A Whole New Engine Type
Just popping the decklid presents you with something that looks familiar but at the same time so very different from the Pre-1975 carb engines.
Since her purchase, I’ve been tuning her regularly and have replaced her vacuum hoses and such with brand new parts. A lot of her rubber parts and seals, as well as her tar board firewall, have seen better days but I’ve kept them as-is while I researched and learned more about L-Jetronic Fuel Injection Systems as well as all of the variances from the 74 and earlier 1600 engines.
I will say that she’s been extremely reliable. Other than having to learn how the circuitry works on the fuel pump (the wiring harness itself is different), she has reliably started up for 2 years now without an issue. I try to start her every 2-3 weeks for 30 minutes at a time during winter to keep up fluids flowing and burn off any moisture.
The 2020 New Build
As of June 1, 2020, I’ve had to change the scope of the build on the Murbella engine refresh due to various reasons, as well as a means to slightly increase performance.
Instead of reusing the existing AJ block, I am starting over with a new 0 mile case. Other than the reuse of the original FI heads, everything else on the long block, including the head components, will be new.
Updated as of 6/29/20.
The parts list is as follows:
| Item | Part Used/Reused | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alternator - Alternator | Compu-Fire 90 AMP Alternator | Upgrade |
| Alternator - Oil Filler | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Alternator - Pulley | 2163 Alternator Pulley With Cooling Fins - Complete Kit | Upgrade |
| Alternator - Shims | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Alternator - Stand | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Alternator - Stand Gasket | Elring Gasket Set | Stock |
| Alternator - Strap/Clasp | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Bearings - Camshaft Bearings | Silverline Double Thrust Cam Bearings | Upgrade |
| Bearings - Connecting Rod Bearings | Silverline Rod Bearings | Stock |
| Bearings - Main Journal Bearings | Silverline Main Bearings, Standard Case/Standard Crank, Standard Thrust | Stock |
| Carb - Carburetor(s) | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Carb - Gasket | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Carb - Linkage | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Case - 1/16" NPT Gallery Plugs (4) | 1/16" NPT Black Plugs x 2 | Upgrade |
| Case - 1/4" NPT Gallery Plugs (4) | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Case - 1/8" NPT Gallery Plugs (1) | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Case - 3/8" NPT Gallery Plugs (2) | 3/8" NPT Black Plugs x 2 | Upgrade |
| Case - Block | AS41 Dual Relief VW Magnesium Engine Case | Stock |
| Case - Camshaft Plug with Groove | Type 1 crankshaft timing gear set | Stock |
| Case - Case HW Kit (Bolts and Block Offs) | Case Stud & Relief Valve Kit | Stock |
| Case - Case Savers | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Case - Cylinder Studs | Chromoly Head Stud Kit - 8mm | Upgrade |
| Case - Distributor Drive Gear Pinion | Distributor Drive Pinion Gear Assembly Type 1, 2 & 3 | Stock |
| Case - Distributor Drive Washers | Distributor Drive Pinion Gear Assembly Type 1, 2 & 3 | Stock |
| Case - Distributor Drive Washers (x 2) | Distributor Drive Pinion Gear Assembly Type 1, 2 & 3 | Stock |
| Case - Full Gasket Set | Elring Gasket Set | Stock |
| Case - Hex Style Oil Relief Screws (2) | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Case - HW Kit (Nuts and Washers) | Deluxe Engine Hardware Kit for 8mm studs | Stock |
| Case - Main Journal Dowel Pins (5) | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Case - Main Seal | GERMAN DOUBLE LIP RED SILICONE FLYWHEEL SEAL | Stock |
| Case - Trans to Engine Bolts/Studs | Engine Mounting Bolt Kit | Stock |
| Case - Fuel Pump Block Off | 3179 Fuel Pump Block Off Plate | Alteration |
| Crank - Camshaft Timing Gear | Type 1 crankshaft timing gear set | Stock |
| Crank - Connecting Rod Bushings | Stock 1600cc Connecting Rods, Rebuilt & Balanced | Stock |
| Crank - Connecting Rods | Stock 1600cc Connecting Rods, Rebuilt & Balanced | Stock |
| Crank - Crank Pulley | EMPI Stock Design CNC Machined Pulley Black Anondized | Upgrade |
| Crank - Crank Pulley Bolt | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Crank - Crank Pulley Washer | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Crank - Crank Spacer | Type 1 crankshaft timing gear set | Stock |
| Crank - Crankshaft | 4140 Forged Counterweighted Crankshaft VW Journal 69MM | Upgrade |
| Crank - Distributor Gear | Type 1 crankshaft timing gear set | Stock |
| Crank - Oil Slinger | Type 1 crankshaft timing gear set | Stock |
| Crank - Timing Gears and Spacers | Type 1 crankshaft timing gear set | Stock |
| Crank - Woodruff Key | Type 1 crankshaft timing gear set | Stock |
| Cylinder Head - Head Temperature Sensor | HEAD TEMP SENSOR BEETLE 75-79 | Stock |
| Cylinder Head - Heads | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Cylinder Heads - Shims | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Drivetrain - Clutch - Friction Disk | OE QUALITY 200MM CLUTCH KIT W/O COLLAR -PRESSURE PLATE / DISC / T-O BRG | Stock |
| Drivetrain - Clutch - Pressure Plate | OE QUALITY 200MM CLUTCH KIT W/O COLLAR -PRESSURE PLATE / DISC / T-O BRG | Stock |
| Drivetrain - Clutch - Pressure Plate Screws | EMPI 5302 Clutch Installation Clip x 6 8mm bolts and washers | Stock |
| Drivetrain - Clutch - Throwout Bearing | OE QUALITY 200MM CLUTCH KIT W/O COLLAR -PRESSURE PLATE / DISC / T-O BRG | Stock |
| Drivetrain - Flywheel | 1303 Flywheel - Lightweight Forged Chromoly - 200mm (o-ring seal) | Upgrade |
| Drivetrain - Flywheel Dowel Pins | Forged Chromoly I Beam Connecting Rod Set VW Journal - 5.394" | Upgrade |
| Drivetrain - Flywheel Gland Nut | 36mm Chromoly Gland Nut & Washer | Upgrade |
| Drivetrain - Flywheel Gland Nut Washer | 36mm Chromoly Gland Nut & Washer | Upgrade |
| Drivetrain - Flywheel Shims .24MM | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Drivetrain - Flywheel Shims .30MM | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Drivetrain - Flywheel Shims .32MM | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Exhaust - EGR Filter | EGR FILTER - BEETLE 75-79 | Stock |
| Exhaust - EGR Gaskets | GASKET FOR EGR PIPE BEETLE 75-79 | Stock |
| Exhaust - EGR Gaskets | Gasket, Egr Valve, Egr Filter x 2 | Stock |
| Exhaust - EGR Gaskets | EGR Filters x 5 | Stock |
| Exhaust - EGR System | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Exhaust - Heat Exchanger - Left | Original AJ136661 Hardware (Restored by RPM Powdercoating May 2020) | Stock |
| Exhaust - Heat Exchanger - Right | Original AJ136661 Hardware (Restored by RPM Powdercoating May 2020) | Stock |
| Exhaust - J-Pipe - Left | Original AJ136661 Hardware (Restored by RPM Powdercoating May 2020) | Stock |
| Exhaust - J-Pipe - Right | Original AJ136661 Hardware (Restored by RPM Powdercoating May 2020) | Stock |
| Exhaust - Merged Header | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Exhaust - Muffler | Original AJ136661 Hardware (Restored by RPM Powdercoating May 2020) | Stock |
| Exhaust - Muffler Gasket Set | VW Muffler Gasket Kit, Standard & Super Beetles 1975-79 Federal Models | Stock |
| Exhaust - Muffler Tail Pipes | Bosal 325-209 Exhaust Pipe | Stock |
| Exhaust - Muffler to EGR Filter | LOWER CONNECTOR PIPE FOR EGR FILTER - BEETLE 75-79 | Stock |
| Exhaust - Other | Exhaust to Heater Box Gaskets 2 bolt 75-79 x 4 | Stock |
| FI - Air Flow Meter | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| FI - Air Flow Meter - Gasket | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| FI - Cold Start Valve | Original AJ136661 Hardware (Restored by Cruzin Performance May 2020) | Stock |
| FI - Cold Start Valve - Gasket | Cold Start Valve Gasket, Fuel Injection, 75-83, German | Stock |
| FI - Cylinder Head Spacers | FI Intake Manifold Spacers x 2 | Stock |
| FI - Fuel Injector - O-Rings large | FI Entire System Rebuild | Stock |
| FI - Fuel Injector - O-Rings Small | FI Entire System Rebuild | Stock |
| FI - Fuel Injector Cyl 1 | Original AJ136661 Hardware (Restored by Cruzin Performance May 2020) | Stock |
| FI - Fuel Injector Cyl 2 | Original AJ136661 Hardware (Restored by Cruzin Performance May 2020) | Stock |
| FI - Fuel Injector Cyl 3 | Original AJ136661 Hardware (Restored by Cruzin Performance May 2020) | Stock |
| FI - Fuel Injector Cyl 4 | Original AJ136661 Hardware (Restored by Cruzin Performance May 2020) | Stock |
| FI - Fuel Lines (On Engine) | FI Entire System Rebuild | Stock |
| FI - Fuel Lines From Tunnel to Engine | 7mm FI Fuel Line | Stock |
| FI - Fuel Pressure Regulator | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| FI - Plenum Intake | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| FI - Plenum Intake - Gasket | Custom Made | Upgrade |
| FI - Thermo-Timing Sensor | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| FI - Throttle Body | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| FI - Throttle Body - Gasket | Custom Made | Upgrade |
| FI - Throttle Body Sensor | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Fuel - Fuel Pressure Regulator (2PSI) | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Fuel - Fuel Pump (Mechanical) | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Fuel - Fuel Pump Flange | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Fuel - Fuel Pump Gaskets | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Fuel - Fuel Pump Rod | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Fuel - Steel Line - FI Regulator to Tunnel | ||
| Fuel - Steel Line - Pump to Tunnel | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Hardware - Miscellaneous 01 | Plenum/Throttle Body Hardware New Stainless Nuts and Washers | Stock |
| Hardware - Miscellaneous 02 | Stainless Steel Muffler/Exhaust Assembly Hardware | Upgrade |
| Ignition - Coil | PerTronix Flame-Thrower Epoxy Filled 3.0 Ohm 40000 Volt Coil, Black | Upgrade |
| Ignition - Distributor | Restored Bosch 205H Distributor | Stock |
| Ignition - Distributor Clamp | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Ignition - Distributor O-Ring | Restored Bosch 205H Distributor | Stock |
| Ignition - Distributor Spring | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Ignition - Spark Plug Wires | Bosch Carbon Core Ignition Wire Set | Upgrade |
| Ignition - Spark Plugs | DP8EA-9 Spark Plugs - NGK Performance - 12mm - 3/4'' x 4 | Stock |
| Misc Seal - Flywheel O-Ring | Flywheel O-ring Seal | Stock |
| Misc Seal - Rear Tin Fuel Grommet | ||
| Oil - Breather Kit | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Oil - Drain Plate | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Oil - Oil Cooler | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Oil - Oil Cooler Seals | Elring Gasket Set | Stock |
| Oil - Pressure Sending Unit | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Oil - Pump | 1798 Maxi Pump 3 - Full Flow In & Out (up to '70) | Upgrade |
| Oil - Pump Cover Plate | 1798 Maxi Pump 3 - Full Flow In & Out (up to '70) | Upgrade |
| Oil - Pump Gasket Inner | 1798 Maxi Pump 3 - Full Flow In & Out (up to '70) | Upgrade |
| Oil - Pump Gasket Outer | 1798 Maxi Pump 3 - Full Flow In & Out (up to '70) | Upgrade |
| Oil - Pump Seal 8mm Nuts | 1798 Maxi Pump 3 - Full Flow In & Out (up to '70) | Upgrade |
| Oil - Strainer | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Other - 01 - Head Work | Machine Shop - Head Work - Hot Tank and Clean | Stock |
| Other - 02 - Valve Job | Machine Shop - Head Work - 3-Angle Valve Job | Stock |
| Pistons and Cylinders - (4) | Cima/Mahle 85.5mm Pistons & Cylinders | Stock |
| Pistons and Cylinders - Copper Gaskets | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Pistons and Cylinders - Shims | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Tin - Accelerator Cable Tube | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Alt/Gen Cover | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Bottom Front, Small Deflector Left | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Bottom Front, Small Deflector Right | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Cylinder Deflectors, Bottom | Air Deflector Tin, 8mm Set of 2 | Stock |
| Tin - Cylinder Head Internal Deflector | Cylinder Head Internal Deflectors | Stock |
| Tin - Cylinder Heads | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Doghouse Shroud Rubber Seals | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Fan | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Fan - Hub Kit | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Fan Shroud | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Fan Shroud - Throttle Tube Seals | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Fan Venturi Ring | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Front Firewall | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Heater Box (3 piece) | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Hoover Bit | Hoover Bit - Sealing Frame Tin Oil Cooler Base | Stock |
| Tin - Ignition - Coil Cover | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Tin - Oil Cooler Tin Lower Seals | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Oil Cooler, Lower | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Oil Cooler, Upper | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Rear Engine | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Rear Pulley | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Stock Heat Riser Covers | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Tin - Thermostat | FI 80-85C Thermostat | Stock |
| Tin - Thermostat Air Vanes Assembly | 71-79 Thermostat Flaps (Complete Kit) | Stock |
| Tin - Thermostat Bracket | 71-79 Thermostat Flaps (Complete Kit) | Stock |
| Tin - Thermostat Rod | 71-79 Thermostat Flaps (Complete Kit) | Stock |
| Tin - Type 3 Cyl Air Deflector | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Tin - Valve Cover | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Tin - Valve Cover Bails | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Camshaft | 2280 Eagle Racing Camshafts (Cheater Cam) | Upgrade |
| Valvetrain - Camshaft Gear | VW Type 1 Aluminum Cam Gear | Upgrade |
| Valvetrain - Camshaft Gear Bolts | Camshaft Gear Bolts and Washers | Upgrade |
| Valvetrain - Camshaft Lifters | 1512 VW Valve Lifters (set of 8) | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Exhaust Valves (4) | 30mm Exhaust Valves (9mm stems) x 4 | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Intake Valves (4) | 33mm Intake Valves (8mm stems) x 4 | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Pushrod Tube Seals | Elring Gasket Set | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Pushrod Tubes | Pushrod Tubes, Stainless 1300cc-1835cc, Set of 8 | Upgrade |
| Valvetrain - Pushrods | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Rocker Arms | Rebuilt Stock 1500/1600 Rocker Arms "Pair" | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Rocker Arms - Feet | Rebuilt Stock 1500/1600 Rocker Arms "Pair" | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Rocker Arms - Shaft | Solid Rocker Shaft Kit x 2 | Upgrade |
| Valvetrain - Rocker Arms - Shims | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Valve Keepers | Valve Keepers (3 Groove) x 16 (8 valves) | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Valve Lash Caps | Not Used On Build | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Valve Seals | CRP Valve Stem Seal x 8 | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Valve Spring Retainers | Original AJ136661 Hardware | Stock |
| Valvetrain - Valve Springs | Set of Valve 8 Springs | Stock |