1915cc motor for Speester

Can I get some feedback on using a 1915cc motor with 3:88 transaxle set up for speedster. I am going to order a Beck speedster and need to pick drivetrain. I was set on 1776cc motor and I started seeing this 1915cc motor which is new to me. All suggestions would be appreciated.

Michel, I love my 1915!!! In today's traffic I believe one needs more than 70hp. Besides 115hp just adds to the Perma grin. jkl

John,kewl! I like the perma grin part.Up here in the Northwest (San Juan Islands) it doesn't get real hot but I want a motor that will not get hot when I go down to Cal or Az. Thanks again.

I've got a 1914 cc engine in my Beck Speedster and it's a real mover. There's loads of torque. You won't regret the punched engine. Fun factor +.
If you go with the 1914 engine, make sure you provide some additional cooling: mine has a deep sump for greater oil capacity, a remote oil filter with a finned "cooler" cover. I haven't had a chance to really test it in St. Louis heat yet, but I feel better with those measures in place.
You may not need the extra cooling up in God's country, but they should extend engine life.
Jim
prospyder

Speaking for Bill George: he seemed to like his Scat-built 1915cc. I am having one installed in my new car, presently under construction and due sometime in late September or early October.

You can also talk to the engine builder about what kind of driving you plan to do with the car and they can recommend a Cam that will best do what you want. Some Cam's will give you more power earlier in the RPM range, which would be my preference on any engine.

1915 cc is imo the best all around engine...do search to read my related posts

Bill, what was the price paid for the 1915 and accessories..? I will have a 1776 but may upgrade to the 1915 over the winter...!

Ron

I have owned four Type I's and a couple of VW Vans. I've subscribed to, and read, Hot VW's for about six years. When I have had my VW's serviced I talk to the mechanics and I solicit opinions.

When I had my Thunder Ranch Speedster built I requested a fresh (Brazilian) full flowed 1915cc case with high performance components and a 3:88 Freeway Flyer, Type 4 oil cooler in the dog house, an oil filter, and a 1.5 quart "deep sump". I told Tom McBurnie I wanted a CB or a SCAT. He said he has a good relationship with SCAT and they build a good zero mile 1915cc engine. . . so I did it!

The bore of the 1915cc leaves enough case material (magnesium and or aluminum alloy) to withstand, and transfer, the heat and pressure produced by the engine. I have been told larger bores jeopardize the integrity of the case. Larger bores have a tendency to crack around the case studs. When the cylinders are bored to larger sizes these studs are very near to the opening where the piston sleeve is inserted in the case. I have been told as you reduce the amount of case "material" you reduce the case's ability to transfer heat and pressure away from combustion, under severe conditions, Heat and pressure can cause the alloy of the case to "granulate" (severely weakening the structure of the case). As a result, the extreme heat and the pressure causes the case to fail.

I am very happy with my 1915cc. I drove it today in stop-and-go traffic in ambient temperatures around 102 degrees for about two hours. The needle on my temperature gauge never went beyond mid-range.

Many owners of high performance Type I engines laughingly call them oil cooled engines (rather than air cooled engines). They may laugh, but there is an elephant of truth in the phrase. Also, there is a reason why engine builders do not provide warranties for larger builds - they know better.

If you are unhappy with the power of the 1915cc engine, next time build a quarter miler. You may have a 30 cent a gallon of gas complex (it's a Detroit thang).

Just my humble opinion!

Ron: I didn't get a seperate quote for the engine. I submitted some specifications and I got a package price from Thunder Ranch for my build. Both CB and SCAT sell zero mile long blocks built on new Brazilian cases. These builders use high performance components (cylindars, pistons, rods, cranks, bearings, oil pumps, etc.) in the zero mile builds. The cases are full-flowed for maximum oil circulation.

When you get a quote from them remember it's a long block, so you have to add the manifolds, carburators and an alternator. SCAT or CB will deliver your long block with the deep sump if you specify. I think Gene Berg sells the Type 4 doghouse set-up, maybe it's available from CB or SCAT also. The oil filter is a nice add-on, it reduces particulate matter in the oil. Particles in the oil create friction, which increases heat and engine wear.

Hot VW's has a lot of advertisements for engines and it's a worthwhile investment for anybody who has a VW based car. Both CB and SCAT have websites, do a key word search.

Ron I had a 1915 built for my Beck by CB Performance, Pat Downs at CB Performance is a great guy to talk to and very reasonable to deal with. Carey Hines at Beck uses him too. I'd be happy to give you more info, PM me.

Pat