Bad Little Bug-Gers V-Dub Club

Hi all, not sure if this is where this post belongs, or if it should go in the garage... I have a 1970 kombi camper, and have recently blown a giant hole in the casing due to an undiagnosed oil leak... I also just purchased a 1971 1600 superbug to hold me over till my van is fixed. I have decided, as i now have another car, to rebuild my engine myself. Time is not an issue, (ideally i'd like to be driving it by mid july, but no drama if it takes longer) so i can take my time and do it right. I also am not shy of a few $$$, but would ideally like to keep the cost under $3000. I know i can get a basic rebuild for around $2500-$3000, but i reckon i can do it myself for a fraction of that, with some newer, better parts, whilst bonding with the old girl at the same time!

I guess i just need advice on things to look out for, and what parts i can use to get better performance. I'm not after a fully tricked out performance engine, just a few things to help get the most out of her, and most importantly keep her a bit cooler. i want to keep the fairly basic 1600, just with a few accessories and additions here and there to get a bit more torque. My knowledge extends basicly to the bits on the outside of the engine! I've once pulled the block out, and put it back in, and I'm quite confident with assembling the external elements, tuning etc, but I have never taken an engine apart before. I'm a pretty logical, capable guy, and i know with the right resources at my disposal, and time on my side (and the right advice...?) I can do this, and do it well. I also want to document the whole process in a series of youtube videos.

I have a good book, but am looking for more (help please?) and any good websites that will help. I have some basic tools, but am willing to buy/borrow whatever i need. All help that you friendly folk can give would be very much appreciated.

Hey Paul, are you a friend of Josh Thompson? If so I know you, Nick with the 62 bus!
I tried to source a new axle part? (cant remember exactly a few years back?????)
Cheers

Hey man! funny meeting you here! yes, i am he and he is me... sad tale of the exploding engine i'm afraid, but she will rise again! glad to know your here, your help wil be much appreciated! how goes that oval of yours?

Paul,
Arm yourself with the Guide for the complete idiot if you dont already have it and a manual for your bus...and read and read and read!
I think you will be ok with doing a rebuild yourself....maybe once you have an exact idea of what bolt on performance items you are planning to add, ask here how they will affect your engine. It's the old once you change one thing it will affect the rest of it.
I was looking into getting a Judson Supercharger for the oval...straight bolt on affair, but a few guys told me the 36hp cranks are not that strong even under stock conditions.
Once you start ramming air into the little engine with a stock crank your chances of destroying your engine start to multiply! So its a no go for me at this point.....until the 36 needs a rebuild....then I gets me a Judson crank!!!!
Check out what tools you need and what machining grinding lathing you will need to do...and get someone else to do that bit!

I sold the oval shell and picked up a nice OG 56, which is in the members rides section.
Good to hear from you.

Like to hear how that rebuild is going, finding many pitfalls?

Actually have'nt found the time to start yet, all my days off have been spent fixing my beetle. I need at least one driveable car! bu I'm going to start today. I've done a bit of research and I'm going to put in some 87mm piston barrels, ratio rockers and twin kadron carbs. should give me a little more pep... Will keep everyone updated. actually thinking of doing a series of videos as well as pictures. maybe...