Happy, owner of Happy's Bugshop put it right on the money one time. He said "There are three components to a VW engine build, BUT You can only have two of them:
Cheap
Powerful
Reliable
You have to pick one . The most you get is two, and noone gets three"
I agree with Wild Kids on the money required to build a GOOD motor that will be enjoyable to operate and will last you a while if you maintain it. If you are trying to go super cheap, then you must understand a long engine life cannot be expected, but you can do it for $700 or so if you want to run an induction system (carb[s] and intakes)that you already have. Call Tim at Southern-buggies. Tell him I told you about him. I know its a long ride from our city to London, but its worth it . I go down there every couple of months, and a guy I work with goes twice a month to see his mom down there. Either of us will be glad to carry stuff for you. Tim is as honest as the day is long, and he is AWESOME about saving you money, if thats your goal in your build. He can also go all out, if thas what you tell him to do. A friend of mine who only rides on the street (puss!
) and is on a close budget just had Tim build him a 1915 long block, and the bill is less than $700. New P&C's, new oil pump, new Engle 110 cam & lifters, punch out block and heads, reman stock rods. My friend sent him a good block with studs in it (line bore was ok) crank he already owned that needed only polishing, stock heads, stock rockers and pushrods,and a lightened flywheel. Tim's labor charge is $200- $250 on non-strokers. This one was $200 because it wasnt turnkey. (He does test fire and break in the cam on turnkeys).
Granted this is not gonna set any horsepower records, but my buddy has a fresh, reliable 1915 and didnt break his bank.
Do what you will ,there is nothing in it for me other than returning business to a very honest and eager to please shop owner and fellow woodsbuggy rider, whom I now consider a friend after the way he has treated me and EVERYONE I know who has dealt with him.
Larry
Oh BTW, line boring is a machining process that trues up the main saddles, where the main bearings ride in the case halves.
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