Date: Sat, 07 Jan 1995 09:45:00 -0800 (PST)
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: "Ian E. Abbott 225-1793" <ABBOTT.IAN@A1GW.GENE.COM>
Subject: More about 1600cc Vanagon Engine swap...
It's me again, the nut who wants to find a 1600cc Vanagon
engine case with cast-in oil filter provision for my Beetle...
I got one thoughtful reply yesterday which raised the question
of flywheel compatability. The issue raised was the difference in
clutch sizes (228mm Vanagon, vs 200mm Beetle); therefore, would the
case and flywheel bolt up to my Beetle tranny?
I'm quite certain the answer is- YES! Here's why...
1. In Tom Wilson's "How To Rebuild Your Volkswagen Air-Cooled Engine",
(about p.43) he says that ALL 12V air cooled engine flywheels have 132
teeth. The *clutch disc* diameter changes between the T-I/II/III
engine and the Vanagon, but the *outer diameter* of the flywheel
appears to remain the same. Of course, a trip to the wreck yard with a
ruler could answer this question.
2. In the Haynes '80-83 Vanagon book, where one can see pictures of
the engine case I'm seeking, the flywheel looks to be a standard T-1
style; that is, a single BIG gland nut attached to a standard T-1
style crank. The 1600cc Vanagon may indeed have a special flywheel
that incorporates the T-1 style gland nut and a 228mm clutch, but
that's cool since I could just use a standard Beetle flywheel instead.
3. I've read many accounts of mixing 'n matching T-1 and T-4 engine
cases with T-1 and Bus/Vanagon trannies, particularly in off-road
race cars. Again, a trip to the wreck yard can confirm this.
Incidentally, a few years ago I corresponded with a VW dealer
in the UK to determine the price of a *NEW* 1600cc Vanagon engine
case. I can still recall the shock I felt when I read the price- over
$1000, at the exchange rates back then. Yeeeeeeaaaaahhhh!
Obviously, if someone in Europe, Australia, etc. can find me
one of these cases used, in good condition, I'd be expecting to pay a
lot less for it. I don't want to decide on the max price I'll pay
unless/until someone contacts me with a firm lead on one of these
things- that would be too rational, which clearly *I* am not.
Happy Motoring!
Ian Abbott
'69 VW Beetle
'87 VW GTI
'88 VW Vanagon