Where to learn

[gturmindright]

I've always been interested in building a VW engine. I am mechanically inclined but I've never had the opportunity to do any work on any engines. What are some good resources that I can use to become familiar with the aircooled engine, its components, and things that I don't understand that might be important such as tolerances, measurements, measurement tools etc. My plan after I find these resources and feel like I am somewhat familiar is to rebuild a stock engine and then go from there. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Robert

[Darth Weber]

Start with the Bentley Manual (the official VW manual) and the Bug Me video on engine rebuilding, volume 3....http://www.bugmevideo.com/

The Tom Wilson's book Rebuild Your Air Cooled VW has good info, just ignore that he coats everything in white grease. Bill Fisher's How to Hot Rod VW Engines is another classic. On a lighter note, John Muir's "Idiot Manual" is interesting reading. Mostly factual but written in a funny 60's hippie kind of way and for someone who has never picked up a wrench before.

[2DubTech]

You may not have the luxury of having a friendly VW shop around you that won't mind someone overlooking them, but that is a very good thing to have if you have access to it.  Anytime I am at a local cruise night and someone asks me questions about my ride and building VW engines I always give them my phone number (as long as they seem cool and receptive) because I am always willing to help another Vee Dubber.  The Bently Manuals are great because the pictures in them are mostly very accurate, and the repair information is spot on.

If you have a local reputable shop that knows what they are doing I would suggest trying to help them out with some builds.  For me hands on experience will trump any book, no to say that there is some very useful and helpful information in them, but for me I learn better with hands on stuff.

[gturmindright]

I live in Michigan. In the Detroit area. Any suggestions?

[QuickKafer]

I did it with no one over my shoulder about 12 years ago when I lived in NY.  I was the local VW club.  Just me, myself, and I!   

It can be intimidating, but have confidence in your mechanical skills.  I did.  I bought the Orange Bentley manual, and went to town.  When I got stuck, I jumped on the CLF and had tons of guys willing to help me. 

I've built 7 engines now and I always have the Bentley manual next to me to look up torque sequences and specs when assembling a new one.

The first one I redid was a 1600 that I threw a #3 rod on.  The teardown process will literally and figuratively "get your hands dirty" and show you how these things work.  Take the case and send it off to Rimco.  Have them inspect it and if it's good, have them machine it up for a 2 liter build for yourself!  Honestly, there's not a whole lot different in a long block between a stock engine and an 82mm stroke engine.  The top end is going to be different with tuning carbs and such, but you can cross that bridge when you get to it.

Good Luck and post up your questions!

Scott Faivre

[stoneloco808]

The "how to hot rod your vw engine" video from the early 80's that featured Duncan and Nuss of EMS was IMO very informative.  Although some of the info is outdated by todays standards.  The company that offered the video was called Rooster Video, it was hosted by some fat guy that seemed like he always was smoking a cigar.