1982 1.6 petrol - help i need more power

Post by **jamesc76** » 12 Feb 2007, 18:52

i didnt even no they did a 1.6 i had the 1.9 and that was slow !!!! as for the gearbox might be worth draining the oil and filling with fresh might make it less noisy?

Post by **jamesc76** » 12 Feb 2007, 19:13

im no good at advice for deisel engines but there are loads on here that are i converted mine with a subaru 2.2 engine its goes like stink now have had it way off the clock tho i wouldnt reconmend it its scary at those speed !!! have a look in alternative engines section theres loads of ideas to wet your appitite in there

Post by **badger** » 12 Feb 2007, 20:17

Had exactly the same problems when i first bought my t25. The 1.6CT engine is (IMHO) underpowered and struggles to maintain speed. Luckily for me, i managed to break the crankshaft, so i replaced the engine with a 2.0litre Aircooled (CU code). Still not the fastest thing in the world, but lots better than the 1.6
If you think your gearbox is noisy too, maybe best to lo for a 2.0 engine & box complete. Much easier swap than gong the diesel route (remember you would need to fit all the water-cooled pipework/radiator etc to your van).

Post by **phade** » 12 Feb 2007, 21:08

Is it a 1.6 Aircooled carburettor model?

If that is the case then you will need to check to see if the engine is running correctly.

You should check the following:-

- Spark plugs (condition, gap = 24/1000 inch or 0.6 mm)

- Points gap 16/1000 inch (0.4 mm)

- Ignition timing: 7 1/2 degrees BTDC with the vacuum hoses disconnected

- Idle speed (Manual Transmission): 850 RPM +- 50 RPM

- Idle speed (Automatic Transmission): 850 RPM to 1000 RPM

If the ignition timing was out or the spark plugs had to be replaced then this should normally cure any "engine lacks power" related problems.

The Solex 34 Pict-4 carburettor its self rarely goes wrong.

Also don't forget that a type 2 T3 campervan can weigh up to 3 1/2 tonnes.

Post by **"WEAZLECHIN"** » 13 Feb 2007, 08:31

darreandnikki, i take it your talking about a 1.6 diesel? change the engine for a 1.9d out of a golf, passat, or skoda. the designers at vw must have drugged up when they thought it was a good idea to put a 1.6 in a 2 tonne van ????. but if your van is Aircooled, i sympathise !!
(i just read your post again, and i missed the "petrol" part, 1.6 airCOLD, oh dear... sorry to hear it)

Post by **badger** » 13 Feb 2007, 08:58

If you want to go the 2.0litre Aircooled route, you will need a CU code engine, make sure you get the complete engine though, carbs, exhaust, tinware, alternator, air intake housing etc.
Might be best to swap the box too, the box ratio's will be suited to the low powered 1.6, so if you uprate to a 2.0, best to get the correct box too, if not immediately, maybe as soon as finances allow.
Don't recall any major problems fitting the 2.0, bolts straight up to the same location as the 1.6.
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