So I tend to dig in deep and try to learn as much as possible (for me) that I can about something before attempting to execute action. I’m mostly self-taught and this is the only way I can typically learn in lieu of a mentor or actual education classes on something.
Three years ago I could tell you the basics of what an automotive valve train was and how it operated in both vintage and modern engines, but I didn’t know the kinds of details needed to really grok the minutiae necessary to swap out parts with specific end goals in mind. Hell, I’m still trying to absorb the whole implications of lift and duration, as well as modding for stroker clearnacing, blah, blah, blah just so I can ask the right kinds of questions without looking like a total fool. (I’m ok with partial fool.)
In the late 60s, VW introduced the far more modern and robust Type 4 engine in the Model 411 cars but they never sold well, especially in the US. However, their far more powerful engine style went on to be incorporated into the Type 2s and eventually the Porsche 914. (I’ve noticed in Europe that there seem to be a lot of “German Look” Beetles running Type 4 swapped engines for obvious reasons. You don’t see it as much in the US.)
Once of the more modern improvements eventually folded into the Type 4 engines was the use of hydraulic lifers (in 1978) as opposed to the earlier flat tappet non-hydraulic style that was the norm before the 70s and remained so on the Type 1 engines… I think even into the later era of the Mexican 1600i Beetles (though I may be wrong).
I’m trying to research everything I can on the possibility of adding hydraulic lifters to the future 2275cc build and their impact on the overall reliability of the engine in the long term.
Mofoco sells a Type 1 Hydraulic Cam and Lifter Kit that includes an appropriate stock or mild performance cams as well as the hydraulic lifters and the appropriate hydraulic pushrods for only $300, a bit more would need to be spend for my 2275cc configuration though. In the long run, that ends up being a trivial bit of the overall cost of the engine anyway.
So. Something to really reach more on and weight the pros and cons and the return on investment.
Some links to remember:
- https://www.itinerant-air-cooled.com/viewtopic.php?t=11408
- https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=455240
- https://shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=33089