[Brian Watts]

Just wondering why in Europe they have no problem switching to a Subaru or other alternative engine in their type 1 but in the states it just seems "wrong"?

I couldn't get myself to use one thats for sure!

But they love them over the pond!

 

[Jason Lindquist]

They definately love being different!

 

[16sec65]

My guess?.... Here in california, we have "The Look". Over there across the pond, they have "Looks". Basically, Cal mainly goes after one look and maybe european cars just like the difference? ???

 

[badbug]

Once the type4 engine was very popular until i gues people craved more horsepower.

 

[carson crosby]

type 4's are still very popular. and i know quite a few people making crazy numbers with them

 

[Ann Mezger]

Just wondering why in Europe they have no problem switching to a Subaru or other alternative engine in their type 1 but in the states it just seems "wrong"?

I couldn't get myself to use one thats for sure!

But they love them over the pond!

Sounds like a good question for BOB. :idea:

My thought - I think it's because although they may appreciate the classis feel & style of the vintage VW, they recognize the increased performance & longevity that a newer water cooled engine provides. It's a reliable upgrade that eliminates the issues that come with high performance aftermarket air-cooled engines.

 

[Mean Gene]

Subaru or other alternative engine in their type 1

To me, if it isn't VW powered, it isn't a VW. I drive a VW because i want a VW, not a Subaru.

 

[Brian Sanders]

I don't really want to and my 2 cents but i am going to anyways. IMO the type four has a very stout lower end, And the engines produce tons of torque. Working at an independent shop in my early years the most we did was replace P&C's for burnt pistons and cylinder heads for burnt valves and dropped seats. I thought the engine in a lighter car would be nice,but I never had a desire to run one in my type one as i new i was a guy that needed an engine that could spins some rpms and i was not (at that point in time) willing to invest in the components to achieve this.

I had no problem installing the VW in line four cylinder because i new this engine was bullet proof with my driving style. I.E... W.O.T. And it was not going to need many high performance parts to achieve the reliability and RPM's i like to see.

I don't want to repeat myself too much so i will try to sum it up and attach a link for the Question for BOB thread.

For me it and for most people that want to go fast its about.... WHAT CAN YOU AFFORD.

I felt i could get more bang for my buck at the time and i still feel that way.

The motor i installed makes about 140hp and i have about $2,500 into it including the carbs. Now could i have done that with a type one... maybe. But could i have beat on it a whole year.. let the engine sit for five years and then decide to get it running again and beat on it another hole year without doing ANYTHING except changing the oil. I doubt it but Maybe. But i have not removed the V/C since 2002.

So Back to Brian's original question it just seems "WRONG"

Maybe its wrong to him to put an alternative engine in his car but i have no issue with it what so ever. My car was not a rare split window.. Its just a 66 bug. So why is that so wrong?

IMO putting on widened rear fiberglass fenders on a type one is just "WRONG" but that's my OPINION and we are entitled to our own.

Plus everyone is different in this world so there are going to be some people thinking outside the box and doing and trying different things, engines, trannies, paint,suspension. Its all part of LIFE.

I would only see it is really wrong if its not a VW engine.


http://ultimateaircooled.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?topic=1534.0

 

[dragstrip]

With a stock subaru engine, you have a bulletproof 220hp engine,full usable on street and highway for longtime.
With an exhaust and just a chip-tuning you got 260hp.

and you can found this engine on an accidented car for less than 5000$.

260hp on rear wheels on street!!!! :surrender: :surrender: :surrender:

I don't ask why we do that, i know why.

We just like power........ :agree:

 

[timbo]

To me, if it isn't VW powered, it isn't a VW. I drive a VW because i want a VW, not a Subaru.

I agree 100%. Like V8 VWs,why not just build a V8 Vega or Pinto. How about a 68 Z28 with a turboed 2332 and a swingaxle in the rear.:hrmm:
Tim

 

[Mean Gene]

We just like power........ Agree

I do too, actually I like to have much more than 260 hp...that's why I have a VW engine :grinwink:

 

[Ann Mezger]

I do too, actually I like to have much more than 260 hp...

So do we & I hate to admit it, but Kurt thoroughly checked out installing an LS2 6 ltr. V8 in a Vanagon. :w00t: Think Scooby's Mystery Machine on steroids.

 

[52Turbo]

Just wondering why in Europe they have no problem switching to a Subaru or other alternative engine in their type 1 ?

Because we can >

 

[Brian Sanders]

I hope this thread does not get off track and cause a lot of bashing back and fourth but....

Here in the U.S. we Can do anything we want as well. Just some choose to stick with the original power plant.

There are many sides to this and i don't really feel like trying to list them all.

But i do want to say look at the Red Baron Low 8's with a type one and he is now going for 7's...in the 1/4 mile
this is amazing.

To do this with any other engine would not be as amazing.

 

[55slug]

Kinda depends where you live - the exchange rate has been good but now ? i get 55c US for 1 NZ $ - so double your cost for a VW engine plus freight and cha ching _ no eating this month- or I can buy a Subbie engine for 2 - 3k NZ $, not that I have but it makes $$ sense.

 

[badbug]

But if you break that subie engine then it cost more to rebuild, and don't just say you will get another because you won't know the condition of the new engine.

 

[55slug]

This is the land of Japanese imports, we import a lot of used japanese cars, by the ship full - parts are cheap and plentifull. Im building a 2442, but I couldve taken a much cheaper route.

 

[manxracer1]

How about 400HP on pump gas. You can drive it to Boston & back to San Diego. The only problem we have is keeping a trans in it. Mazda 13B rotary. :butt: