Looks like I might need a new engine

Bob, I think your engine has some blockage. Mix up some prunes with your oil and that should solve your problem.
Doctor Ron

So the new engine is in. I haven't driven it yet as I am still doing the early breakin, and need to change the throttle cable as the old one is too short. I can't wait to take it for a spin. Last week the weather was awesome. The way the weathers right now it looks like I'll be doing more snowboarding first however.

I also pulled the A/C last fall and so have some wiring to clean up. If the weather stays rough maybe I'll even get it done.

Robert, it takes a lot of oil pressure to burst a quality filter; Pat Downs and I talked about this on the phone a while back and he thinks up to a 100 psi is probably safe but 150 psi will blow a filter. My guess is that you either have restriction in the line from filter back to the engine case or your pressure relief valve isn't working.

Ron: I might have missed it, but what ended up being wrong with your engine?

BD

What is up with this thread?!?!

The engine had a number of minor problems. The failure was caused by a few pushrods bending and breaking. I decided to build a new engine as I didn't know what I had. Turns out it was a 78.4x94 (2165) with an Engle 120, but the heads were un-ported. Also the distributor drive was from some other type of VW and was not long enough. It was missing a few springs and washers, etc. In the end, I am glad I built a new one as the old one was destined to cause me more problems.

I took a short drive today. Boy does this thing ever pull! Very nice! I'm still breaking the engine in so I am taking it easy, but my kids are asking me "what's that 'squeak' when you shift gears"?

Yours squeaks...mine just lays rubber!
Ron

Come on, boys. At our ages everything squeaks, and we don't need rubbers any more, either.

Mine burns rubber.....