Project Budget Beater Part VI

When we last left the Project: Budget Beater, it was at VW Paradise, in San Marcos, Calif., where engine builder Jason Lauffer had assembled the "Short Block;" that is, the engine cases were together, and the connecting rods were hanging out of the holes for the pistons and cylinders. Now, we finish up the engine to the "Long Block" stage, which is valve cover to valve cover, ready for the induction, cooling, charging, ignition,and exhaust system to be bolted on, engine installed in the 1961 Single Cab and driven away. I am still trying to build this engine on a budget, but, alas, like with so many other things, some unforeseen problems and needed parts and wanted upgrades have pushed the budget part a little beyond the intended limit. It can be done for cheaper than I have done it, but I suggest that you look very carefully at an engine that is supposed to have all of these parts and upgrades, that someone wants to sell you for less money. Sure, I could have gone with a little less expensive head, and I suppose the solid rocker arm shafts aren't really a necessity, and you don't really have to full-flow the case, and run an external oil cooler. I did all of these things because I wanted both power and reliability from my engine. I guess the old saying applies: "Speed (and power) costs money, so how fast do you want it?"

Let's watch as Jason slips the 94mm pistons and cylinders on, sets the deck height, checks and sets the compression, and sets the rocker arm geometry.

Once again, this is not meant to be a step-by-step, word-for-word, engine buildup. We are just going to hit the high points of the buildup. If you want to tackle this yourself, get a good book such as the Tom Wilson-authored book I spoke about in the last installment or the Bentley Book, or both, and maybe the BugMeVideo video that showcases an engine rebuild. With the proper tools, and time, (and no camera that has be in the way every step of the way), you can do this yourself, at home.

Of course, VW Paradise ships engines all over the world, if you still don't want to try it yourself....

Here it is, our completed 1914cc longblock, ready for ignition, cooling, intake, exhaust, charging, and clutch systems, and we are done! Once again, this not meant to be a step-by-step how to, as we have covered that many, many times before, and there are books and videos out there that go into much greater detail than we can here. But, as far as cost goes, when we last left the Project: Budget beater 1914 cc engine in short block form, we had a total of $753.38 invested. Now, if we add the $163.00 for the pistons and cylinders, the $49.95 for the solid rocker shafts, and the $42.95 for the chromoly pushrods, we end up with a total of $1,009.28. I was over budget by just $9.28, not too bad at all ! Just remember, there were some items in this buildup that didn't really have to go in there; I just wanted the safety and reliability of the full-flow system, the solid rocker shafts, and the chromoly pushrods. Also, knowing that a cylinder head can make or break you in the horsepower and torque game, I went with the ported and polished heads. Now, comes the hardest part- leaving the engine sitting on the shelf, while the rest of the single cab is attended to, with a transaxle change, and some body and paint work. Thanks to Jason at VW Paradise for letting me get in the way, and taking up valuable time, for this rebuild. Also, I would like to extend my appreciation to Clyde Berg, of Gene Berg Enterprises, for making sure my crank and rods were still Berg quality, Elliott at BLIMP for the pistons and cylinders, and the speedy shipping, and to Fred Simpson of Performance Technology, for holding on to those used heads for so long, knowing that some financially-challenged VW head would come in and want a set of good, but cheap, heads. I owe all of you a ride in the single cab when it's done.