UNODAT BRADDAH!!!
Speedsters are da kine, but it's mo' bettah to have one in Hawaii, Brah!!
Can't wait to hear about how the new engine feels. And, we need pictures of you cruizen' the Island highways.
Da Kine. I haven't heard that in YEARS!
Cory - then it's time for you to take the missus to Hawaii for some R&R (which loosely translated means 'get your Hawaiian freak ON', my Brutha!! 8-)
Dude musta been a "Navy brat"......uh, ha!
da kine---might be the most used Hawaiian pidgin english word.
Means almost anything..
Means almost anything..
Alright............well today was the day,I buttoned it up,and got some fresh oil in the engine and pulled the fuel pump fuse. It took a few minutes of cranking but the oil pressure gauge shot up and it was time to fire it up. It sputtered and eventually came to life and so many thoughts & emotions are going through my mind!
The engine seemed very crisp however there was a whine and some loud tapping that was a little alarming to say the least,my heart even sank a little thinking there were some internal issues since I did not expect that much noise from a new engine. I was expecting quiet,silky smooth perfection,however it was a very fortunate thing that 2 guys that work at the local auto parts store that also happen to be long time aircooled VW nuts were in my shop!
One came over and said the whine was from the straight cut cam gears and would quiet down,and also conformed the racket as the valvetrain that will quiet down a little when it breaks in.Being from a automotive repair background with water cooled "normal" cars,the engines usually sound perfect when rebuilt/started,vs. a rackety aircooled engine I guess.
It was a relief to hear this and I felt a lot better and spirits once again lifted,I proceeded to start adjusting the idle and synch the best I could without any synch tools present(I left them at home)Once things seemd OK to drive,I took it for a spin and was happy how tractable it was,so much more so that the last engine setup,which felt very "on/off switch" with the power delivery,this was much more smooth and drivable,from low to mid throttle the transition was so good,it was already impressing me,I am assuming this has a lot to do with the jetting/setup/build.
I finally got her out on the open road and was doing the accelerate and decelerate routine to help break it in. Since it is a new engine I kept it to 4K rpm's and did touch 4500rpm by accident,since the engine was so responsive,it was hard to let off the gas fast enough in the lower gears. Just the driving to 4k-4500 rpm the motor has such a crisp bark to it and pulled effortlessly,this engine has great low end torque,so acceleration felt very brisk even from 1500 rpm to 4k,and this was a very nice bonus,and I cannot wait until I can stomp on it and see what it really does.
One point I want to mention was what an incredible difference it was to have this motor built with balanced internal components,as well as having a welded balanced fan,and new carbs,this engine is so SMOOTH.
This is my first real high po VW motor and it has none of the agricultural feel of my previous VW aircooled cars,it is really a incredible difference how this actually feels like a sports car engine. I work on Audi/VW for a living and have driven a lot of performance Euro cars,and I never thought a VW aircooled engine could feel like this,an actual smooth performance engine,a rackety one at that though! (compared to H20 cars) I put 11 miles on it without a hiccup,and will be changing the oil & filter at 500 miles,and then let her rip!
Next I will bring my synch tools as well as getting my wideband air/fuel setup going and check the jetting/afr and really get this thing singing. I am sure some of you can understand my excitement! I really love my Beck and to have THIS engine in it is just like icing on a very delicious cake,it just gets better! So look out for some video and pictures soon,very stoked! Aloha
The engine seemed very crisp however there was a whine and some loud tapping that was a little alarming to say the least,my heart even sank a little thinking there were some internal issues since I did not expect that much noise from a new engine. I was expecting quiet,silky smooth perfection,however it was a very fortunate thing that 2 guys that work at the local auto parts store that also happen to be long time aircooled VW nuts were in my shop!
One came over and said the whine was from the straight cut cam gears and would quiet down,and also conformed the racket as the valvetrain that will quiet down a little when it breaks in.Being from a automotive repair background with water cooled "normal" cars,the engines usually sound perfect when rebuilt/started,vs. a rackety aircooled engine I guess.
It was a relief to hear this and I felt a lot better and spirits once again lifted,I proceeded to start adjusting the idle and synch the best I could without any synch tools present(I left them at home)Once things seemd OK to drive,I took it for a spin and was happy how tractable it was,so much more so that the last engine setup,which felt very "on/off switch" with the power delivery,this was much more smooth and drivable,from low to mid throttle the transition was so good,it was already impressing me,I am assuming this has a lot to do with the jetting/setup/build.
I finally got her out on the open road and was doing the accelerate and decelerate routine to help break it in. Since it is a new engine I kept it to 4K rpm's and did touch 4500rpm by accident,since the engine was so responsive,it was hard to let off the gas fast enough in the lower gears. Just the driving to 4k-4500 rpm the motor has such a crisp bark to it and pulled effortlessly,this engine has great low end torque,so acceleration felt very brisk even from 1500 rpm to 4k,and this was a very nice bonus,and I cannot wait until I can stomp on it and see what it really does.
One point I want to mention was what an incredible difference it was to have this motor built with balanced internal components,as well as having a welded balanced fan,and new carbs,this engine is so SMOOTH.
This is my first real high po VW motor and it has none of the agricultural feel of my previous VW aircooled cars,it is really a incredible difference how this actually feels like a sports car engine. I work on Audi/VW for a living and have driven a lot of performance Euro cars,and I never thought a VW aircooled engine could feel like this,an actual smooth performance engine,a rackety one at that though! (compared to H20 cars) I put 11 miles on it without a hiccup,and will be changing the oil & filter at 500 miles,and then let her rip!
Next I will bring my synch tools as well as getting my wideband air/fuel setup going and check the jetting/afr and really get this thing singing. I am sure some of you can understand my excitement! I really love my Beck and to have THIS engine in it is just like icing on a very delicious cake,it just gets better! So look out for some video and pictures soon,very stoked! Aloha
Thomas,
Wicked cool!
If it's that smooth now, it should only improve with synch'ing the carbs and getting things worn in. Yes, well built engines do sound ( and feel ) sweet, indeed.
If you're running chromoly push rods (they're magnetic) then after the break-in period you can set your valves at zero clearance cold and the noise should quiet right down ( except for the cam gear ) and it'll be even quieter.
Get her broken in then enjoy!
Wicked cool!
If it's that smooth now, it should only improve with synch'ing the carbs and getting things worn in. Yes, well built engines do sound ( and feel ) sweet, indeed.
If you're running chromoly push rods (they're magnetic) then after the break-in period you can set your valves at zero clearance cold and the noise should quiet right down ( except for the cam gear ) and it'll be even quieter.
Get her broken in then enjoy!
Thanks Gordon. Yes they are chromoly pushrods and they are set at 0 lash. I talked to the builder and he mentioned all the performnce valvetrain stuff is louder than stock stuff and the cam gears are always going to whine.
I synched the carbs and now have the wideband afr meter working and now I am looking forward to getting some seat time.
There is one issue with the motor I have to address. The "sand seal" is leaking a small amount of oil,but the car is drivable. they are sending me out another seal as a replacement. This is a aftermarket seal that is installed behind the crank pulley,and is supposed to be oil tight......when it works right!
I synched the carbs and now have the wideband afr meter working and now I am looking forward to getting some seat time.
There is one issue with the motor I have to address. The "sand seal" is leaking a small amount of oil,but the car is drivable. they are sending me out another seal as a replacement. This is a aftermarket seal that is installed behind the crank pulley,and is supposed to be oil tight......when it works right!
"it has none of the agricultural feel of my previous VW aircooled cars"
Now THAT is a terrific way of describing it . . . !
That straight-cut whine never really goes away, it mellows out into a howl as the gears edges seat themselves. There's nothing to match it on a quiet night, on an open road or semi-empty highway.
It's by far the very best when you hit a lighted tunnel after a stretch of dark highway. Suddenly all animal noise and blinding lights, excessive speed and roaring pipes.
"And so the "madness" continues...... "
Now THAT is a terrific way of describing it . . . !
That straight-cut whine never really goes away, it mellows out into a howl as the gears edges seat themselves. There's nothing to match it on a quiet night, on an open road or semi-empty highway.
It's by far the very best when you hit a lighted tunnel after a stretch of dark highway. Suddenly all animal noise and blinding lights, excessive speed and roaring pipes.
"And so the "madness" continues...... "
Lets see some pics of this bad boy!
Well done Thomas. I am glad you are enjoying the car even more now.
Thanks Warren,I am definitely having fun with this project.
Here are some pictures of the engine. I have put on 300 miles on her so far and have been fine tuning the engine. In the pictures below you will see my temporary wideband air-fuel gauge setup,which is simply plugged into the cigarette lighter,and is luxuriously housed in a beer cozy,and is propped up by the center tunnel,with a quick glance I can see what the carbs are doing.
This has been a tremendous help when dialing in the jetting and using the EMPI "snail" synchronizers has allowed me to get this motor really dialed in,since the motor cost me 5K,I wanted to be able to get the most out of it. It runs smooth,the valvetrain is quiet,and I like the straight timing gear sound! Here are the pics as promised,you will also see the upgraded "sand seal" pulley seal that stopped a leak from behind the pulley. The seal is Viton and is used to upgrade the Chinese seal they give you with the SCAT sand seal kit.
Here are some pictures of the engine. I have put on 300 miles on her so far and have been fine tuning the engine. In the pictures below you will see my temporary wideband air-fuel gauge setup,which is simply plugged into the cigarette lighter,and is luxuriously housed in a beer cozy,and is propped up by the center tunnel,with a quick glance I can see what the carbs are doing.
This has been a tremendous help when dialing in the jetting and using the EMPI "snail" synchronizers has allowed me to get this motor really dialed in,since the motor cost me 5K,I wanted to be able to get the most out of it. It runs smooth,the valvetrain is quiet,and I like the straight timing gear sound! Here are the pics as promised,you will also see the upgraded "sand seal" pulley seal that stopped a leak from behind the pulley. The seal is Viton and is used to upgrade the Chinese seal they give you with the SCAT sand seal kit.
Here are pics of the exhaust & the setup in general. This is the A-1 setup that the previous owner Warren had installed,and I love the style and sound,thanks Warren!
I was elated today when the engine stopped leaking,now it is ready for action.
I was elated today when the engine stopped leaking,now it is ready for action.
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Here is the CB aluminum alternator pulley,a very nice piece. The wideband afr gauge,very easy to read.
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Here are the pics of the motor. You can see the oil stain where the oil leaking from the crank pulley was burning on the header pipe. The better seal really did the trick,having a brand new 5K motor leak oil really sucks.
The last picture you can see the wiring of the wideband 02 sensor into the merge collector.
The last picture you can see the wiring of the wideband 02 sensor into the merge collector.
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Is there a reason there are no "sled tins" (sheet metal pieces around the bottom of the cylinders) installed?
I was wondering the same. Are the builders omitting these for some reason? I believe they should be on there as they force cooling air around the bottom of the cylinders.
~WB
~WB
Wow! Nice exhaust/car man!! Actually a lot of guys no longer run those...I have mine,and will probably try to install them later.
There are also no thermostats/flaps in the air housing which is a major deficiency as well. The original motors had a thermostat system that enabled the engine to warm up quickly as well as maintain optimum running temps,however more than likely NONE of us have those!!
However the cars still seem to run just fine,however anything can be improved. Here in Hawaii the temp is not extreme so I am not worried about the t-stat,however the lower shrouds I will attempt to install. Thanks for reminding me!
There are also no thermostats/flaps in the air housing which is a major deficiency as well. The original motors had a thermostat system that enabled the engine to warm up quickly as well as maintain optimum running temps,however more than likely NONE of us have those!!
However the cars still seem to run just fine,however anything can be improved. Here in Hawaii the temp is not extreme so I am not worried about the t-stat,however the lower shrouds I will attempt to install. Thanks for reminding me!
I, for one, have the thermostat installed along with the flaps.
I think the German engineers put it there for a reason.
I think the German engineers put it there for a reason.
At highway speeds the lower tins keep the air pressure under the car from overcoming the spent cooling air from the fan. The sled tins and heaterboxes (or industrial shields if you don't have heater boxes) direct the spent cooling air into the higher pressure airstream and away from the motor. Without these lower cooling tins the air comes down through the cylinders/heads and hits this horizontal wall of air (under the car) at a right angle and cannot efficiently move away from the motor.
If you don't have these lower sheet metal pieces, the car will seem to run fine around town where the pressure differential of the 2 air masses never becomes a factor, but may seem to run "hot" on the highway. Adding an extra oil cooler is only a bandaid, cooling the oil and giving you a false sense of security as the heads cook themselves into oblivion.
The motor may seem to run fine without the lower tins, but VW put them there for a reason. Your motor won't last as long without them.
PS- Same thing with the thermostat/flap assemblies- they're there for a reason. Even in tropical climates they provide quicker warmups and less wear.
If you don't have these lower sheet metal pieces, the car will seem to run fine around town where the pressure differential of the 2 air masses never becomes a factor, but may seem to run "hot" on the highway. Adding an extra oil cooler is only a bandaid, cooling the oil and giving you a false sense of security as the heads cook themselves into oblivion.
The motor may seem to run fine without the lower tins, but VW put them there for a reason. Your motor won't last as long without them.
PS- Same thing with the thermostat/flap assemblies- they're there for a reason. Even in tropical climates they provide quicker warmups and less wear.
Thomas, just posted that pic to show the "sled tins". Not my car but wish it was, sure is purty! The thermostatic flaps have gone mostly by the wayside as parts for them, particularly the thermostat bellows, have been all but impossible to find. My car heats up fast enough as it is although I do have 3 shrouds with flaps in the shop I may use.
~WB
~WB
Wild Bill.
Who built that header and do you have to take the mufflers off to adjust the valves?
Who built that header and do you have to take the mufflers off to adjust the valves?
Troy, that was custom built by Henry at IM.
~WB
~WB
Good job Thomas. The engine compartment never looked so good. I agree about the tins. I just never got around to it. When you get it all done, please send it back. I miss it.
Well,yesterday I took a day off (benefits of working for yourself),and took a nice drive in the Beck. The engine is just singing,and it gets smoother the more I drive,I love it. Sounds great,no oil burning/leaking,can't ask for more.
Just recently changed out the idle jets for more light throttle fuel economy,this thing just has great drivability!
Just recently changed out the idle jets for more light throttle fuel economy,this thing just has great drivability!
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I had to share more pics!
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Happy holidays and if you guys have any dual carb setups invest in;
1. A set of EMPI "snails" or carb synchronisers,these allow you to get the linkage and balance SPOT ON with no guesswork,which will save you time and make your car run smooth and cool.
2. AEM or other wideband air fuel gauge setup. This made the jetting a scientific process vs. a "guesswork/compromise" process. You will be VERY surprised how well a car will run,even though it is pig rich and wasting fuel/washing rinmgs/diluting oil. I found with my wideband meter I was 11.9-12.5 air fuel ratio under light cruise which is way rich. It "felt" great,however a change of idle jet,which controls the fueling in the small progression holes made my air fuel ratio 14.5-15.2 under light throttle which is ideal,and is saving me gas to boot. I am no carb "wizard",but these tools will make up for inexperience.
That is my Xmas gift to YOU,the fellow VW/Speedster maniacs!
Aloha & happy holidays!
1. A set of EMPI "snails" or carb synchronisers,these allow you to get the linkage and balance SPOT ON with no guesswork,which will save you time and make your car run smooth and cool.
2. AEM or other wideband air fuel gauge setup. This made the jetting a scientific process vs. a "guesswork/compromise" process. You will be VERY surprised how well a car will run,even though it is pig rich and wasting fuel/washing rinmgs/diluting oil. I found with my wideband meter I was 11.9-12.5 air fuel ratio under light cruise which is way rich. It "felt" great,however a change of idle jet,which controls the fueling in the small progression holes made my air fuel ratio 14.5-15.2 under light throttle which is ideal,and is saving me gas to boot. I am no carb "wizard",but these tools will make up for inexperience.
That is my Xmas gift to YOU,the fellow VW/Speedster maniacs!
Aloha & happy holidays!
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Thomas - what a great drive for the Speedster! Glad to hear you're having fun with your ride.
Mele Kamikimaka, bruddah!
Mele Kamikimaka, bruddah!
Sweet ride! Bet you love the Sandy Beach Curves...or a nice ride up Tantalus.
Mahalo Jim! I hope you are getting in some "speedstah time" yourself. Enjoy your holiday and time with your family! (and with the speedster of course ;)
Bill,that is some Tantalus action right there in those pictures,they are all at Tantalus,super fun with that little car,perfect for the tight turns.
Kauai has the nice roads too,I love Waimea,and hardly have cops (atleast when I was there),and super smooth roads. Oahu is pothole city,so glad these cars have tough suspension. Post a pic of your ride Bill,I don't remember seeing it posted.
Bill,that is some Tantalus action right there in those pictures,they are all at Tantalus,super fun with that little car,perfect for the tight turns.
Kauai has the nice roads too,I love Waimea,and hardly have cops (atleast when I was there),and super smooth roads. Oahu is pothole city,so glad these cars have tough suspension. Post a pic of your ride Bill,I don't remember seeing it posted.
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Very nice outlaw! Did you pickn that up on Oahu recently? I like the foglights/straps/headlight grills,very cool.
Thanks! Got it in Virginia.
Here is a little clip I made today of my wannabe "Carrera" engine..SO far 2500+ miles and running better the more I drive it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdwRa7H-1kA
www.steelbugin.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdwRa7H-1kA
www.steelbugin.com
Nice!
Thomas - Glad you are enjoying the car and your new engine. But man, put that top down. The proper place for a Speedster top is folded up neatly in the back. It is only supposed to be used in emergencies, like a Sunami or something.