Best type engine for bus

Lees73Super · Post by **Lees73Super** » Mon Jun 24, 2002 8:01 am

I think i'll be buying a 71 bus in really good shape. but the fist thing I plan on doing is rebuilding the engine. My question is; What is the best stock stroke engine to put in a big heavy bus. (other than the original engine). Should I stick to a 1776 or go 1915? I am not going to stroke it. I was thinking 1776 c/w crank, en110 cam, stock dp heads, full flowed with stock exhaust and pobably a prog carb. Is that too much cam. Should I go with a en100 with 1.25:1 rockers. A 1915 would run too hot wouldn't it? Is a stock flywheel best or would a lightened one help at all?

Also, I see most alternator kits say beetle type engines. aren't upright engines just upright engines, or is there a reason an alternator won't fit in a bus. doesn't make sense that it wouldn't.

Thanks

Lee

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One of these days ill get this stuff right!

73 Super, 2110, 120 cam, 2x 44 IDFs Hyfire CDI and some more fun stuff.

Bookwus · Post by **Bookwus** » Mon Jun 24, 2002 9:18 am

Hiya Lee,

The one overiding concern in Bus engines is heat. Interestingly, a stock 1600 sp is perfectly capable of pushing that amount of weight around. But it's the wind resistance at speed which is the real killer. Ask any Busdriver. It's nothing to do 35 to 40 mph. But up above 50, the older Type 1 engined Buses really have to work. Your "built" engine will encounter the exact same circumstances. Your comment concerning the heat build-up in a 1915 may answer your own question. I'd be inclined to go the 1776 route being very careful with the engine tin and seals.

Shouldn't be any problem with the alternator kits.

And one other note.... Don't do the engine first. Do the brakes instead. You'll be happier and healthier in the long run.

Lees73Super · Post by **Lees73Super** » Mon Jun 24, 2002 9:22 am

I havn't looked too closely at the engine currently in the bus. Did 71s come with 1600 SPs? And don't worry about those brakes, that is the first thing I do from the ground up (- solid lines in the body if ok) when I get an old VW.

Lee

Pillow · Post by **Pillow** » Mon Jun 24, 2002 11:32 pm

'71 is an interesting, and desirable, year. It is the first yeat for front disc brakes and the dual port intake motor (one year only front apron, FIF).

It is the T1 motor, just to clarify. Most all parts that go on a Beetle T1 motor can go on this engine. Exceptions being that there is a rear hanger bar that needs mounted by three case holes. This affects full-flow oil line routing and you need a special case if your current case is toast.

As for good bus motors... Most people like the 1776 and if you have $ and determination for something a little beefier try a 74x88 (1799) or 74x90.5A (1904). Some people say the extra stroke is good for torque over piston width. Granted the last two engines are not easy to build and if you are new to T1 engines go with the 1776.

... Good luck selecting a cam. I stick with a stock one for torque, but have not experimented much with "hotter" cams. More lift = less valve train life. If you go aftermarket try the WebCam products.

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Adrian Pillow
'66 VW Westfalia - "Biscuit"
'67 VW Deluxe Westfakia - "Dino"
'79 Porsche 911 SC - "Cochese"

JK · Post by JK » Wed Jun 26, 2002 7:53 am

I can't really speak about baywindows, but pre-68 busses really hit a wall at about 65 mph. After that the power to make it move faster goes up quickly in relation to the number of miles per hour. It can be done.
70mph on the flats is usually not too bad.
Heat. Like was mentioned above. Gearing plays a big part in the cooling equation too. The 88 machine in P/Cs are the best protection against high heat levels unless you go to L&N Birals or Nickies I guess. Single port heads on a bus are good too. They seem to run cooler. Once you get into bigger engines single ports might not be an option though.
John

MASSIVE TYPE IV · Post by **MASSIVE TYPE IV** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 9:46 am

A 1679 with machine in 88s, or an 1800 (74x88) are my only non stock engines for a 68-71 bus, for good reason.....

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Jake Raby
Raby's Aircooled Technology
www.aircooledtechnology.com

Jeff T · Post by **Jeff T** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 12:05 pm

Keep the stock flywheel.The weight is needed to get a bus moving with a minimum of fuss.I have a 71 bus with the dual port.The only time it overheated was when I replaced the points and forgot to set the timing. JT

Post by **Marc** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 11:42 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MASSIVE TYPE IV:
<B>A 1679 with machine in 88s, or an 1800 (74x88) are my only non stock engines for a 68-71 bus, for good reason.....

</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Good advice.
I've had a 1679 Type I engine in my `73 bus for years and found it quite adequate. When I first put it together it was for a Type III and if I was to do it over I'd go with the longer stroke and small dual carbs just for a little extra headwind-fighting power and easier uphill launches with a full load, but even the 1679 with stock carb and mild cam will cruise nicely at 65-70 MPH with some reserve. (I've had it up over 80 on the flat but wouldn't recommend making a habit of it).
90.5s are a little risky in a bus, lots of people use them successfully, but like Bookwus said be sure the cooling system is in first-rate shape if you go that route.

Lees73Super · Post by **Lees73Super** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 9:19 am

Did you guys follow that "Project Budget Beater" in the last 4 VW trends? He was building a 1915 for his bus. Is that totally impractical? He claims to be towing cars behind it as well as heavy loads without overheating. I'm probably going to go the 1776 route. But will a 1915 with additonal cooling (remote cooler with fan), stock compression, cam, with 042 heads 40x35.5 run cool enough for daily driving? Provided all cooling is running at optimum?

Post by **Marc** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 10:59 am

Of course it can be done, but you'll be pushing the envelope.
Unless you lose the stock heater boxes the heads will be a waste of money and probably crack.

fish · Post by **fish** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 3:27 pm

Some may say I pushing the envelope, but so far the only problems have been clutch related. 2276cc (82 stroke by 94 bore), 100cam, CB 044 heads, 1.25 rockers, 40mm dual Del's, and a turbo charger pushing 8psi through the carbs. I run a stock pulley, with a welded & balanced stock fan, 1.5qt deep sump, and a 76pass oil cooler. I ran around town in 110 degree weather, aproximatly 80 to 100 miles (some freeway some light to light) and the thing never burped or spit. This wasn't a budget motor, and gets crap for milage, but is fun to drive. My 2 cents, No lightened flywheel on a bus. Stroker is ideal if budget allowes. If case is of the 8mm head stud size, I would us 94's, otherwise 90.5's. Don't build anything but stock without a doghouse set-up (this includes ALL the tin, & the bigger fan). I feel a deep-sump is also very helpful in keeping oil temp in check. Good Luck & have fun

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TYPE 4's RULE
Dougs Buggs-N-Bunnies
Mesa AZ

MASSIVE TYPE IV · Post by **MASSIVE TYPE IV** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 11:23 pm

That engine was a single port with big valves...a great combo as well, I like single ports with headwork on all bus engines...

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Jake Raby
Raby's Aircooled Technology
www.aircooledtechnology.com

davcon · Post by **davcon** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 11:27 pm

I have a 71 bus, Just put a 1776 in with a engle 110, the heads have 40x35.5 valves converted over to a alternator I run dual kadrons. It runs cool no problems plenty of power. I think its the way to go.

davcon · Post by **davcon** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 11:28 pm

I have a 71 bus, Just put a 1776 in with a engle 110, the heads have 40x35.5 valves converted over to a alternator I run dual kadrons. It runs cool no problems plenty of power. I think its the way to go.