Type IV in a '56 VW Beetle

[John A.]

I've 99% decided to install a type IV engine in the '56 bug I'm currently restoring. The trans has already been updated to a Rancho Street pro plus. I've begun looking around this great state of Alaska for the type IV, but its like searching for a needle in a hatstack up here. I have a line on a 1.6 engine from a porsche 912(?), dual webers with "upright" cooling tin. Suppossed to be in good condition. Can Jake bump it up to the 2 litre plus if I send it to him? I really need help knowing what year(s), model(s) and sizes of moters to look for. When I go the the locals around here and mention a type IV, they get this deer in the headlights look in there eyes. I think i'm looking for engines from type 411, 412, 914, 912 and some buses? Thanks a lot your help.

John A

[ajracer]

Greetings John from Toronto

Sandeep one of moderators of the forums has a type IV in his
beetle; and I recently finalized a deal for a 2.0l type IV for my
Super Beetle.

Anyway I am no expert but here are my suggestions:
1/ try to locate a 2.0 liter from a 914 Porsche, the serial #
on the block should be a GA, GB or GC engine code. The
code number is located by the oil filler cap.

2/ try to source one out of Washington State and have shipped
to you or even out of Vancouver if that is feasible.

Not likely you will even fine what you need in Alaska, not enough
of those vehicles got that far North. There are other type IV
engines but not in your best interest; since the 411 and the
transporter engines were also type IV but from what I have
researched they are not as heavy duty as the 914 engines.
Just my suggestion and hope it helps you out in the meantime
since others more qualified than I will likely give you their info
and comments. All the best in your project.

Allan

[John A.]

Thanks Allen and congrats on closing the deal on your type 4 2 litre. Your suggestions help. I have family (parents) north of seattle, I may have my dad keep an eye out in the pacific northwest for a 914 motor.

Thanks again,
John A.

[Shad Laws]

Hello-

I've 99% decided to install a type IV engine in the '56 bug I'm currently restoring. The trans has already been updated to a Rancho Street pro plus. I've begun looking around this great state of Alaska for the type IV, but its like searching for a needle in a hatstack up here. I have a line on a 1.6 engine from a porsche 912(?), dual webers with "upright" cooling tin. Suppossed to be in good condition.

That's not a Type IV... that's a Porsche 356-based engine.

Can Jake bump it up to the 2 litre plus if I send it to him?

If he really tried... :-). It isn't even near commonly done. We have P&C to bump them up to about 1900cc or so... but that's it.


I really need help knowing what year(s), model(s) and sizes of moters to look for. When I go the the locals around here and mention a type IV, they get this deer in the headlights look in there eyes. I think i'm looking for engines from type 411, 412, 914, 912 and some buses? Thanks a lot your help.

1968-74 411 and 412 (which is all years)
1968-76 914 (all years and varieties except 1970-72 914-6)
1972-79 bus (US-spec... ROW may have Type 1 in some cases)
1980-83 bus (same as above... also, has enclosed breather tower)
1976 912E (which is a one year only car and NOT a 1965-69 912!)

Take care,

[Massive Type IV]

I also sale engines outright to customers without a TIV core. Since you are in Alaska that would be the cheapest and easiest way for us to do things.

[John A.]

Thanks Shad, you were a great help providing the information I was looking for.

Jake, thanks, we may need to talk if I don't have any luck up here fing a solid type IV (for a core). Will be in touch.

So should I forget the 356 motor and just go for the type IV?

AlaskanOval
(John A.)

[vwovaldav]

John you probably already have done your motor and all but thought I'd chime in on the Porsche 356/912 motor in a 1956 oval (Which I have).
I own a 1956 oval ragtop with a Duane Spencer built 912 with Duane's (Shasta design) oversize pistons (A whopping 86mm!!). The motor's only performance add-on was to unshroud the cylinder heads (Beiker engineering) and the Bursch exhaust. It has the dual Solex P11's. The cam is stock. Considering this, I must say that I am so impressed with the performance/power/mileage. My trans is a 4.12 R & P with an 088 4th and I average about 29 mpg on the hwy at 80 lies per hour. Most of my driving is on the freeway and it hauls A##. Mind you that an outright Duane Spencer built 912/356 motor is about 15k, I do not know how much a Jake Ray motor costs. But the Porsche quality cannot be beat over any VW motor. Duane Spencer also breaks in the cam and can just Dial that motor in near perfect. I even put an A/F ratio sensor in the exhaust and Duane had it right on the money. In my honest opinion Spencer is at least the number 2 Porsche 356/912 motor alive today. I cannot tell you how happy I have been for the last 10 years with his motor. VW don

[Bugscandrift]

Wow dude, you dug this up from BEYOND the grave..

[vdubzack]

If you need an engine or just one for the core. Call Averre's VW in Longview, Washington 1-800-458-5852 They will be of great help to you. Have personally gotten loads of parts from them over the years and have been very happy. Also check with some of the Cali companies if you don't want to ship that far. Or I can just sell you my 2.8 Naw, just kidding.