of all of them!

[JTR70]

My original dream powerplant was a punched out type-4 with a 911 fan shroud assembly.

I spent many an hour in an old Fat Peformance cataloge dreaming about this engine. For me personally, I have no use for a Porsche push-rod motor. Thier more money and less HP when the dust settles; wouldnt bother me a bit if the crankcase reads VW so long as it kicks ass. Never really considered a type one though Greg Banfills motor has completely changed my view on that. Take a look here:http://www.abcgt.com/forum/6-Hot-Rod--Modified-356/28251-My-54-Coupe-that-we-call-Curb-Appeal.html?limit=6&start=102

There were some great videos of it here but youtube has been screwing around with thier format and have since disappeared.

[Chrisholdsworth]

Thanks for that Justin. Looks cool!