Type 4 FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)

This page was last updated Friday, October 06, 2006

What is a Type 4?

A Type 4 is the engine Volkswagen used in the '69-'74 411/412 models, '72-'79 Transporters, '80-'83 Vanagons and all of the four cylinder VW-Porsche 914s (the six cylinder used a 911 engine) and the one year only '76 912E.

How big a displacement was it?

The Type 4 was avaiable in three different displacements: 1.7L, 1.8L, and 2.0L. The 1.7L was 1679cc, the 1.8L was 1793cc and the 2.0L was 1971cc.

Can I install this engine into my Type 1 (Bug / Super Beetle / Karmann Ghia / Thing) or my Type 2 that came with a Type 1 engine?

In a word, yes. You will have to convert the engine to an upright cooling system, similar to the Type 1 cooling system. Once converted, you will need to look at the flywheel and exhaust. All of these subjects are covered in my Technical Articles.

Can I install this engine into my Type 3 (Notchback / Fastback / Squareback / Type 3 Karmann Ghia)?

The stock low profile cooling system of the Type 4 engine makes it a prime candidate for installing into a Type 3. Check out my tech article on this very subject. Even though this article is pretty thorough, I still recommend that you read the rest of my tech articles.

Can I install this engine into my dunebuggy or sandrail?

This is probably the easiest of the conversions. Depending upon on your chassis / body, you might not even have to convert it an upright cooling configuration. Some sandrail frames have adequate room that allow the use of a basically stock Type 4 engine with a custom exhaust. You'll have to take measurements and see what's necessary. At the very least you will have to address the flywheel situation. For the fiberglass crowd, you can run the Type 4 with stock cooling, though the engine will stick farther out the back. My fiberglass buggy has a large overhang that appears to be perfect for leaving in pancake configuration.

Do I have to use a flywheel adaptor?

Maybe not. This tech article explains why and when you need an adaptor flywheel.

How do I convert it to upright cooling?

I cover this topic in this tech article.

Where do I find a core engine to start my project?

Finding a basic engine get you going can be difficult, depending on where you reside. Finding a Type 4 out of a Bus (Transporter) is probably the easiest source. My suggestion is to frequent the wrecking yards in your area. Another option is the local classified newspapers. Here in Southern California we have a classified ad only newspaper called "The Recycler" and it's a good source for locating an engine.

An engine can also be located online, though the cost of shipping makes it a last ditch effort. The Shoptalk Forums has a Type 4 classified forum that you might find the engine you want. eBay and other auctions can be sources for engines.

What is the best Type 4 engine to start my Type 4 project with?

There are really no bad Type 4s to do a conversion with. Certain models have a better combination of parts. If you are limited on funds, a 1.7L would be the most inexpensive, as most people desire the 1.8 or the 2.0. If you are looking to do a mildly tuned, stock stroke engine, try to find a 914 2.0. They have the large displacement and the largest valves. If you are looking for a big bore, large stroker cranks with the BIG valves with wild headwork, start with a 1.8. The 1.8 has been found as the best foundation for a lot of tweaking.

Why is the Type 4 better than the Type 1?

The Type 4 has many strengths when compared to the Type 1. These strengths are covered in my page title "Why a Type 4?".

If it's so great, why isn't everyone else using it?

This is the question I asked when I first started learning about the Type 4. There are many reasons for this, but we will look at the most common ones.

Misinformation - Althought many people consider themselves VW experts, they have little first hand knowledge of the Type 4. They rely on information from others that isn't great. They've never built a Type 4, or they don't understand the peculiarities of it. Others have had bad experiences with when they use poor quality parts. That's not the engine's fault, it's their fault for not getting good quality parts.

Parts availability/cost - Since the demand for parts at this moment is low, the price of parts is higher when compared to the comparable part on a Type 1. This is of course assuming that the part is available. There are a few parts that the industry hasn't seen fit to produce for the Type 4 and when converting to a non-stock application. It's a catch-22 situation: they won't produce the parts until they see the need, and we can't create the apparent need without the part. The average person doesn't have a machine shop at their disposal to do everything.

Weight - It's common knowledge that the Type 4, converted to upright cooling, is about 25-50 lbs heavier than a Type 1. Of course this weight gain also comes with many bonuses like a stronger case and beefier parts. Owners of Bugs with the Type 4 conversion say they never notice the extra weight, just the extra power. :-)

Are there are any differences between the 411/412 engines, the Transporter engines and the Porsche engines?

Essentially they are all the same. Most of the differences are related to the original application. For instance, the 914 engine tin is different the Bus tin. If you want details, continue reading through this site for more information.

Where else can I get information about the Type 4? Where can I get in touch with other Type 4 owners?

If I've piqued your interest, check out my Links page on this site. I've put together all of the Type 4 web sites that I can find on that one page.

Check out the Type 4rum at The Shoptalk Forums to discuss the ins-and-outs of working with the Type 4 engine.

I was looking for information about the VW 411 and 412 car. Know of any great sites?

Matter of fact, yes I do. I have another website that is dedicated to the VW 411 and 412 models. It's called Tom's Type 4 Corner. They are very unconventional in styling and are difficult to get parts for, but the 411 and 412 model line is greatly overlooked for VW enthusiasts. Check out the nice looking customs on the site, you don't see cars like that everyday. It also has a Links page with many more links to other 411/412 web sites.

Who are you? Do you run a VW shop or business?

My name is Tom Slider (my nickname is Tuna) and I am a VW enthusiast (this sounds like a 12 step program). Some time in the early 1990s I embarked upon a mission to learn about the Type 4 engine. I was bored with the Type 1 engine and was intrigued with the Type 4's massive displacement, both stock and it's possible growth (3117cc!!). I do not own a VW shop or business; I am just a fan. If you want to learn more about me and my VW obsession, check out my personal website, Tuna Can Org.

So why did you write this site and maintain it?

I first published this site because there was a lot of bad information being passed around on websites, newsgroups, and message forums. I've accumulated a ton of information from doing my research that, with the urging of a friend, I started to put together the site, hoping to dispel those myths.
I maintain it because it seems to have come in at the right time. I enjoy hearing about people that use this site to embark on their own Type 4 adventure and how they are happy with it. My goal is to educate interested VW fans in getting their own start with the Type 4 and to provide a central place for Type 4 related information.