Complete resources for Volkswagen Air Cooled Beetles. Porsche and Type 4 engine conversion to Beetle.

One of the major problems with the Type 1 engine when doing major performance modifications is its decrease in reliability. Anyone who has used these engines in applications such as sand machines or drag cars can vouch for the fact that they don't stay together a long time without constant repair.

You should definitely consider the Type 4 if you want a dependable and reliable engine. Just comparing a stock Type 4 to a stock Type 1, the Type 4 has the following advantages, just to name a few:

Larger Oil Cooler

Larger Oil Pump

Spin-on Oil Filter

Oil Strainer at the Pickup Tube

Dual Relief Case

More Cooling Fin area on the Heads & Cylinders

Larger Intake Ports

Larger Valves

Larger Ratio Rocker Arms (1.3:1 versus the 1.1:1 for the 1600cc Type 1).

Crankshaft Sand Seal

Larger Clutch/Flywheel with 5-Bolts

Increased Oil Capacity (1-Liter more)

Stronger Engine Case (Aluminum Alloy instead of Magnesium Alloy)

Beefier Pushrods

There are many other improvements in the Type 4 that are just too numerous to list here. Almost everything is stronger in the Type 4 engine!

Even if you are not interested in "Hopping" your engine for more performance, a stock 2.0L Type 4 will deliver over 40 hp more than the stock 1.6L Type 1. Well tuned you will probably realize 100 hp from the Type 4.

If performance is your bag, the Type 4 really offers opportunity. For example, I started with a 1.7L and used 96mm Cylinders. This gave me a bit over 1.9L with a stock stroke. I am running dual 44mm Weber Carbs, Centrifugal Distributor, oversize Valves, Electronic Ignition and a few other goodies. It's in a 1975 Beetle and I have no problem eating Mustang 5.0L and other supposedly fast V8's for lunch, and the engine stays together. I have had it on the road for 3-years and my Valve Lash has never changed a bit. To make the same modifications on a 2.0L would yield close to 2.5L in displacement with its longer stock stroke. That's a whole lot of Type 4 beef, and it will still be rugged and dependable!

If you really want to push the envelope of performance capability, the Type 4 can be pushed all the way to 3119cc displacement, as Cylinder Kits are available up to 105mm and Stroker Cranks up to 90mm stroke. Given its ability to cool much more efficiently, you can boost the compression ratio for even more power boost. Also with the Crankcase construction and material, the Type 4 will tolerate much higher temperatures and RPMs without being damaged. This is an area where the Type 4 really outshines the Type 1.

Even though performance parts are a bit more expensive and harder to find for the Type 4, it is well worth the extra effort and cost, considering the advantages you will reap!