Engine: What would you build?

[Jim Ratto]

Hey Jim,

The ultimate engine for me is something that runs smooth, has torque, and puts a smile on my face when I hit the throttle. It doesn't have to be a world beater, though. This pretty much sums up my 1900. You're right, I don't want a boring or lazy motor. I like your idea of looking at proven combinations and using that information to create a VW engine with similar specs. This thread was mostly just for entertainment.

Heck, this evening after work, I came home, fired up my car and drove 30 min each way to grab some beers with co-workers. The car did exactly what I asked of it.

Lately I have been thinking about how much bottom end torque I would gain by switching to a 1-1/2" header as opposed to the 1-5/8" on there now?

Hey Lawrence, have you done any more thinking on this? Haven't talked to you in a while. Hope all's rosy for you

[lawrence]

Hey Jim,

Good to hear from ya. I had a plan for a few improvements over the summer, but life has a way of throwing a wrench in the cog. I commute in a work truck, so when Friday rolls around, and the weather is nice, the Beetle gets driven until Sunday night. Porsche of Livermore had their annual New Year's Day rally, so my buddy Isaac and I took our cars. The drive starts at the base of Mines Rd., all the way up to the Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton, and then back around. We split off and headed for San Jose. Great drive with very nice scenery, and some nice cars. Only two, Hot VW's though. How are things on your end?