Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all,

Before anyone yells at me, yes I know that it borders on insanity to change the engine, why change what isn't broke, VW kept it for 40 years for a reason etc etc

But I never had any plans for keeping my T25 standard, if I wanted to do that I would have really splashed out on a split screen!!

So here's the question, there are loads of threads regarding alternative watercooled engines, but I don't really fancy putting radiators, coolant lines etc in, so are there any fun (see fast) Aircooled engines that people have dropped into their vans?

I have only just shoved a recon engine in mine, so not looking for a year or so, but would be nice to keep my eye open and snap up any bargains, plus people on here get first refusal on the original when it comes out!!

mark.sleep wrote:I never had any plans for keeping my T25 standard, if I wanted to do that I would have really splashed out on a split screen!!

Pffft! try driving one daily for a while!

mark.sleep wrote:So here's the question, there are loads of threads regarding alternative watercooled engines, but I don't really fancy putting radiators, coolant lines etc in, so are there any fun (see fast) Aircooled engines that people have dropped into their vans?

I hear a Porsche motor bolts straight in. A guy at the pub said.

You could build a big type 4 (big $$$), get a porsche engine (big $$$) or get a corvair engine (good luck or big$$$ - you choose )

I dunno how common corvairs are over there, but you either need a very good one, or rebuild it - that's not really cheap.

Since porsches are for more common over there, it's an option, but it might be cheaper/easier to do the radiator thing and go Golf or Subaru. The problem with a porsche engine, is that if it craps out, you have a big bill anyway. Subaru or Golf engines should be cheap as chips (Subarus are here - there's loads and loads of them here)

A big type 4 is probably easiest, but they are expensive when done correctly, and still won't last like a late model watercooled (on average). The more you pay, the longer it can last though, as long as you aren't demanding of it.

A Tatra Aircooled diesel would be fast. 12.7L V8 is probably a bit excessive though

change over to a CT for a more relaxed scenic drive

In my humble opinion if i was to replace a aircool engine T25 i would install the watercooled 2E or AGG VW 1.9 engine.Okay there is the rad & coolent pipes plus diesel bell housing and engine bars to fit .Dont no if engines and parts are availabe in NZ.In the UK the 2E and AGG engines are as cheap as chips salvaged.

hi. i agree with you camper.
gti engine is the cheapest and easiest conversation.

i have plan to use MK3 radiator too because i have plan to put watercooled gti engine in my Aircooled bus.

Cheers for all the info guys,

So here's the next stupid question, don't worry I'm not going to do the job myself!!

Do I just buy an entire car, for example a Mk3 Golf 2.0 petrol and then remove all the bits and sell the rest for scrap?

Also roughly how much would it cost me not including the doner car to get the system converted from Aircooled to watercooled.

Cheers

Mark

easiest way is to purchase a complete diesel van .

as you will require wiring / dash clocks / mounts / battery tray /gearbox / gearshift parts / radiator / radiator mounts / heater / pipes ect ect

lots of people try purchasing the parts seperatly but this is a long / expensive route

you can bodge an engine in there with minimal prep but its just that an unreliable bodge.

correctly done its worth it , otherwise just stick with the Aircooled!

so are there any fun (see fast) Aircooled engines

How fast do you want to drive a 2 tonne van with 30 year old brakes & suspension? I've got a camper for relaxed days out, the girlfriend's car for economic motoring and a couple of motorbikes for speed. If you want speed and air-cooled try a beetle.

i would like to drive alot faster than a 2.0 Aircooled can take me what is not very fast if you dont get a run up ,

I think im going to get the carbs changed over and have it properly set up on a rolling road and see what that does. Plus that should cost less than a grand which is a lot better than a new engine

i would do a compression check to see if aeverything s hunky dory before spending money on new carbs and rolling roads