Jake Raby -- a plug ...

Derek May · Post by **Derek May** » Tue Oct 30, 2001 5:57 pm

Just got off the phone with Jake, talking about options for replacement engine for my Bus.

I called earlier, he returned my call. When spoke with him, he took the time to answer my many questions without any sign of irritation. I'm sure he had better things to do, and he can't know if I'm going to buy his engine or not.

So, thanks Jake, and to everyone out there --this is a guy who obviously loves VW's and loves building engines. I don't own one of his engine, but can say that I'm impressed with the phone service received and advice candidly provided.

Now, time to start saving dollars for one of these high quality premium engines.

Pillow · Post by **Pillow** » Wed Oct 31, 2001 12:06 pm

Jake's work is really impressive to see in person.

I do not have an engine built by Jake, but if I were going hog wild on one he would be the man to call.

------------------
Adrian Pillow
'66 VW Westfalia - "Biscuit"
'79 Porsche 911 SC - "Cochise"

Super74 · Post by **Super74** » Wed Oct 31, 2001 7:17 pm

On my wish list is two of Jake's motors...a 2270 for my '74 Super and a "Powerstroke" for my '74 Bus. Now if a big sack of money would fall from the sky and land in my back yard....

Thumposaurus · Post by **Thumposaurus** » Wed Oct 31, 2001 8:27 pm

I haven't talked to the man myself but from his site and what he posts here if I ever need a new engine I'm going to him first, my friend is also considering getting one of Jakes engines for his Baja Bug project.

Derek May · Post by **Derek May** » Thu Nov 01, 2001 3:04 pm

Ya Super, I'm waiting for one of those sacks of money. BTW, Jake mentioned another bus suitable engine, not quite as powerful or expensive as the powerstroke (he says it involves a lot of machining to get the 78 mm stroke to work with stock pistions, and that means labour and that means $$). The other engine isn't on his website, one of his guys is running it. Basically, it would be stock 2.0L, but with a change in the cam, bigger valves and porting in the head, blueprinted and dynamically balanced, and counterweights on the crank.

Seems kind of similar in concept to the "performance" bus engine offered by GEX, although I haven't heard the same kind of good things about GEX as I have about Jake. I'm refraining from saying anything bad, but I have read posts of that kind from others who have had been "GEXperienced".

It would be outfitted with dual dells or webers and Thunderbird exhaust. Stock FI doesn't give enough flow to take advantage of the headwork -- which is the raison d'etre of this engine.

I feel like a rookie reporter, breaking the news, but bug Jake if you want the actual details. Jake doesn't post his prices, so I'm not going to either, even though I know

Super74 · Post by **Super74** » Fri Nov 02, 2001 6:03 pm

Jake will be providing my engines from now on. I've been to his shop a several times and have ridden shotgun in the "Plague". Needless to say, I'm convinced! As soon as the bus gets new paint, I'm buying some 40 Dells for it (stock carbs are trash) to get it running good. I'll upgrade the motor later. But also, I'm thinking about a Type I motor for the Super(for now). Maybe Jakes 1904 will do. I still have work to do before I bolt up a type IV beast. Things like brakes, wheels/tires, some more suspension work and such.
I'll stop babbling now.

papun5880pr · Post by **papun5880pr** » Sun Nov 04, 2001 4:11 pm

i'm currently closing the details on one of his powerstokers wich i hope will go smoothly(on the payment).his engines are after all the research,advice and personal comunication with RABY'S that i'll be enjoying my bus for a long time.by the way ,the engine is a present from my brother.it cost the double and a little bit more that what i paid for the complete bus but what the hek,it has been going for over 20 years so is time to give it a new hearth and what is the best,you got it RABY'S AIRCOOLED.