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1974 VW Transporter II Engine Question?

Hi, We have a 1974 VW Bus that we are working to restore, and I have a question about the engine. We have pulled the original engine and have come to find that it has two cracked heads. We haven't determined whether the block is shot or not yet, but that's next. We are planning to rebuild (obviously) but we have run into a couple problems. One is that the engine in our VW is a 1.7L or a 1700cc engine. This engine was only used in the Transporter II for a VERY short time between the classic 1600cc air cooled engine and the change over to the 2 liter radiator cooled engine. So, finding parts is proving to be either difficult, expensive, or both. I have considered putting in a 1600cc engine, because it's cheaper, but there's 2 problems with this, 1) less power, and 2) I don't know if it will be compatible with the automatic transmission that we have already rebuilt. Any suggestions? Or even suggestions of where we can find information that would help to solve this problem? Thanks!!!!

Public Comments

1. The 1600cc engine is interchangeable with the 1700cc although they are totally different engines. You don't need to go water cooled. The Type 4 engine is available up to 2000cc in air cooled form. Even bigger if the budget allows! There are many manufacturers build reconditioned air cooled engines for your bus. Try www.hotvws.com. There are many companies that can help you. Good luck! P.S Air cooled engines don't like the poor quality gas you guys get in the States! My Porsche 914 cracked its heads too (same engine)!