help with engine choice

[KP06]

hey guys  i just picked up my first vw rail powered by a 1600 dp.the motor is not running or siezed,i would like to find something fresh and maybe rebuild old engine for spare.what is a good size vw engine for rail?will 18 or 1700 bolt up?i would like something with good power but also reliable.the rail also has gear reduction,i live in bc and dont know where to look for engines or parts.any help would be much appreciated.  thanks,kp06.

[CHEECH]

I personally think as far as engine size goes it all depends what your going to do with the rail. Are you going to be ripping up logging roads, Hitting mud holes and such out at stave lake flats or trips down to the dunes? I would try to keep it as simple and close to stock as possible cause parts are readily available and are easy to diagnose and fix in a pinch especially if your new to it all. I would also swap out the reduction boxes and put in a bus tranny. I`m sure Gary (GMB) or Hans will have some very helpful info for you aswell.

[KP06]

why is it better to swap out gear boxes,do they get hot? i will be driving old logging roads and muddy trails and such.i wont be racing but i dont mind speed,i live in the prince rupert area and there is no sand dunes unless i take ferry to queen charlotte islands(you might know the area) but that wont happen to often.how would i ask gary or hans any questions? sorry first time on forums. thanks,kp06

[Geoff]

If your rail has the reduction boxes in it now and in good condition run them! They are great off road, in mud and hill climbing, as well they give extra ground clearance. If you were starting fresh then a late bus box (68-79) would be stronger and give you IRS (independent rear suspension) .  The set up you have will work just fine and with a 1600cc or 1776 should be reliable. Now as for an engine, you budget will tell us more about what engine you can build. The 1600cc will get you around and into lots of places...More power will get you there quicker and aid in jumping and a little more fun. Tell us a little more about what you want to do with it and how much you want to spend roughly.

Best bang for the buck is a stock rebuild with 1776cc pistons, a nice engle 100 cam, header, 009 with pertronix and a good single carb(keep the stock weight flywheel). Should make 75-80hp easy

[GRK]

My rail had a tired 1641 in it I put a set of Kadrons on it and that helped power a fair bit. I now have a 1914 engle 110 cam 009 dist, lightened fly wheel and kadrons with bigger venturies It's got a fair bit of power done lots of pulling ( just ask many of the guys with rails, buggies on this site that go south) . I ran swing axle bug for years and 2 years ago I changed to 3 rib bus 3 x2 Arms IRS Fox shocks a better ride now.
Bus Trannies  have better gearing and a bit tougher but I only blew up one swing axle after many hard tows over long distances in the dunes I do have a stage one pressure plate but kept stock clutch I thought it better to slip than crunch tranny
Gary

[KP06]

i would like to find a good turnkey engine 2k or under in price,i will be offroad in the bush/mud and some climbing so would it be alright to stay with gear boxes? i do have a transaxle with the #133 301 103 with a #36 just above it.i looked around on the net and i think it is out of a super beetle between 1971 to 79,i dont really know if that is correct but if it is would it be worth keeping for rail? would anybody know anything about street legal rails in bc?

[pittwagen]

Here you go.  Street legal rail in BC.  Everything was done through the front door with proper inspection stickers and 2008 VIN.



You need to know the following:

- built it right and don't take shortcuts.  Use good materials and get help if you don't know how to do something.  There are all kinds of folks on this site who can provide all the info and how-to's necessary.

- get a copy of the BC Motor Vehicle Act Regulations and read the applicable parts.  Here is a link: 

http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/freeside/--%20M%20--/Motor%20Vehicle%20Act%20%20RSBC%201996%20%20c.%20318/05_Regulations/27_26_58%20Motor%20Vehicle%20Act%20Regulations/26_58_00.htm

- find a licensed motor vehicle inspector in your area, tell him what you want to do and ask if he is interested in inspecting your vehicle.  Try and find someone who has done this before with u-builts etc.  Ask if you can read his inspection manual.  There are a few issues that are not totally clear in the regs.  This was very helpful for me.  When you think you are ready, ask the inspector if he will come to where the vehicle is stored for a pre-inspection - and at your expense!!   This is invaluable. 

- call ICBC and talk to the Vehicle Registration Support staff.  Tell them what you are doing and send them some pics of your vehicle  Here is the link: http://www.icbc.com/registration/reg_spec_veh_ublt.asp

- you will need any and all documentation that you can muster - bills of sale for the major components or work done on the major components - frame, trans. motor.  If you bought the motor on this site or at a swap meet, try and get a bill of sale.  If not and you had the motor rebuilt, include the invoice.  One you have this all together you will need to get all the docs validated by a notary.  If the frame has a serial number great.  Mine didn't so I had to jump through these other hoops.  ICBC will tell you what you need.

- get an insurance agent that has done this before as well.  Many of them have no clue about this process.  The ICBC Vehicle Registration Support staff will walk the agent through the process if necessary.

- when I registered the buggy it was considered a 2008 u-built dunebuggy.  It is AirCare exempt as are all 2008 vehicles.

I must say this process was quite painless.  The buggy passed inspection first time. 

Good luck.

[KP06]

thanks pittwagen i have looked before and never did find anything on street legal rails,this is awsome.i like your ride,must be nice not to deal with trailer.i gonna give some thought.i found and registered into this sight the other day i posted and there was a reply within hours its nice to have help like that.my rail is in the back yard tarped up and when there is room in garage i will begin given it life again,i will probably have a few questions to ask so any advice or set ups that work good i would like to hear.thanks,kevin.

[Bruce]

...i do have a transaxle with the #133 301 103 with a #36 .....

That is the part number of the empty trans case.  Tells you nothing about what's inside.  Look at the flat pad 1" below the part number for the trans # stamped into the case.

[KP06]

the other # stamped is 8192439

[Bruce]

It's a late 60s swing axle.