Limits on Engine Compartment Space?

Aloha,

Is there enough room in the engine compartment of a Speedster to fit a 1600T kit (from AJ Simms) under the lid? Does this depend on manufacturer? I know IM has a bit more space since they move the engine forward a few inches.

What about fan shrouds? Will 911-style shrouds coupled with a turbo setup, like the above, still fit under the lid?

Just wondering what my options will be...in about five years.

aloha,
Joel

With my 911 shroud there is a lot of room for a turbo. Wouldn't that be nice!
Ron

How about this: Is it a pain in the a$$ to get at your spark plugs, or to adjust the carbs in the Speedster's engine compartment? I know its torture on a Beetle, and the access provided by the Speedster doesn't look any more welcoming than that on a Bug.

If I ever do another Bug, it will be T-IV powered. The spark plugs are on the top of the heads. Reason enough for me.

aloha,
Joel

I remove the carbs to change plugs. The removal and replacement ot the carbs takes about 20 min but gives me good access to the plugs and the last thing you want to do is cross thread a plug.
ed

I've never had any problems removing/replacing spark plugs on a VW or replica. The job is not a lot of fun, requires an expanded vocabulary, and it's difficult to get a small "clicker" torque wrench in there for the final tightening; just be patient.

It's pretty easy to hand start the plugs by using the spark plug socket as a plug holder and guide, and a very thin coat of anti-sieze compound on the spark plug threads is a good idea.

One of the few good things about the 911 shroud is that it takes me less than 5 minutes to take off the carbs and the plugs are very easy to get at.
Ron

Aloha,

Yes, I know it can be done with time and patience. I've never had it be that much of a problem, however, it is an inconvenience to work around the manifolds. I suppose I'm just nit-picking.

So, the general consensus is that you have as much or more room to work with than in a VW Bug?

~Joel

The hood opening is smaller on a speedster than a bug
ed

True, but what about space between the carbs/manifolds and the engine wall?

~Joel

Tell the truth, its been so long since I worked on a bug/bus that I can't remember. Most bugs have only one carb so it should be easier to get to the plugs or anything else on the side.
ed

Go with the side draft dell carb instead of the downdraft weber carb he typically uses. John @ Aircooled.net can coach you through this. He sells the turbo kit and I believe he will guarantee the fit.

Unless you have a large stoker engine that's a lot wider than a stock VW engine there should be plenty of room on the side to get to the spark plugs. My ex-IM is a 2,110 with 82mm stroke, 5.5 rods, and dual Weber 48 IDF's - the only minor hassle is that the intake manifold is a close fit to the engine tin at the spark plug hole.

As far as a turbo setup goes Pat Downs at CB Perf. told me that their "hide-away" turbo kit would fit in a Porsche replica.

(Message Edited 4/10/2003 4:32:44 PM)

Alohas,

Yes, my last Bug was a '67 that had a 2110cc with IDAs on top of Scat Traks. It was a very tight fit in the engine compartment. Hence, all the minor complaints on my part about access to spark plugs and whatever.

I have an interest in the sidedraft turbo kit from Aircooled.net. Actually, I know its put out by AJ Simms but sold my AC.net. I was wondering if it would fit beneath the engine compartment of a Speedster.

~Joel

George, you're right about the space to get at the plugs but I've got arthritis and don't have much strength in my hands especially in certain situations, so I take off the carbs.
ed

I've got that problem too, Ed. Getting old is a bitch.
Ron

Yeah Ron, but it beats the alternative. Have any good treatments for arthritis. I have a copper bracelet and drink vinagar which seem to be holding the pain to a reasonable level but Ibuprofin and other pills don't seem to do much.
ed

Celeberx works for me. Expensive, but when it hurts it really hurts.
Ron

Aloha,

I screwed up my knee playing rugby for Univ. of Portland. I started practicing Taijiquan (tai chi) which helped a lot. I don't know if it would help with arthritis, but it helped in rebuilding the small, stabilizing muscles in my knee.

~Joel