Engine and parts help... mild road engine project

[Nico86]

A few more questions :

- What do you think about the CB update kit for Weber IDF carbs ? http://www.cbperformance.com/catalog.asp?ProductID=508

- Do you use OEM thermostat with fanshroud flaps ? I read some remove the thermostat and block the flaps open, and other say it's better to keep the stock system.

[Zach Gomulka]

I like the CB update kits. But they will increase the size of the venturi to 34mm which would be too large for your 35.5 intake valves (there is a re-occuring theme here ). The factory thermostat allows the engine to warm up properly, I advise using it.

[bluestar]

ok with Zach for the thermostat , you can use it , it's good for a daily driver engine....

[Nico86]

Thanks Zach and Stef 

[qubek]

I also recommend using the thermostat, because I don't have one. I doesn't fit with my exhaust and I didn't have time to solve this problem when I was assembling the engine.
I regret that and I will try to find a solution. It's not just that takes longer for the engine to worm up. The problem is that in some conditions, the oil temperature drops and the engine is to COLD.

As for the CB update kit, it seems strange that CB came up with a solution better than an original design. Sure, CB is one of those companies that try to develop products and I respect them for that (it's rare in our hobby), but still, research and development teams in leading carburetor manufacturers like Webber and Dellorto should be.... more experienced in this matter. Why didn't they adopt the solution, if it is that good?

[Zach Gomulka]

Who knows... I know IDF's are notorious for plugging idle jets though, and the update kits help the problem.

[GreenTom]

As I remember the same solution with horizontal discharge tubes were in zenith carbs?

I used the ubdate kit with my dellortos with really god resoults on the street, streep and dyno.
The jest doctor which is sold with the kit does its job grate as Zach says.

[Nico86]

Thanks Tom 

[GreenTom]

Thanks Tom 

No problem. The DRLA kit which I have came with 1.5 main jet and 165 air correction tube.
If you have standadr valves  (35,5x32) you'l have a little bit hassitation between progression and main circuit during typical road driving (which can be limited with propper carb adjustement but you'll feel it even though). During 1/4 mile You won't notice it. With bigger valves 40 up the ride will be a hell of a funn
Just be patient with card adjustement.
good luck
cheers
Tom.

[Nico86]

 

[Nico86]

Another random question, wich kind of quality air filter can I use ?

I like the look of the Flat4... but I'm always wary with Flat4 stuff...


...or K&N ??


 

[fredy66]

Another random question, wich kind of quality air filter can I use ?

I like the look of the Flat4... but I'm always wary with Flat4 stuff...


...or K&N ??


 

kn looks beter

[Nico86]

I like the look of these 2 engines (Philip's one on the first picture, don't remember for the second pic). Flat4 filters have a great look, but do they work fine ?

[qubek]

Why can't you buy Flat 4 filters, use only the housings and then put some K&N filtering elements inside? Especially that, as far as I remember, the complete K&N filters for IDFs/DRLAs are quite expensive and - on the other hand - I would be surprised if you couldn't buy the filtering part separately. Probably not in a Beetle shop, but the one that offers K&N filters for general public, "tuners" etc.
I share your concern about the quality of air filters that we can usually buy for Beetles. I drive quite a lot on different kinds of roads and some of those filters just don't work. I am not surprised - a lot of people in our hobby underestimate the importance of air filters (or just don't care - take a look into the topic about the filters for IDAs) and for them it's the price that counts more.

[volkskris]

I know a Belgian guy sells alu aircleaners with k&n filters. they look really nice imo.

http://www.german-performance-parts.be/

[The Action Is Go]

I like the look of these 2 engines (Philip's one on the first picture, don't remember for the second pic). Flat4 filters have a great look, but do they work fine ?

The second pic is one of my engines with original early Kadron aircleaner covers with no elements inside. 

[Nico86]

I like the look of these 2 engines (Philip's one on the first picture, don't remember for the second pic). Flat4 filters have a great look, but do they work fine ?

The second pic is one of my engines with original early Kadron aircleaner covers with no elements inside. 

Clean engine !

http://www.german-performance-parts.be/

Interesting things there, thanks for the link. 

[Nico86]

Why can't you buy Flat 4 filters, use only the housings and then put some K&N filtering elements inside? Especially that, as far as I remember, the complete K&N filters for IDFs/DRLAs are quite expensive and - on the other hand - I would be surprised if you couldn't buy the filtering part separately. Probably not in a Beetle shop, but the one that offers K&N filters for general public, "tuners" etc.
I share your concern about the quality of air filters that we can usually buy for Beetles. I drive quite a lot on different kinds of roads and some of those filters just don't work. I am not surprised - a lot of people in our hobby underestimate the importance of air filters (or just don't care - take a look into the topic about the filters for IDAs) and for them it's the price that counts more.

Just saw the price of the Flat4 stuff  so I guess I can't be wrong with K&N that cost half the price : http://www.jegs.com/i/K%26amp%3BN/599/56-1170/10002/-1

I will possibly try to made custom old-looking cleaners with K&N elements, cheap air cleaner bodies and some grill.

[Nico86]

A few last things to figure out...

- Can I use stock nut crank pulley ? (it will be Berg EQ or same style)
- What paint can I use for the case ? HT paint ? Need to put it on an oven ? It will be black or grey, I still have to decide...
- And another stupid question I want to be sure about : no paint on the heads right ?

[streetvw]

my 1776 with DRLA's and oval K&N filters


my brothers 1776 with IDF's and square K&N filters


both looked good IMHO but it's all down to taste

[Nico86]

Thanks for the pics 

[Nico86]

A few last things to figure out...

- Can I use stock nut crank pulley ? (it will be Berg EQ or same style)
- What paint can I use for the case ? HT paint ? Need to put it on an oven ? It will be black or grey, I still have to decide...
- And another stupid question I want to be sure about : no paint on the heads right ?

 

[Diederick/DVK]

- yes, i wouldn't know why not.
- VHT case paint, like felix used. oven or not doesn't seem to matter.
- why would you want to paint the heads? they will also get hotter than the case...

[Nico86]

Thanks Died 

[Diederick/DVK]

i was in a rush, hence the short post.
if you want you can also get a pulley bolt that lets you use the 3/8" ratchet directly:



but since it might be fabricated by empi, sourcing an original one may be wiser.

if you're having difficulties locating VHT case paint, try a (local) motorcycle shop, preferably a Harley Davidson (enthusiast) shop.
or try eBay if there are any french seller for that stuff.

good luck!

[Nico86]

Thanks Died 

Here's a JayCee one with a nice price : http://www.vwparts.net/JC1017.html

If a stock nut works with a EQ style pulley I will use a german one. Maybe I don't need the Berg EQ damper with my engine, I'll maybe use a more classic aluminium one (CB or Bugpack).

I've found VHT paint in England there : http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/paint-82-c.asp since I can't order it in the US.

[Nico86]

I found this exhaust system, what do you think ? Seems to be the only merged header with a stock size.

http://www.cbperformance.com/catalog.asp?ProductID=1634

[Nico86]

It's been used here : http://www.cbperformance.com/Mar2007.asp

[Zach Gomulka]

I thought you were retaining your heater    Also, most merged headers don't allow for a thermostat to be fitted.

[Nico86]

Yes I keep the heating boxes, I was thinking about mounting this CB header without the J-tubes (cut and welded a little to fit on the heating boxes). So I could keep heating and thermostat/flaps system.

I'm currently runing like this on my stock engine, but with a non-merged stock size header.