Type4 Newbie wants to build one..?..., Scary or dive in!? Options

[2mAn]

Hey Everyone,

Been considering buying a Type4 "kit" and building one up from scratch. I recall theres a book thats been suggested to use, and wanted to know what you guys think.

I have contemplating doing this for a while now and figured I would see what you guys think. This would be a side project with no definitely timeline as the engine currently has no home and would be a problem for future me.

So, what do you think? Any suggested books, tools, etc that are "must-haves" ?

Thanks!
-Simon

[VaccaRabite]

DO NOT buy that kit!

The 914 responds exceptionally well with 96mm cast cylinders. Whether stock stroke (1911cc for a 11.7 or 1.8 crank, 2056 for a 2.0 crank) or with a stroker crank (2258 - what I'm driving, or a 2270). All these engines are made with 96mm pistons, and its a tried and true combination.

You totally CAN make 103s and 105s work - but not at the $3000 price point. At that point you are using Birals or Nikkis and prices JUMP. ARP head studs, special hardware, internal coatings. And you still need to work out fueling and cooling.

Where you want to spend most of your money will be in the heads. Assume that old heads will need a full rebuild - and many simply are no longer rebuildable.

And the best way to build an engine is to take your engine apart. Then you HAVE to finish it. :-) These engines are completely buildable buy the regular guy with a little common sense and asking questions along the way. And building a 1911 or 2056 is just as challenging as building a stock 1.7 or 2.0.

Zach