How many HP engine would be most fuel efficient for a '65 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus?

Question

Since a geared down version of the same engine was used for the bus as well as the Type 1 bug, it must not be the most efficient for the size of a bus. About how big an engine would deliver optimal fuel efficiency and performance?

Answer 1

I'll go you one better: Convert a Type IV engine to upright fan & stuff it in there. There are several conversion kits out there, but be sure the one you'd decide to go with allows for functioning shutters on your doghouse. The IV's are stronger & more reliable than Type I's when built right.

A good place to look at kits is Gene Berg's www.geneberg.com

If you want to try converting your own, Next Gen VW
www.nextgen-usa.com

My '73 Ghia was converted, using the 1800cc Type IV engine from a '73 VW412 Wagon. Conversion was done using mainly the NextGen plans, with a couple twists of my own. I punched her out to 2000cc, HiPerf cam, & bolted on a pair of 40mm Dellorto carbs. A Kennedy flywheel & custom header finished the job. I've now got a 150hp Ghia that still gets about 25 mpg average city/highway, can cruise at 75 mph, & doesn't need to be screwed with constantly. (Type IV engines can be punched as far as 2400cc without sacrificing reliability. I wouldn't take a Type I past 1650cc).
It was a lot of work, but well worth the effort.

The Ghia flies! Your bus will actually be able to take hills with this motor!

Answer 2

What a classic how many window's? The original was a single port 1500cc engine with about 45 hp. For Pete's sake keep the 1,500cc engine and build up a mild 1600 dual port engine with two carbs like that was in the type 3 1967 but with the up righ fan and generator replaced with a 1973 alternator. Find a Mexico VW or Brazil Distributer of parts and get new where you can. Crate engine a couple of carbs Kadron from brazil you will be able to merge onto traffic. That is if the transmission does not jump out of gear. The early swing axle reduction gear transaxles are very hard to get parts for now.

Answer 3

Try a 2332 built for low rpm torque as your pushing a box a larger motor would probily add fuel economy since it works easier then a smaller one. Also get the dual Kadrons from AJ Simms at lowbugget.com. They'll be easy to keep going and last longer between adjustments, plus they add a ton of torque which you need.

Also try Strictly VW at [phone]

Answer 4

Depends how much you wanna spend? I have a 63 split bus and have just had a 1776 twin 34ict carbs and scat c35 cams, merged header and phatboy exhaust. With other bits too!! It has good all round power and economy. I have full IRS with 1302 gear box to help things. Its just an idea? I pushes out about 100hp and ive just had bout 90mph out of it easy would do more!!! great fun hope that helps!

Answer 5

Build a 1776 cc with engle 110 cam, progressive 2 barrel carb. Add a external oil filter, header. My best bet. I ran same motor in a 65 V.W. truck 8 yrs with no trouble.

Virago Man aka hotvwman

Answer 6

this is kind of apples to oranges, but in my 1987 Vanagon Syncro, i put a 1990 Subaru EJ22 engine in it (2.2l horizontaly opposed 4 cylinder). it's fuel injected and has 40 more horsepower than the original 1.9l wasserboxer engine had. i get around 20 mpg, which isnt too bad for a brick shaped van that weighs 4200 pounds.

your van is a few generations back, but with enough patience and knowledge, it wouldnt be too hard to get one of those in there!

of course, if you wanted to stay german, i'm barking up the wrong tree...but i have been very very happy with my conversion so far.

Answer 7

contact VeeDub's and more in Santa Ana california.....they got all the VW questions down.