Hello
Been a long time guest user of shoptalk forums, but this is my first post. This site is great and has lots of good technical info. I am in the process of planning my first build for my 74 Standard Beetle which I use as a daily driver in the spring/summer. I was originally going to convert my 1600 carb engine to L-Jet this summer,and even bought brand EMPI new heads with the CHT sensor but found out when I pulled my engine that it had excessive end play and pounded the case pretty bad (will likely need a new case).
The crank looks ok haven't taken the rods off yet, but rod clearances are ~0.010 in. Haven't yet taken to local machine shop to see if I could get away with a polish or if it will require a grind. If a grind is required, the cost to do so is comparable to purchasing a new crank.
Since I have brand new heads stock 1600 heads I would like to use them (and no one local can machine the heads for larger cylinders), I think for now I am stuck with 85.5 mm bore
So with the above in mind, I have a few options and looking for advice.
Option 1: Build a stock 1600 re-using as much of stock parts as possible (e.g. just buy a new case, get the crank polished, and use my new heads.) Was thinking of upgrading cam at this time to either Engle W90 or CB 2280
Option 2: Build a 1745cc, not sure if L-Jet can handle this ~200cc capacity increase? Same as option 1, was thinking of using the engle W90 cam or CB2280.
I have read that some have used L-Jet for up to 1776cc, so I figure a 1745cc might be ok?
Thoughts?