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Recent people may have only not had a problem, because they haven't put on enough miles yet? Are you sure you don't want to just spend the extra money and specify a CB engine build?
Brad:
I honestly don't know if Kirk has solved the alleged "problem" with his in-house engines or not, and I didn't really hear anything about recent engines going South, but I would tend to agree with Steve, one post up. If you're concerned, then just ask CB performance to build you and engine and have it delivered to Kirk for installation. I get the feeling that this is done all the time, and you would have an engine built by people with very good reputations for producing high quality products. Just tell Kirk that you're getting an engine from Pat Downs at CB and have Kirk discount his engine cost from the bill. Shouldn't be a big deal for him.
I don't know where you are located, but an additional advantage for you, if you live in California (especially around L.A.) is that if you do have any problems with the engine you could get it to CB Performance for service (although I haven't heard of any CB engines needed it, but it;s there if you need it).
Gordon
I honestly don't know if Kirk has solved the alleged "problem" with his in-house engines or not, and I didn't really hear anything about recent engines going South, but I would tend to agree with Steve, one post up. If you're concerned, then just ask CB performance to build you and engine and have it delivered to Kirk for installation. I get the feeling that this is done all the time, and you would have an engine built by people with very good reputations for producing high quality products. Just tell Kirk that you're getting an engine from Pat Downs at CB and have Kirk discount his engine cost from the bill. Shouldn't be a big deal for him.
I don't know where you are located, but an additional advantage for you, if you live in California (especially around L.A.) is that if you do have any problems with the engine you could get it to CB Performance for service (although I haven't heard of any CB engines needed it, but it;s there if you need it).
Gordon
I have not heard about any specific problems with any builder's engines. But I think it makes sense to have your engine built by one of the specialty air-cooled engine builders and I believe SCAT and CB are the best out there.
They use performance engineered parts. It will cost you a bit more for the final result because the replica assembler can't make an extra more profit on the engine, but you can be very specific about the components and the engine guys will tell you if you are getting everything compatable.
I have a 1915 SCAT built and I am very happy with it. I only have about 1000 miles on it but I'm happy with the power and I'm told it is a good bore and stroke combo for longevity and dependability.
They use performance engineered parts. It will cost you a bit more for the final result because the replica assembler can't make an extra more profit on the engine, but you can be very specific about the components and the engine guys will tell you if you are getting everything compatable.
I have a 1915 SCAT built and I am very happy with it. I only have about 1000 miles on it but I'm happy with the power and I'm told it is a good bore and stroke combo for longevity and dependability.
I second all the above posters. If I recall correctly Kirk will slash 2K off the price for the car sans engine. Scat, CB Performance and Gene Berg are reknowned suppliers of good quality stuff. I love my VS but if I were to do it over again I'd gone that route myself, especially making sure to use internals of the best quality (counterweighted crank, cam, followers, full flow system).
I'll back up everything above. I bought a used Vintage speedster and got a good deal and found out not too long after that the engine lifters were shot. From what I hear all over the place is that Kirk is a great guy to deal with, but as you're already spending a good chunk of change, I'd spend a bit more to drive "more" worry-free.
Brad, I'll have to agree with all above although I don't know a thing about Kirk's motors. I never considered one because I didn't think they made enough power to suiteably push a wide body at the speeds it needs to go. I put a 2275 SCAT motor in mine, kirk will credit $2000 to you. The SCAT was pretty expensive you can get a less expensive motor if you don't want so much power. It's nice to know all the parts inside are premo.
Dennis, nice looking car, could you post some pictures of your exhaust?
What diameter is it?
Thanks
Dave
What diameter is it?
Thanks
Dave
david - glad you like my car. I'll take some more photo's of the exhaust system this weekend and post them. It's a A1 system like yours made of 1 5/8" and ceramic coated.
It took me 6 months to settle on the configuration, it works and fits really well.
Dennis
It took me 6 months to settle on the configuration, it works and fits really well.
Dennis
Thanks for the input, guys. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do, but I think I'm leaning toward having Kirk build the engine. That way, one person can take responsibility for any problems the car may have. Also, I'm trying to build this car in "budget" mode. But lastly, I'm not looking for serious power and don't plan on driving this car hard at all. But your input is very helpful and I thank you all for helping me out.
Brad; if talking budget mode, get yourself the basic 1600 cc motor and if you decide to upgrade later just sell the whole thing or use it in another car (if by chance you own other VW's) and build yourself something from scratch as suggested above. Also, stay with the basic 4:12 ratio transaxle; there's not much difference between it and the 3:88 and you'll save around $350.00.