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I just purchased a new Beck without engine and transmission. I have an engine and transmission out of a '70 Bug but, cannot build them for what I could exchange them for. I am interested in recommendations for a vendor who is reputable, has a good product at a good cost with a warranty. I would appreciate any input.

Thanks,

Gary
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I just purchased a new Beck without engine and transmission. I have an engine and transmission out of a '70 Bug but, cannot build them for what I could exchange them for. I am interested in recommendations for a vendor who is reputable, has a good product at a good cost with a warranty. I would appreciate any input.

Thanks,

Gary
From all the posts I've seen, the two kings of the air-cooled industry are:

www.cbperformance.com (Bob Thomlinson) California
www.aircooledtechnology.com (Jake Raby) Georgia

I've heard horror stories about other builders, so I'd stick w/ one of the biggies for Type 1 or 4 engines. I ordered my engine from CB, mainly because I have one of Claude Thomlinson's books on Type 1 motors and they are Vintage's first choice. I've heard great things about Jake too, and appreciate his valuable knowledge on SpyderClub forums.

Find yourself a good local tuner to do the mainenance, and you should be ok w/ one of these two guys' motors.
Aloha,

Clyde Berg is also building motors on the side (last time I heard). Try FAT Performance also.

If you want reliability, don't cut corners. You can pretty much make anything bulletproof if you have the $$. People who read my posts on other forums are probably sick of hearing this, but for my next project I'm thinking of using a 1600T(urbo) kit from A.J. Sims. Build a nice solid 1600 or 1776 with some decent headwork and I think it would be a fun ride...especially in a Spyder!

~Joel
Well George, I'll tell you that you may have been fed some incorrect information. Mr. Bergmann has built me two engines, neither less than 2liters, one in 1984 and one in 2000, both engines not only perform faultlessly, but also hold together, the 1984 one is still running strong. FYI, I asked Mr. Bergmann why he doesn't argue about complaints, like in this petty instance, and challenge those who would degrade his product(s), he said that talk is cheap and performance will always prove those wrong. So, if you don't know Mr. Bergmann by either dealings or have some real strong first hand information, I for one would consider you just another opinion in the wind, if you get my drift.
There are a few very fine engine builders in the market, my first choice would of course be Jake Raby, Burgmann also build a good product and I would personally by from Bergmann before I'd ever buy a CB Performance.

George builds a really good engine, but the monkeys in his shop do not and his volume prevents high quality control and testing. I had one that had mis-matched internal engine parts like connecting rods from two different makers and I wondered why before I tore it down and found two different makes of connecting rods, and they were not even the same weight. There was also some other questionable parts and set-up problems too. To his credit George sent me a set of matched rods, but I just wouldn't do it again.
CB builds most of the engines for Beck and have a 1900 and a 2165 motor. I have the 2165 in my Beck installed his long gearbox after a year. I have driven both and found the 'long' gearbox works best with the 2165 motor and the regular gear box with the 1900. I would make sure you get the external oil filter and electronic ignition. Just my thoughts, good luck.


Arnie
Beck 638
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