A little help please

OK, some assistance from those in the know. I got my used 2001 Vintage with a 1600cc (appears long block, dual port), with dual carbs, hydraulic lifters, electronic ignition, 55 amp alternator and highway gear 3.88. Now, I am used to working on a "stock" car (i.e. 914, MGB, etc.) and getting hold of a manual to figure out things like "how to fix it". This replica thing is new for me. SO, what do I get to help me? An old Haynes manual on 1600cc VW? But the engine is some newer build since the plugs are really strange. Tune ups should be nothing since it has electronic ignition. I see two ports and took off the muffler to fix it. I see long opposing valve covers on either side. Please give me the benefit of your knowledge of what engines are used by Vintage (2001 build) so I can make this thing run right. It looks a heck of a lot better after a week of clean up.

Thanks,

Fred Adler
San Diego

I know this may not aid you in your engine quesions but I figure I'd welcome you to the world of replicars!
When fixing things we don't have the luxury of being able to answer the question "What year is it?" Every car is different. I've started documenting everything in a nice little file so when and if I ever sell the car I can offer the new owner what would be as close to an owners manual as possible.
Call Kirk on the engine. If you have any history on the car he may be able to answer your questions.

Like Mickey said - make a list of parts you can determine. Carbs have model numbers tags, distributor has a plate or model number stamped on it, heads should have a part number stamped under valve covers too. Only problem is you can't tell what machine work was done - have to rely on VS for build info and PO. If an 01 and below 50k miles it may be original VS supplied engine.

P.S. Don't use long reach plugs in a head designed for short reach - carbon will build up on exposed treads and you'll strip threads removing them. If electronic ignition should plugs be gapped at 32-35 (or is it just pointless contacts)?

First, buy a Haynes or other manual specific to your engine. Second, start your own manual on everything that is NOT in the Haynes manual. Suggest starting with a three ring binder and a set of tabs. One tab to correspond to each section in the VW manual. Now, start writing down everything you find that is speedster specific and not VW. Put it in the three ring binder. This info may include web site searches from this forum, Shop Talk forums, or other VW / speedster sites. Pretty soon you will be a speedster expert. But better yet, since not two of these "hand built vehicles" are identical, you will have manual for YOUR own car. Good hunting.

p.s. I live in San Diego during the winter months. I'll be glad to help you out anytime after Labor Day. You have access to dozens of sources for parts and service in the greater San Diego area. That includes virtually every dune buggy shop in town. Send a private email if you wish. I can communicate via the local library computers here in the wilds of Oregon during the summer.

Wolfgang,

I don't know about the "electronic ignition" in this thing. I put one in my 914 and there is nothing like this. I am asking Kirk what the heck it is. If all else fails I will go up to VW heaven and intently listen as they figure it out. Thanks for the advice.

Thanks Dave. You are a good person. I may take you up on it when you get back to San Diego. Thanks.

F.

Thanks Mickey. I will start it up right away. I have a similar book on my 914 since I have been swapping parts for that nightmare D Type injection system for years. I was just hoping a newer car, 2001 with 18,000 on it, would be less of a challenge.

Fred Adler
San Diego

Fred, Click on the Library tab above. Under maintenance are some manuals that will help along with the Haynes manual. Bentley also makes a manual for bugs after 69.
Not sure about the different plugs, but with a stock engine, I'd think you'd only need stock plugs that can be had at any autoparts store.

~WB

Fred,
That thing looks like it has way more then 18k on her. (maybe it was just a realy hard 18k)My engine has over 45,000 killometers on it and it is alot cleaner.

If you run into any issues I've been into vintage VW's and hot rodding them for over 20 years.

GIve me a call at 619-490-9180



Kevin "Coolrydes" Zagar

VS engines tend to be non stroker displacements; either the basic 1600cc, 1776cc or 1915cc.

Wolfgang,

So no points or condenser, long reach is good. Gap at 32-35 you say?

F.