Pan ID--Misc fixes

There's normally a thin cover plate over that shifter access hole. The VIN is forward of that hole, not under the rear seat: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/for...f68d73f5e43a#7211806

Intake manifold nuts are torqued to 14 ft-lbs.

Gaskets are typically fibrous (dual carb) or metal (single carb). Rubber gaskets there seems unusual to me.

David;

On my CMC, behind the front seats, in front of the "back seat" on the tunnel, there is a carpet flap that lifts up and exposes the VIN.  I can post a zoom out picture, if you'd like.

To get the shift rod joint cover on and off the fiberglass seat needs to be cut.  Not knowing what was under there, I cut mine a bit too large.  I can provide measurements if needed.

www.speedsterowners.com/clip/tunnel-cut-out

https://www.speedsterowners.com/clip/plate-hinge

david,

Here's a better photo. Lift the carpet flap up

Art, Wolfgang, and Justin--just what the doctor ordered---THANKS.

I was also surprised at the 1/4" thick rubber gaskets below carbs--so what the rebuild shop. One guy said reuse them it may be a height issue, other guy said use standard gasket. The rubber had little nipples sticking up I guess for alignment. Probably going to clean them up and see--sure don't want anymore air leaks.

Not sure of engine size (15,000 on Odo)--going to run it for the summer then tear it down over next winter---in NE Ohio we have had 2 long winters in a row---yikes--plenty of time to play in the garage. I'd think if PO put on dual 40's and everything else looks first class I'd have to think it has some mods

You guys running platinum plugs, super cooper, or iridiums. What's a good gap--28?

Such a thick rubber gasket would cause problems keeping the nuts torqued.

In my opinion, you should just stick with standard (copper) plugs in a VW engine.

OTOH, I've been running W8AP Platinums for the past 15 years without issues at all.

Gapped them at .030" with a Magna-Spark ignition.

I'm not saying they won't work, but here's my reasoning:

1: The stock VW ignition isn't "high energy" so you won't be causing accelerated wear of standard plugs.

2: The VW engine needs far more regular maintenance than a modern engine. Having long-life plugs isn't saving you a whole lot of effort. And while they can be a pain to change sometimes, it's not like on some modern engines where they can be inaccessible without major disassembly.

3: Low mileage. It's rare that a VW/replica these days gets driven a large number of miles. Again not much savings by using a long-life plug.

4: Most VW engines simply aren't tuned right, due to any number of factors. They are far more likely to foul plugs and do so more often than a modern EFI engine. Having a plug that is easier to foul and more expensive to replace is not a benefit.