A type 4 engine is far superior to a Type 1 but unless you really want an air-cooled engine it makes no sense whatsoever to change from one type to another (in either direction). It’s not as simple as removing a Type 1 and refitting a Type 4 and if you pay someone else to do it the costs will spiral. The time and cost of fitting that ex NATO engine would soon add up and some of the many parts that you’d need are hard to find. If you want to get on the road quickly just buy another Type 1 engine, one that has been properly rebuilt, not a second-hand beetle engine. Long term, if you’re not happy with a Type 1 engine (and I wouldn’t be) a Scooby conversion is the obvious choice, then sell the Type 1, probably for close to what you paid for it.
Sam, you could try Air Cooled Engines for a 1776 Bus quote? The chap supplies engines to one of my local VW shops, who also has a very good reputation, but obviously a good business person as well.
i remember reading you posting this thinking a couple of yrs ago - and considering it myself - ditto should have done it back that lol. Real shame if matt has stopped doing conversions but i can understand why.
After years of worrying about my air-cooled engine and when/whether it would break down I went the subra route five years ago. I had the cash to pay Fellows and it was probably the best thing I ever did. Actually if I hadn't I reckon we would have sold the van then. If you can find a good Subaru donor engine and can do the work yourself then you should seriously consider it. I've heard all the arguments against and I still would have done it.
@MR SAM HODSON Sam - first off, really feel for you. Horrible for this to happen at any time, but just as the weather improves is really a shame. Just read the whole thread and was going to point out the "new" nato ebay t4 1800 but seen you've already looked at it - this would be my choice personally given it keeps you vw/aircooled, stronger than a t1 motor, plus maybe easier/quicker swap than a subaru? Good fit with the gearbox you have? - maybe talk to g'day kombis (who are the seller for that motor) and ask if they could built it up for you to the spec they suggest so its turn-key, or maybe pitch them an offer - as has been said its been for sale for a long time. Maybe consider running it without h/exchangers through the summer (or just put a chinese diesel 100 heater in there temporarily?). I've got some spare t4 exchangers that you're welcome to borrow if it helps you out. If you eventually go subaru (over the winter?) then i think you'd have no problem moving this engine on for close to what you paid for it. edit - just thinking - i have an exhaust you could borrow as well if you needed
When suggesting companies or engines we should be clear what direct experience we have of them. @Dubs has suggested https://www.thevwenginecompany.com/ I think he has fitted a fair few in his customers vehicles. So he has direct experience. I drove a 1776cc engine with standard gear box for years, so can say with confidence you don't need a 6 rib with a 1776cc. If Sam was considering a 1776cc from SSP or Heritage I would privately share my experiences with him. I have no idea if 'Air Cooled Engines' are any good as a company building 1776cc ? @F_Pantos do you have direct experience of them? Have you had one/ driven one etc? Are they good?
At the end of the day I don’t think that there is any engine that is without problems, After all these are classic vehicles and you can’t expect miracles,
No, but my local air cooled shop fits them, the shop owner is a good business person and very straight, he wouldn't buy or want to fit an engine twice, if Paul Robert's engines are trouble they wouldn't get fitted. This is all pre COVID, but Paul is always at my local show with a running engine on a stand. I PM'd details to Sam, it's Sam's call, but I also offered to chat with my local shop to see if they still worked with Paul, or not.
I had one of these short blocks for 15,000 miles and no problems https://www.theengineshop.info/acatalog/Short-Block-1600-Air-Cooled-211100033SHORT.html