As you may have read in my previous post, the engine in my 1303 is suffering from knocking bearings, so is technically dead. As the car is a daily driver, the quickest, and more importantly - the cheapest - solution is to get a secondhand engine and swap them over.
The car in question is a 1974/75 1303 (Super Beetle), the original engine is an AR code 1300 that a PO fitted with a 1641 kit less than
10,000 miles ago. I have personally fitted a 34/PICT-3 carburettor and suitable manifold.
I have been offered a decent AR code 1300 engine, apparently from a semi-auto. So I would like to use this in my 1303.
My first question: what is different about the engines fitted to a semi-auto? I read that the oil pump and flywheel/clutch are different and would need swapping over from my dead engine. I vaguely recall that the cam and/or crank is different, but I may be wrong.
The engine was pulled from a semi-auto, but the owner has no idea if it was original to the car; ie, it may have been a standard engine put in a semi-auto. Then again, it might not!
If I change this 1300 to a 1641, is it simply a matter of swapping over the barrels, pistons and cylinder heads to my new engine, providing of course that they are in good condition? I would like to fit new piston rings to be on the safe side. I would also swap back my manifold and 34/PICT-3
Any suggestions? :-D
-- Howard Rose
1966 Volkswagen 1300 Deluxe
1975 Volkswagen 1303S
1962 Austin Mini Seven