Mexico Engine?

Rowan - imspeedster

My IM was built in 1979. I've had it a little over a year and never could find a serial number for the engine in the usual place by the generator tower. The previous owner had little knowledge of the engine details other than it was a 1776cc with a mild cam. I was cleaning out the lower engine covers so I could address a possible oil cooler leak (Thanks Lane for the great thread on that - one side looks like a simple valve cover gasket leak, the other comes from above on the case side so I suspect the oil cooler seals). I did see on each of the cases " MEXICO AS 41 043101 101A" I suspect then that this was built in Mexico and shipped stateside to a builder without ever seeing use in a beetle? Any other thoughts?

4/3/155:43 PM

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Original Post

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LeonChupp

The Mexican crankcases were imported by several builders as well as complete 1600cc engines..... The AS 41 (unmodified) was considered to be a good foundation for engines up to 2 liters if you kept your foot out of the larger motors....

4/3/155:57 PM

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ALB

If there's no serial number on the generator tower then I don't think it was a factory built engine, and was probably imported as a replacement case. They're fine for bigger engine builds.

4/3/159:15 PM

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DannyP

Yep, I have an AS-41 new replacement case and a 2165cc of displacement. 6500 rpm shifts and GREAT oil pressure after 35,000 miles. So yes, they are OK, but it depends on who builds and balances it, very important.

4/5/159:23 AM

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Rowan - imspeedster

Thanks, sounds like I have room to upgrade if it ever needs a rebuild. So far about 20k on the car over 36 years. With the twin 40mm kadrons it has enough punch for now. Just don't want to leave oil streaks/puddles if I can help it.

4/6/157:59 AM

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