Single Port Questions???

[BuggyFaron]

I have 2 single port motors and rather then just toss them out I am thinking about going ahead and and rebuilding one and putting it into my buggy, untill I have saved up and rebuilt a Corvair or a larger VW Motor. Please keep in mind that I am building this by the seat of my pants, and am learning as I go. What would it cost to rebuild a single port to a little better then stock? Is it easy to convert it to a 12 volt system, or do I need to? What kind of power will it have with a little single port motor?

[atinkle]

It you keep the 6 volt system and need some good engine parts I have a starter, flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. They can be had real cheap (cost of shipping). All of these parts will need to be changes to go to 12 volts and you will need additional room for the flywheel as it is larger. I was lucky as I had a 68 type 3 transaxle.

[jsturtlebuggy]

Singleport engines came in 3 different sizes, 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc This is if you asking about the engine with the intake manifold that bolts to the head at an angle. If intake ports are straight up then you have a 1200cc. 1300cc engine code started with a F. This the code under the generator stand. 1500cc engine code started with a H. 1600cc engine code started with a B. 1500 cc engines can be enlarged to 1600cc engine without any machine work. Going larger than 1600cc does not really work good because of the limited breathing of the single port heads. Single ports heads actually have more bottom end power than a dual port in stock form. I see that your transmission is an IRS so you are already setup to use a 12volt flywheel. The differences between a 6volt and 12volt flywheel are the tooth count. 6volt has 109 teeth and 12volt has 130 teeth. Some books show 132 teeth, but if you count them it is only 130 teeth. The 6volt and 12volt flywheel came in 2 sizes for clutch disc, 180mm and 200mm. If you have 12volt parts use them. Will be easier than converting over later. I would not spend anymore than you had to on building a stock engine if you are already wanting to go with something bigger. The factory VW manual by Bentley, Tom Wilsons book on how to build a VW engine and the Complete Idiots guide by John Muir are good places to start to learn how to work on VW engines. I do not agree on all the way that Tom Wilson and John Muir say how to do thing. But most of it is good common sense and asking questions. Remember there is no stupid questions. All VW heads have cracking problems from being overheated. Big reason is to much compression with to low of octane of fuel. They crack between the valve seats and spark plug hole to valve seats. Single port head prices are close to what a dual port cost.