1914cc but want more...

[cbenitah]

Hi,
I'm somewhat new to the scene, I have owned my 1303 for a year now and after looking around I have decided what direction I want to take it.. I figured a new engine would be a good start.. I bought a 1914cc (140hp, type 1) not long ago, i trust the mechanic he is super good (old porsche race driver) he told me that i can take this car 100+mph, since i dont have a tach installed yet (i have a 912 4cyl laying in the front seat wating to be mounted) i dont know how far i can take the car. I have no problem "listening" to the rpm's, but what i can hear it feels like 5-6000 at around 75.. He installed a new gear box (longer gears, freeway flyer he called it) Does anyone know what i need to do to get the power i expected to get? im starting to doubt that it was a good buy. although i have 200 miles left on the breaking in period, (i havent driven it hard at all since its break in) but when its warm enough and im on the freeway i'd like to feel the "power" but its not there.. all i hear is HIGH rpm's.. maybe a common thing on this kind of motor i dont know. So please help me out with some ideas, it could concern anything.. also, is there any options for me to get more tourque/hp?
Thanks Cris

[cbenitah]

ok, i have seen this and wonder if anyone could give me advise about it?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...+10210/c-10110

to me it seams like a good option for that little extra im looking for without moving over to a WRX or 911 engine...

please share your knowlede if you want, would be very greatful!

[Jeza]

That is a tricky question you've thrown up there.

We really need to know what the engine is you've got. ie valves, head work, carbs, cam, etc etc. A 1914 built mostly with stock parts will drive nicely but not be a real race machine, or built differently (heads cam etc) it can be a serious performer.

Also a lot of the guys here are working on their rides, so there are those of us that still don't know how quick they're going to be until we finish!

The turbo will get it moving for sure, if you want to go that way I would check out AJ Sims Turbo kit, as from what I've read he has a lot of seat time developing this. http://lowbugget.com/main_page.html

I would really consider what you are using the car for, daily driver, weekend warrior etc, this is going to effect what you are prepared to do to it (ie spending the weekend fixing it so you can drive it to work on Monday isn't an enjoyable weekend if you do it every weekend!). If you want big power and reliabilitily be prepare to spend good money.

I'm afraid I can't offer any more advice, I am one of those still working on my car that has no idea how quick its going to be when I finish.

Good luck
Jeremy

[cbenitah]

I'll try to gather all the info i can, i am in the learning process of cars.. this is my first car, and i know it is impossible to obtain what i want on the first try.. although i have a sharp mind on what it will look like.. I am going for a well built beetle, that is why i start with the main areas ie breaks, tranny, motor, susp. before i do stylin etc. I mainly wants to know what you guys's (that know more than i do) dos and donts are...

But thanks for your reply, and it is my only ride, but i do have much free time to work on it, as long as its driveble.. i WILL bring this car back to life and beyond despite what my friends say or anyone else.. I sat 5 h today reading different threads and they are great help when it comes to dos and donts..
So if any have more inputs dont hesitate to respond, i take any knowledge there is out there!

[Jeza]

Well from that little snipit of info I would say make sure that all of your components are in as new or better condition and then DRIVE IT!

I started on a brake conversion long ago and although that part of it is finished now I am still sorting out other bits and pieces that I should have sorted out to start with! Be prepared for things to take a lot longer than you first estimated and cost more. Brakes and suspension are things you shouldn't short cut on. So if it doesn't work the way you assumed, don't bodge it.

It won't beat a WRX or what ever fast cars you have over there but lots of young guys are writing themselves off in there fast cars.... don't take this the wrong way, but learn with the power you've got before getting power crazy.

There are loads of other forums around to get info off,
shoptalkforums, superbeetlesonly, cal-look, thesamba, aussieveedubbers etc etc... but beware of miss information, reading books from a library to give you the basic info is the best bet.

Good luck.
Jeremy

[71superbug]

if the guy that built it says the 1914 is 140hp...i would imagine the thing would have to rev high to make that sort of power. maybe 7-8krpm redline?

140hp out of a 1914 is a really decent effort.

as far as turbo goes...if you go on the www.aussieveedubbers.com forum be sure to get in contact with ian swinkles. he has a fuel injected, turbo 1641cc motor. and has made i believe 165rwhp.

not a bad effort from a 1641cc.

other guys have done subie conversions in australia over here and it is becoming quite the "popular" thing amongst the vw crowd. i would say go subie over 911 if you wanna do a conversion simply because the 911parts and engine prices will be phenomonal. whereas subie parts are generally cheaper. you will get huge power from a subie if you really want to. another option is to go a turbo rotary. i have chosen this option because of weight, not muchy cutting to make the 13bt fit. more than enough torque and power for what i need and also i dont mind revvy engines. i quite like them. wont be the BEST cruiser. but will get up and go when i put the foot down. but once again im one of these people that is still doing the conversion.


Anthony