I have been following the threads on engine modifications, and I want to add my two cents worth. You can boost the horsepower considerably--consider the 700 horsepower that dragsters get out of conventional blocks--for a few seconds. However, it is NOT a one way deal without a tradeoff.
I have driven air-cooled bugs several hundred thousand miles. If you keep the valves adjusted and change oil whenever it feels gritty on the dipstick, you can safely expect 80 to 100 thousand miles out of the engine. However, if you put a supercharger on the engine (as I did), you quickly find out that the valves are the weakest link. You get them fixed, then you find that number three piston is quick to melt down. My point is that a standard engine is good for 2000+ hours. Each time you raise the horsepower 10%, you halve the life. You can quickly get to the point that you may get to your destination faster---maybe. I would rather take a little more time and KNOW that I am going to arrive. Jim Vance [email protected]
