to do or not to do?

[evaneyk]

Hey guys. i'm new to the forum and joined because i need a different point of view from you

i have 1969 1500 beetle, but had a 1600 engine which we kind of set alight. now i would like to put in another engine, mainly because i had a bit of problems with the 1600 and we dont really have people that can work on the engines in my area - i think they are a dying race.

we were thinking of a 1200 / 1400 nissan engine, or maybe even an 1800 golf but i am not sure if i really want to do this to my car (with all the cutting and stuff). she was my first car, bought her myself for my 21st birthday and she's SO pretty. i dont want to scar her for life!

i read a few discussions about people having problems with the nissan conversion, any body else want to give me some advice please? i would really appreciate it!

[Pine]

DON'T DO IT

[JohnHoffe]

DON'T DO IT

There you go, , I'm glad this one is sorted.

[Blitzkrieg]

(PLEASE) DON'T DO IT














Manners, gentlemen, manners

[vader]

MMMM Do or Do Not there is no try.....

Which meens turn away from the DarkSide there is only pain and hardship there...

[evaneyk]

thanks guys, but i am actually looking for a REASON why not to do it, or to do it for that matter?

[Muderick]

She is a VW is all the reason you need... that and the below...

"she was my first car, bought her myself for my 21st birthday and she's SO pretty. i dont want to scar her for life! "

Muds

[evaneyk]

which is fair, but what use will she be if i don't have anyone to fix and upkeep the 1600 engine? at least with a 1400 or something the service and upkeep will be easier - my hubby can do that. the only thing he likes about the original engine, is that he can sit on his ass and drink beer while working on it (hillbillyish as that may sound)

[beetlefanatic]

First of all. Where do you stay? That will obviously determine who is closest to assist you.
There are many people on the forum that are very knowledgable about ACVWs. A few build decent engines, another does gearboxes, another does retorations and the list goes on.

There is never a better time than now to learn about the car you love so much. Get a workshop manual, ask questions, steal with your eyes. These cars are so easy to repair and maintain.

If you want a 1400 Nissan engine, buy a Nissan 1400 bakkie. Keep your car AC and look after it and it will look after you. I just did 4500km in my 1979 AC Bus from Gauteng to the Cape and back to Gauteng. Then to Swaziland and back twice. All during this past holiday, without any problems. BUT I keep the car fixed, if something breaks, fix it properly. My 2c. Use it, don't use it.

[Muderick]

If your Hubby can work on the Nissan 1400 engine, he should be able to do the same on the Volla engine. But then again, you probably have already made up your mind to do what you feel you need to do engine wise...

If you do change the engine, it would no longer be a Beetle, but a Beetle's body with a Golf or Nissan engine in it....

The answer is simple here:

1) Move to an area where there is a beetle mechanic
2) Keep the beetle, and change your hubby for one that can sit on his ass and swig a cold one, and still work on a beetle engine... chances of which your search would be quite easy.... as everyone on this site qualifies....

Muds

KEEP THE BEETLE ENGINE

[IMPI]

Hi I have done my share of modifications and conversions and must say very few actually lived up to expectations.
The few of us who actually still work on ac vw engines are nicely spread all over the country so there is bound to be someone who can help you with an engine done right. a 1500 or 1600 single port engine such as was original to your car is probably the best engine in terms of reliability ever produced by vw
Armand in Orkney

[evaneyk]

hey guys

i've decided to keep my baby - we are going to put in an original engine

i live in potgietersrus (or mokopane as its now known) in the northern province. i know of someone in naboomspruit who sells recon engines but i am also open to suggenstions about that

[Hloni]

I think the town you live in is called Mokopane

[IMPI]

Hi There is a guy called Eric mc Lean living there I lost his phone no but I am sure he is in the book He should be able to give you local advice.
I used to live in Naboomspruit when I was still young and Beautiful now Im just Beautiful.
Armand

[EtienneB]

Hi There is a guy called Eric mc Lean living there I lost his phone no but I am sure he is in the book He should be able to give you local advice.
I used to live in Naboomspruit when I was still young and Beautiful now Im just Beautiful.
Armand

I think we need the truth here. It's rather like jonk en jukkerig, maar deesdae net jukkerig!