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I would like to install a '74-76 Type 2 engine in my '69 Ghia and not convert to upright cooling. Any information, advice both pro & con would be appreciated.
Dave in Media,PA/Vero Beach, FL

David Follett wrote:I would like to install a '74-76 Type 2 engine in my '69 Ghia and not convert to upright cooling. Any information, advice both pro & con would be appreciated.

A quick search turned up a few "pros" here: http://www.moonrosedesigns.com/tunacannet/t4/why.htm
and a common "con" from http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic ... 1&t=140304:

helowrench wrote:An unmodified type 4 will "fit" into a ghia bay with some cutting. I know this personally, having put it into a 68. It will sit far enough back to require you to lose the decklid latch. You will also have to got the cold side/ hot side tin worked out. In my young and stupid time, I ignored that step, an dtoasted the motor. It was definitely fun during the short time that it ran.

Advice? You could do a search for posts by NextGen; then you might reconsider an upright conversion unless your mind is already made up.

Charley

Thank you for quick response and very informative leads. Guess the upright is the way to go as long as I can handle the sheet metal mods. Will first invest in Joe Cali's manual again. I did purchase one years ago at the World Wide VW show, Orangeburg, NY show but sold it. Infact I worked at WWVC then. Thanks again.

cool , '69 is a desirable year for Ghias. If you haven't already been welcomed to STF then this is it. The Type 4rum has several threads related to type 4 conversions you might find interesting. Consider sticking around to let folks follow your progress. I think photos are appreciated by more than a few here.

Charley

Reality check.
How willing are you to cut up the engine compartment of the Ghia.

I did exactly what you are talking about in 1989.
It can be done in a Ghia, just not a bug.

Anywho, long story, but the Cliff Notes format is that I overheated a freshly rebuilt engine because I didn't pay close attention to the hot side / cold side , and sucked cooling air straight past the muffler.

I guess I should add that, yes, I would do it again, just that I would start with a car with badly rusted out engine compartment metal.