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can i replace a type 4 motor with a type 1 in a bus???

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 6:12 pm
by moebius3
I have an oppurtunity to possibly get a bus that needs a motor..the only spare that i have is a type 1...

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 6:17 pm
by Marc
That question comes up pretty often - here's the last time:
http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=58091

There are plenty who'll tell you that it shouldn't be done, but the answer to the question "can it be done" is YES.
I own a `73 bus that's had type I power for years, and I'll be the first to tell you that a stock 1600 isn't going to be sufficient unless you live on flat ground and are a patient person. A slightly warmed-up one (I used a 1679) will work satisfactorily.

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2003 5:20 pm
by luke78
I agree with Mark, it's really not the best way to go, but if you must aircooled.net has an engine tin which allows you to put a type 1 motor into a late model bus. It's in their engine section under sheet metal and runs about $175. This will help you out with one of the more difficult portions of the conversion. Good Luck.

Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2003 3:27 pm
by DingoDog
I will gladly tell you that it can be done. I did it with a '77 westy....put a 1600 Bug motor in it...and it took me satisfactorily over every mountain pass in the western US. Not as much torque or horse..but its the equivalent of driving a '71 Bus and the motor is not as heavy as a T4...so there is less weight to drag around. I cut out the extra engine tin from a roll of roofing sheet metal from Home Depot. One plus is that you can remove and change over cylinder heads with ease ...plenty of space in the engine compartment! Not that you would want to, but they tend to last longer than hotter ones in a 2Liter...and cheaper !

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2003 6:09 pm
by MASSIVE TYPE IV
Thats like putting a Geo Metro engine in a Peterbilt!!!!!

Talking about one hell of a backward step!

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2003 10:05 am
by DingoDog
Well, that analogy is a gross exageration.....but it all depends what your priorities are.

If you go with T1, dont forget to use a brace bar at the rear...youll have to improvise a little.

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2003 11:30 am
by A_67vdub
If it means the difference between getting a bus and not getting a bus, I say Do it. You can always upgrade to the type 4 later.

Steve

Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2004 8:32 am
by greggholmes
DingoDog wrote:I will gladly tell you that it can be done. I did it with a '77 westy....put a 1600 Bug motor in it!
How did you do the throttle cable? on my 76 the cable comes out of the tunnel on the right side but it needs to be on the left.

Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2004 9:39 am
by DingoDog
the throttle cable runs thru a solid tube from front to rear...so just get underneath and move the tube around, reposition it to where you want it and clamp it to something...not a problem

Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2004 11:41 am
by greggholmes
DingoDog wrote:the throttle cable runs thru a solid tube from front to rear...so just get underneath and move the tube around, reposition it to where you want it and clamp it to something...not a problem
I will have to try it, do you think it can be done with the engine in or do I need to drop it again?

Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2004 2:27 pm
by DingoDog
No...no need to drop engine. ...nothing to do with engine at all.
I am talking about the tube that comes from front of Bus and ends up next to the tranny. You might have to fiddle around to find a good spot to hang it or clamp it. Also, if need be, you can adjust the length or tightness of the cable up front beneath the pedal itself.

Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 6:54 am
by greggholmes
DingoDog wrote:No...no need to drop engine. ...nothing to do with engine at all.
I am talking about the tube that comes from front of Bus and ends up next to the tranny. You might have to fiddle around to find a good spot to hang it or clamp it. Also, if need be, you can adjust the length or tightness of the cable up front beneath the pedal itself.
thats what I was hoping. I was thinking I needed to drop the engine so i had access. (room to work)

Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 9:03 am
by DingoDog
No...thats why you have a Bus...so you can slide underneath without having to use a jack...or at least i can. Make sure you are getting good smooth action on that cable...and good return. As i mentioned, you can adjust spring tension and cable length under the pedal too (remove the plastic cover, if it still has one)

Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 11:40 am
by greggholmes
DingoDog wrote:No...thats why you have a Bus...so you can slide underneath without having to use a jack...or at least i can. Make sure you are getting good smooth action on that cable...and good return. As i mentioned, you can adjust spring tension and cable length under the pedal too (remove the plastic cover, if it still has one)
I still might just drop it down so I can see what I am doing.

Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 9:00 pm
by Kurt