Update on the Puma. I have now have 400 miles on the new motor and am 99% there on getting the carb jetting right. The 2276 engine runs really strong, actually feels every bit a strong as the 180hp Subaru engine in my Speedster which would make sense with how the 2276 is built. The engine should be putting out in the 180 HP neighborhood. It just doesn't have as wide a torque curve or is it as smooth, but it isn't comparing apples to apples is it? I still have a little hesitation in the transition zone between the low speed and high speed circuits to work out.
I installed a new 10.5" Vintage Speed shifter last night that I had been waiting to receive from Taiwan. I have one in my Speedster and love the tight crisp shifting these high quality shifters give. It was a 30 min install and it works great compared to the worn out stock VW shifter that was on the Puma. If you are not using one of these shifters you are missing out. I think they are well worth the $253.00 plus $35.00 shipping I paid. I believe these are the only shifters that Carey uses on their Beck speedsters. I am not sure about the Spyder's since they are mid engine setups.
I have been having a ball driving the Puma to work and back every day. The engine has been running cool without the addition of an auxiliary oil cooler however the engine does have a large deep sump oil pan giving the engine a 5.5 quart oil capacity including the remote oil filter and lines. There isn't much room to squeeze an oil cooler in anyway, I am glad it doesn't need one. I have also completely sealed the top of the engine from getting heated air from below. The only air the gets into the engine compartment is fresh cool air from the vents in the lid. I have gone to great lengths to seal the engine tin covering any holes and making sure the plug holes in the fan shroud are filled. I think I have the cooling system working as designed by VW. If anything I am afraid the engine is running too cool at times. My oil temps average 180-190. The dip stick is only warm to the touch after long hard drives. It proves to me how important it is to get the air flow correct and keeping the top of the engine isolated from the bottom.
The car has a very nice ride quality to it. It is smooth and fairly quiet, and best of all zero oil leaks! I have had to chase a couple of small leaks down but have been able to rectify them. I hate a leaky or dirty engine. To me the pic. below is fine art.
