Look for a 95 hp engine.  The 110, 140 and 180 turbos won't run that well
on today's premium gas.  The 95s had lower compression and produced as much
grunt down low.  I have the 140hp (4x1 carbs) in a '65 Corsa convertible.
Super car to cruise in.  Needs premium gas.  Transaxles are pretty
bullet-proof. Some ran V-8 conversions using the later '66 to '69
drivetrain.  Look for a '66-69 95hp.  The 110hp powerglides also had the
low-rpm torque cam.  If I had an air-cooled bus, it would be Corvair
powered!

                                                      Jay

Chris Mills <scmills@TNTECH.EDU>@gerry.vanagon.com> on 04/01/2002 11:32:03
AM

Please respond to Chris Mills <scmills@TNTECH.EDU>

Sent by:    Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>

To:    vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
cc:
Subject:    Re: Using American engines for Vanagon swap - why the heck not?

And beware of the turbo Corvair, they had overheating problems under
continous load.

The normally aspirated engines are good - 110 and 95 HP 1965 and newer
engines. The 140 is good too but have less tolerance for heat but are very
good if driven by an attentive driver.

Personally I'm working towards a 110 HP engine with a 3.55 4 speed manual
gearbox. I have heard nothing but good things about this conversion. I'm
driving a '78 baywindow Westy not a Vanagon by the way.

I also expect to get a few extra ponies with the (later) addition of fuel
injection, modern ignition, and exhaust upgrades. I'll apply all that to
140 HP heads.

Chris M. <Busbodger - "TEAM SLOWPOKE">
Cookeville, Tennessee

ICQ# 5944649
scm9985@tntech.edu

'78 VW Westfalia (67 HP -> that is...67 Hamster Power)
'65 Beetle - Type IV powered
'99 CR-V AWD station wagon
'81 CB900 Custom moto-chickle
2.5 Corvair engines for my Trans-vair Conversion