TheSamba.com :: View topic - Looking for a good Turnkey Engine Company

Mon Nov 07, 2016 10:28 am

Hello! I am very very green on engines so I am looking for recommendations on what I should get.

I have a 1967 VW Bus T1 with a 1500cc Shortblock that's on it's last leg. I am looking to replace the engine and transmission. Since I am new to all of this I am looking at getting a turnkey engine to bolt on and go. I will be using this as a semi-daily driver (mostly weekends) and need something reliable and also have enough power to get on the highway and out of the way of traffic the best I can.

1. So far I have called GEX, CB Performance, MOFOCO and JCS. The reviews on GEX and MOFOCO are sketchy and CB Performance only builds race engines. Does anyone know of a good company that has a good reputation with good warranties?

2. What size should I get? 1600cc, 1835cc, 1914cc. One of the reps told me that the larger the engine the less it will last over the year.

3. Single port or duel port?

4. Longblock or short block?

5. transmission recommendations?

Thank you so much for your time!
Quinton

Mon Nov 07, 2016 10:42 am

If I had the time....
Otherwise:
No GEX
No Bernie Bergmann
No AJ Sims (Lowbugget)

Yes CB Performance; They don't only build racing engines.
Yes Aircooled.net
Yes MOFOCO

As far as size and complexity. The bigger the more complex generally so you would need to be up to the task of maintenance and being in a bus you may not want to go too big. I will let the Bus guys speak to that.

Mon Nov 07, 2016 11:21 am

If you are still in OK send a PM to "vwracerdave" he is located out by you and could probably help you. It is nice to have the builder close by otherwise you are at the mercy of what they tell you over the phone and a lot of times, unfortunately, you get a song and dance and you are disappointed in the end.

Mon Nov 07, 2016 11:28 am

74 Thing wrote: If you are still in OK send a PM to "vwracerdave" he is located out by you and could probably help you. It is nice to have the builder close by otherwise you are at the mercy of what they tell you over the phone and a lot of times, unfortunately, you get a song and dance and you are disappointed in the end.

Thank you for the information! I will send him a PM!

Mon Nov 07, 2016 11:30 am

The ap is perfect for a mild 1776 w/ dual Kaddies, but ......
" .... very green on engines" & "short block" are not a great combo here, mate: as it means final engine assy is needed.

Probably best to source a local jobber for a turn-key mill as noted, & same goes for the trans.

Perhaps advise us of any budget restraints?
Installation experience?

Mon Nov 07, 2016 3:12 pm

Look at powerhaus, very clean shop and engines on demand from mild to wild.

https://m.facebook.com/PowerhausJohn/?locale2=fr_FR

Mon Nov 07, 2016 4:35 pm

You are in an area where there are a couple of builders. Make sure it is a builder and not an assembly shop.
Go if possible and inspect the shop for cleanliness and organization.
A 1776cc mild cam deep sump full flow are a few things to consider.

Mon Nov 07, 2016 4:44 pm

I have two busses .Both 2 litre.One built by a friend in Fla. and the other built by a very well known high end builder.The Fla.motor is awsesome.The zoot capri high end engine had some issues and after weeding them out it is ok,.Fla, engine hands down.POINT>>>2 litre are just fine if built properly for a bus.I would contact Pat a t CB.He is a quality and knowelgeable builder and stands behind his product.He will build you something that works and is reliable with plenty of power.

Mon Nov 07, 2016 6:32 pm

I don't build engines but I can recommend somebody local.

Tue Nov 08, 2016 12:37 am

How much money are we talking you want to spend on both the tranny and engine?

Do you know how to install both units?

For Bus, I will recommend 78 x 90.5mm/88mm thickwalls. Dual Kadrons, mild exhausts.
Or, a 1776cc if you are more on the budget. Still a very decent engine.

Let me know, I may have one of above engines done in a little bit. I still do transmissions if I have time.

I go to Omaha often -have a home there. I don't mind dropping the stuff off depending where you are in OK.

You can PM me.

Tue Nov 08, 2016 2:05 pm

yamaducci wrote: If I had the time....
Otherwise:
No GEX
No Bernie Bergmann
No AJ Sims (Lowbugget)

Yes CB Performance; They don't only build racing engines.
Yes Aircooled.net
Yes MOFOCO

As far as size and complexity. The bigger the more complex generally so you would need to be up to the task of maintenance and being in a bus you may not want to go too big. I will let the Bus guys speak to that.

Why no to AJ Sims? I've heard great things about him and his motors. I talked to him for about an hour on the phone and was really helpful in answering my noob ACVW questions.

Not trying to sway you but just would like to know why you disagree is all.

Tue Nov 08, 2016 3:11 pm

Always check the Buyer and Seller Feedback Forum (although I am sure you will get both sides of the fence arguments for everyone but it just gives you a perspective).

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1...mp;start=0

Tue Nov 08, 2016 4:46 pm

Site banned AJ? Holy moly! Man i didnt know that.

Well not everybody can be pleased. That is a given.

Hence, i only take work i can finish. Simple machine work and dynamic balancing.

At any rate, you have to decide for yourself.

Wed Nov 09, 2016 6:11 am

chico performance racing! here is his feedback forum, awsome engine "builder"!

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=105585&highlight=

Wed Nov 09, 2016 12:51 pm

Boosten Ya(Josh) wrote: yamaducci wrote: If I had the time....
Otherwise:
No GEX
No Bernie Bergmann
No AJ Sims (Lowbugget)

Yes CB Performance; They don't only build racing engines.
Yes Aircooled.net
Yes MOFOCO

As far as size and complexity. The bigger the more complex generally so you would need to be up to the task of maintenance and being in a bus you may not want to go too big. I will let the Bus guys speak to that.

Why no to AJ Sims? I've heard great things about him and his motors. I talked to him for about an hour on the phone and was really helpful in answering my noob ACVW questions.

Not trying to sway you but just would like to know why you disagree is all.
My Story starts on Page 23 of his vendor thread (which I didn't know about till it was too late). After I made the round trip from Baltimore, Maryland to California and back to then drop my heads off to Steve/Greg Tims it was time to put my foot down and get him Banned. After telling him initially that I would fly out and bring my entourage to pick up my parts he should have known I was serious and just manned up and sent them. When I actually showed up he would not even come out to confront the situation.
Thank you again Everett. He deserves it!

Wed Nov 09, 2016 1:16 pm

Interesting. I'll have to find that thread and read it.

Edit: I found the thread of AJs and damn that sucks. He seemed like a good guy and takes pride in his work but as the old saying goes, actions speak louder then words.

I wonder if he's gotten better since then? It has been a few years.

Wed Nov 09, 2016 1:20 pm

hello bro If I were you looking for a turnkey motor then go with CHICO PERFORMANCE racing out of ARCADIA.Heard he does really good street motors.Not so much race motors but good turnkey street motors

Wed Nov 09, 2016 4:43 pm

THANK YOU Everyone! I am checking with local builders and also some of the other guys you have sent me.

One other questions though. Aluminum Cases or Stock German ones?

Wed Nov 09, 2016 5:32 pm

You can use either one. for me, I like German or brazilian parts - magnesium.

Wed Nov 09, 2016 7:01 pm

This strange little hobby is populated in part by no small number of thieves and charlatans. I've given money to several in 15+ years.

Over-promising and under-delivering seldom works to the long-term advantage of any vendor. Sometimes it even leads to being banned from online forums. I'm speaking from personal experience. Don't be like stupid-Stan.