Category: Project – 2019 New Engine

Turning my attention to the carbs, all I can say is that if you don’t use the EMPI standard hex linkage installing the actual carbs is basically 4 washers and nuts on studs. The linkage that comes on the EMPI dual carbs is just an ugly mess and I never had any interest in going…

So it basically comes down to the fact that even the original tins seem to hate me. So I installed the original cylinder tins, the original lower cylinder tins, and decided to fit the original VW fan shroud on thinking it would all be perfect. WRONG!. It didn’t fit well along the new case at…

I was multitasking but got a bit distracted when I had company so I didn’t get as much done as I had hoped this evening. Cylinder Tins I sanded some of the blemishes in the tin base coat and then put another coat of the cast iron down on the exterior as well as a…

So the previous days have been nothing but struggles with the aftermarket tins. I’ve had to cut them and hammer them and bend them and still they refuse to accept their fate and bend to my will. I was able to get some original VW tins from Eurowerks Garage in Columbus and today set about…

The continuing drama of trying to deal with aftermarket engine tin has pretty much left me on my last nerve. Nothing just fits. Nothing. I wish I had known that this was a common problem but I never really saw anyone mentioning it and of course, given the number of vendors out there selling aftermarket…

So with the rocker arms installed and the valves covers in it was time to move to the manifold installations and then locking down the cylinder tins. And thus began the multiple hour nightmare of dealing with aftermarket parts. Tin Nightmare So the EMPI EPC 34 manifolds are poorly cast and when installed onto EMPI…

So after breakfast and showing off the engine to Mrs. Conclusion I decided to tackle the rocker arm installation and push rods. I spent about 2 hours reading multiple sources and watching several videos. And… I decided I am not yet comfortable with anything other than stock and the engine, at least at start up…

Now tomorrow I’ll take off the fan shroud and start setting the rocker arm geometry and push rods done. Now the new chromoly ones really had a heavy cosmoline coating on them. I was surprised at how much came off on the towels as well as what blew out of the tubes themselves. I’m going…

Today was a major day of accomplishments. Pistons and Cylinders So the issue I had with Cylinder #1 not going in yesterday was caused by the wrist pin / piston relationship. With some effort I was able to shift the piston towards the flywheel about 2 millimeters and it solved the problem. I was worried…

I made a change in the engine today. I had 2 days off and the weekend and I just could not let those go to waste so I decided to use the 85mm pistons and cylinders instead of waiting until Tuesday to start with the 87mm ones. It is only a few HPs so it…