Volkswagen Beetle 2054cc Stroker Engine Build Overview AND Subscriber Q&A!

[@VWJawbreaker]

I forgot to mention in the video, I am NOT sponsored or affiliated with any company. My hard earned money bought the parts I used. Thank you all for your comments and support!

[@VWJawbreaker]

@Frank Garrett well, it’s kind of a loaded question honestly. Yes, displacement helps make power but there are so many other factors like trans gearing, tire size, do you want top end power, low end power, not to mention engine specs. You could build a 2332 with stock heads and stock cam but that doesn’t mean you’ll keep up with other 2332’s.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@Frank Garrett I hear ya Frank. If I had access to a dyno and had the funds to build the 2 engines, it would be a great experiment. In theory, the same engine but with more displacement would have more torque which should make more hp. How much more? Wish we could find out.

[@jimlester5003]

Thanks for the shout out Gary! Thanks for keeping it real and no BS. Oh, almost forgot, no garage sleeping for this guy. Dist coming in today! Enjoy, Jim

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks Jim! Glad you get to sleep indoors 😂🤪

[@toddmichaeljaniszewski]

The "why" someone uses this versus that almost always intrigues me in the auto engine building world.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Toddmichael Janiszewski so many options and parts out there. Do what makes the most sense for you and your driving style.

[@coreypint8358]

Hey Gary you clean up pretty well. We're all happy you feel better.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir.

[@cyprianskiba8768]

This is great! Your so easy to understand and follow.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks, I appreciate that 🤙

[@prkid424]

Thanks for answering the question. Anyway you’d be able/willing to do a video on rocker geometry?

[@VWJawbreaker]

prkid424 I can try to get a more in depth video within the next month or so.... swamped right now but I should have a build coming up.

[@jnperformance6348]

Very well built motor. glad to see it be built. So awesome 😎👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

JN performance thanks so much for “tuning in” 😁

[@stephenlepore4476]

just what i was looking for! perfect. thank you sir!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Hope it helped somehow.

[@HapticGarage]

Doggieeeeee!!!! Ok, got that out of my system. That wide band AFR is going to be nice- really takes some of the guesswork out of it for us hobby types. As always, thanks for sharing!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Haptic Garage hahaha, she’s a mess but I love her to death! Yes the afr is gong to be a great tool to use!

[@HapticGarage]

@@VWJawbreaker aaaaaannnnndddd... you'll get to say techie things like "stoichiometery" while staring intently at the gauge. "I'm pleased to report we are running on stoich". Instant legend. But seriously, I've learned some cool things about the 454 in my RV by watching the AFR and vacuum gauges. You're gonna love it!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Haptic Garage I’m so excited to get it installed if work will ever leave me alone so I can 🤷‍♂️

[@VeeDubP8]

Crap!! How did I miss opportunity to pick your brain!! Thanks for sharing your experiences!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

VeeDub P8 you can pick my brain anytime brother, you know that 🤙

[@GarageMisadventures]

Thanks Gary, always learn something more about these engines watching your videos.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Garage Misadventures that’s what it’s all about, leaning together! Thanks for being here man.

[@thebadbug7026]

Fantastic video! Thank you for sharing your experiences gained during this build, as well as the positive messages!

[@VWJawbreaker]

The Bad Bug thank you for the kind words, it would all be pointless without people learning with me and commenting.

[@ils360]

That's awesome thank you for answering all those questions 🙂 I finally got around to doing more work on the beetle engine posted up a videocome to realize that my compression is about 180 PSI and my compression ratio is 10 1/2 or 11 to 1 super high with a deck height of 13 thousands that will all be coming out in the next video just thought I would update you on that needless to say I need to put some shims in LOL

[@VWJawbreaker]

ils360 can’t wait for the next video and see your progress!

[@christophersustayta5974]

Hey brother I’m watching and learning from all your videos.👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks for being here. There’s other guys out there that are more knowledgeable than I am. Let me know if you need more to watch.

[@thomasherrington5521]

Dude! I just binged this whole engine build Series! S’good!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thomas Herrington thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I didn’t cover all the info in this series, some of the past builds have other info in them.... I hate repeating myself constantly lol Thanks again, stay safe and healthy!

[@frankfullone5283]

keep up all the great vids you go brother

[@VWJawbreaker]

frank fullone thanks brother. Sorry I missed out on the last Ocala get together, will you be at Lakeland?

[@bigwadventures7061]

Another Great Video Buddy. You did a great job on the Q&A for this engine build. I like the way you painted the tin and the engine compartment looks shiny. BigW:-)

[@VWJawbreaker]

Big W Adventures thank you sir. I hope it cleared up some of the questions that people were asking. Wishing you both a wonderful rest of the week buddy.

[@Slick56]

Nice video. My question about the cam was a bit leading. I love that cam in my 2017. I found with my fk8 cam I was able putt around like a stock motor below 3000 RPM but the extra torque of the Stroker made up for moving up the RPM range with the fk8 and yeah the giggles come after 3000 RPM all the way up 6500 RPM. I like your reasoning on your motor size and choice for parts but you've got a great Foundation to grow that motor should you decide you need it. I also agree on the exhaust upgrade for those heads I think the 1 + 5/8 exhaust will really help and breathe. For your transaxle in the future if you keep with your no burnout no clutch dump policy a stock transmission will be fine. For the More spirited driving I would install a 4 spider differential and weld your 3/4 gear hubs when you upgrade. I love a sleeper no better feeling than when someone tries to cut you off or get around you just because you're a Volkswagen and you can grab gear and drive away from them. Again nice work great videos only started following your Channel recently but like your style and will keep watching. Cheers

[@VWJawbreaker]

Rob Sannes I really appreciate your input and thoughts as well. Thank you also for the support!!

[@DAHui808]

Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii! Keep the vids coming!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Big D Aloha! Thanks for the kind words and thank you for tuning in!

[@joerangel611]

Gary Good afternoon Thank You for answering my question. I enjoyed this video. It made clear a lot of questions I also learned that You have some time dedicated for VW engine. It is a great video Thank You

[@VWJawbreaker]

Joe Rangel thank you for asking your question and for being here.

[@theezergoss6024]

Thanks! Look forward to running into you somewhere here in florida!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thee Zergoss I’ll be around I’m sure!

[@jeffcoleman8013]

I had one I built in 1980 and it had closeratio 3rd gear in the Trans with aluminum flywheel and then broke the mounts on the transaxle .So then bought some brackets that had to be welded in to transaxlw

[@VWJawbreaker]

Jeff Coleman wow, good power time bust the trans mounts!

[@jeffcoleman8013]

VWJawbreaker yes I drag raced It and out ran some V8 Chevy camaro.had the heads worked and put Vega valves in with dual Kaesong Solexs with a black stinger and a wing nut that held the baffle in

[@marcijunebug]

Great video, love the info you are always so willing to share with us!

[@VWJawbreaker]

marcijunebug thanks Marci, we all learn together and in different ways.... I’m just doing me.

[@5822]

Thank you for your video today Best video I'm happy today, my friend ^^

[@jamestorres5582]

Nice stuff .. Liking CB Performance ..

[@VWJawbreaker]

James Torres they do have great products and knowledgeable staff. I will say that I’m not sponsored or affiliated with anyone, this is just my preferences.

[@jamestorres5582]

@@VWJawbreaker those guys and Powerhaus Vw seem to be the best . Bernie Bergman as well

[@VWRICH23]

Awesome gary ✌👍👍👍👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

VW RICH FLAT4 thanks buddy.

[@VWRICH23]

@@VWJawbreaker i decided to sell that weber progressive i bought.. It came in and the throttle linkage was damaged and the bolt pattern was smaller than the progressive manifold i bought for it 😩 So... I bought a single idf manifold off thesamba and going to grab a 40 idf. 😁 I am doing a few more things to go along with that

[@VWJawbreaker]

VW RICH FLAT4 cool deal, the IDF is easier imo to jet and tune but a single idf can be a pain.... just my opinion and experience.

[@VWRICH23]

@@VWJawbreaker yea i hear ya.. Dual carbs will be one day but as of now..i dont want to sleep in the garage lmao

[@Tracks777]

nice content

[@VWJawbreaker]

MisterTracks thank you and thanks for being there.

[@djh254]

Looking forward to the afr tuning process. Been looking at the plx dm6 to run in my car.. good video!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Dj H you and me both.... can’t wait to get it installed and start really tuning this beast.

[@mileageunknown8910]

My only question is why do you live on the other side of the country!? we'd have some fun wrenching!

[@VWJawbreaker]

We would definitely have a blast together lol Probably get into some mischief together lol

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

👍 Looking forward to see the wideband system video on the bug.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Vintage 76 vipergreen # Romeo you and me both bud... I’ll keep ya posted.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

@@VWJawbreaker I have a feeling that the 44 idf are too big for that engine. Maybe you can borrow a friend 40 idf's with the right size venturi's and see what the wideband will say. I can be wrong. Time will tell.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Vintage 76 vipergreen # Romeo I did swap my 30’s for these 44’s.... that would be an interesting test! I can say that when I spoke with CB Performance, they suggested running the 48 IDA’s with these beads for maximum performance but 44’s with large vents would be second best.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

@@VWJawbreaker 48 IDA are way too big for that engine. The wideband and time will say if I'm wrong.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Vintage 76 vipergreen # Romeo it’s not so much about the engine cubic inch size, it’s about matching the heads, cam and induction. I’ve seen 48’s run well on less of an engine than I have. However I do agree that the wife and will point me in the right direction regardless of who is right or wrong. I’m sure I may need some assistance from others to help me tune this to it’s potential.

[@jeffgoodbar]

Liking you videos on the 2007 engine build, and the 2054 build. Iam starting a 2054 build and gathering parts. My question to you is, on the CB performance HD Aluminum pushrods, are those stock length or did you have to cut them to length with the 1.4 ratio rockers? Thanks, and keep those cool videos coming..😎🤘

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@jeffgoodbar glad you’re enjoying the builds. I have a few more that are posted on my playlists and recent videos. These HD aluminum push rods had to be cut to length to work with the 1.4 rockers. Thanks for the question and for watching! 🤙

[@vdub618]

Awesome! great video. thanks for the info

[@VWJawbreaker]

Vdub618 more than happy. Thanks for being here.

[@localinthe330]

THANK YOU!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you for being here.

[@RikardoKermat]

Thanks for another nice vid 👌

[@VWJawbreaker]

random person and thank you for being here!

[@Volkswagenplanet]

Great advise, do it by the book. Don't cut corners. It will.bite you in the butt in the end.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Volkswagenplanet so true buddy.

[@antonybrown3459]

Hi Gary, do you have a build list to share please? Love watching your videos, keep up the good work.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Check out the description of that video for most of the info.

[@VWLifeVW]

NO BURNOUTS! #VWsAreSlow

[@VWJawbreaker]

VW Life it’s fun to cruise slow and enjoy life around you.

[@gregorysummers9582]

Why not a vacuum distributor for the dual carbs?

[@VWJawbreaker]

I like this distributor for the custom advance curves, etc. You could run one of you wanted.

[@jeffgoodbar]

Iam about too start building a 2054 for my 73 Super Beetle. My question too use is, what rod length did you use in your build? Thanks, Jeff Goodbar..

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@jeffgoodbar I used the stock length rods, 5.394” or go for the 5.4”…. That’s only .006” difference.

[@danielsanchez9357]

Hi can you please add a list of parts tjat you used to build this engine? That will be fully appreciated. Thanks

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Sweet!! Great Video Brother!...I’m considering the AA pistons, were you happy with them? Those heads are nice. Honestly the heads are so important! Especially matched to the intakes. Oh man, my wife was doing a video for her channel outside, and the neighbor got on his dirt bike 😂 The 3:88 ring and pinion should keep the rpms down. Your right just don’t smash it hard pulling out!! Your good Okay here is a taboo question... what oil are you running brother.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Slades VW Beetle I’ve ran several sets of aa pistons with good success. Right now I’ve dropped down to 10w30 oil. Pressures are great and the temps are staying good so far.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

VWJawbreaker outstanding brother, that is the Pistons I was going to purchase for that just made my decision for sure. OK 10W-30 is what a few people recommended near me, so that’s good to hear.

[@frankmick8683]

Gary, I need advice. I paid a VW Performance shop to build me a brand new (New Mag Case) 1915 and update my 6v to 12v. This VW shop has been in business for over 25 years so I thought I was safe. On 5/5/21 I towed my 1965 VW (Engine removed) to their shop. My only real specifications were, larger valve heads, aftermarket cam and dual 40mm carbs. They appeared to know exactly what I had wanted as a weekend cruzer. Two weeks later I got a call and they said it was ready. I hoped in the VW and approx 7 miles away it started popping, backfiring, missing poorly and dieng a slow death. I limped it home and called them and had it towed back the next day. As of today, I have done this 3 times now, all same symptoms. So far they said they replaced the heads, carbs, 3 different distributors and a new gas tank. Each time they claim to have driven the car and all was fine. Today, I got 1 mile away and same dam thing, I called them. They towed car back and said it was electrical. Now, their telling me there must be a short in my existing harness. Does this sound plausible? My original 1300 was running just fine when I pulled it out. I'm at a loss at this point. I'm not sure if I should just get my $$ back and lick my wounds or let them proceed to fix their mess. Ed

[@VWJawbreaker]

Wow Ed, sounds like you’re in a pickle. Sorry to hear about the issues that you’ve been dealing with. Unfortunately, without being there when the issue arises it’s difficult to say what it could be. If they are a reputable VW shop, they will get things sorted out I’m sure. Sometimes when you go to a bigger engine, little things can become an issue that weren’t there before. Engine could very well be perfectly fine. There could be an electrical issue. Could be a fuel issue as in not enough fuel going to the carbs, fuel pump getting weak as it runs longer or there could be a restriction causing the tank to go into a vacuum and not allowing fuel to be pumped. Next time it acts up, loosen the gas cap and see if it gets better. Again, it’s difficult to say without being there.

[@frankmick8683]

@@VWJawbreaker Its back in the shop again. I told them to not call me until they drive 50-100 miles without issues. Dam I'm frustrated.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@frankmick8683 give them some time to sort it out. Things happen, let them make it right.

[@frankmick8683]

@@VWJawbreaker Well its 7/27 according to them, they cant find anything. Did I mention this was a Brand New Build (Not from old parts). I do believe it may be time to cut my losses and seek a new shop. I should have gone with my gut an just ordered a CB series turn key.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@frankmick8683 that sucks man, sorry to hear this.

[@Volkswagenplanet]

Dyno testing in the future?

[@theezergoss6024]

So long as you dont dyno tune it, lol.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Volkswagenplanet possibly if things work out later down the road.

[@mastermatt289]

Love your videos! I’m building the same motor except it’s 92 by 74 same cam, carbs , heads are 40 by 35.5 valves. What jets did you end up with so I can start there and work to the perfect size. I also have a wide band A/F meter. Thanks again.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks for the kind words! If you’re running pretty much the same setup with 44 carbs, I ended up with 57 idles, 145 mains and 180 airs. Depending on your compression, I’d start at either 57 or 60 idles, 180 airs and 150 mains.

[@KCPurpleBug]

Gary why did you use the straight gear camshaft and crank gear. I am having to replace the cam in my build it is just 1641 and I am looking at pretty much stock and just don't know what is the different between the two?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Stock gears are quieter and work well with stock cam and smaller cams. When you go to the larger cams and need to run dual valve springs, straight cut gears don’t put the side load like the stock gears do.

[@gregoryperkins2180]

pistons arent stroker or none stroker. rod length is determined by piston pin location not the other way around. if anybody buys a new case the answer to every question about stroke or bore is build the biggest. i know pistons for under 82 stroke are said to be different but it just means different length rods.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Same rods can be used on both stroked and non stroked engines. The wrist pin location on the piston determines if the piston is stoker or not…. Standard for no stroked, wrist pin located closer to the oil rings is a stroker piston. Also, depending on the manufacture, the piston skirt can also be altered for a stroker piston.

[@christophersustayta5974]

Gary what is your opinion on fixed cooling fins in the fan shroud, I have a 2054 full flow thermostatic electric cooling fan and oil filter ?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Do you mean the flaps in the fan shroud that the thermostat would open and close?

[@christophersustayta5974]

@@VWJawbreaker correct !

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@christophersustayta5974 I don’t have them in my fan shroud.

[@KingDupue]

Hey Gary, I just bought a 67 bug and it came with 2 1600 dual port engines and the original 1500 engine. I am wondering how I would go about figuring out if these guys are still usable or whether the block/internals are bad (im brand new to this). I live in the DMV. I'm trying to build one of the 1600 blocks as large as I can while maintaining as much reliability/stability as possible. I know you can't build an engine that does it all (good MPG's, good power, reliability). My biggest goal is to just get something that has good torque/acceleration to get up to speed easily on these crazy tight onramps in MD, and decent MPG's if I want to drive it like a grandma. Also I don't want to be doing a rebuild every 6 months. I want the engine to last a long time. Maybe im asking for an engine that doesn't exist. I know its a lot of info, any help is appreciated.

[@VWJawbreaker]

The only way to know the condition of the engines is to tear them down and inspect / measure everything. From there you’ll need to get the case machined for larger pistons and cylinders, possibly line bored and thrust cut, crank and rods worked over…. Hard to speculate without knowing or seeing what you have.

[@KingDupue]

@@VWJawbreaker ya I'm just a beginner at this stuff and all the terminology is kinda confusing when guys start rattling of metrics. I guess I just need to research more about engines in general. In regards to this build. I'm just worried about reliability of the engine if I go above 2000cc. I'm sure there is a best combos list out there somewhere. Do bugger cylinder/piston size and crank size equate to shorter life span and with jawbreaker do you have to constantly fiddle with the compression and ratios to keep it running good?

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@KingDupue it’s not so much the cc size as it is to the overall combo of the engine build. The engine is an air pump, the more air it can move the more potential for hp. You can build a big stroker and use a stock cam and stock heads. It won’t move as much air as it could if it had a bigger cam and heads, if that makes sense. Engine combos are a balance of every part, not a hodge podge of whatever. Jawbreaker does really well actually, even in the Florida summers. She’s putting out great hp and if I keep the pedal steady at 55-60, she got 26mpg last weekend on a 225 mile round trip.

[@KingDupue]

@@VWJawbreaker alright that makes sense. So I need to find a perfect blend of cam/crank/heads and then tuning. Man this is gonna be a lot more research than I thought. I bought a book (how to hotrod your VW) but that seems like it was written for a mechanic, I'm just a computer nerd haha.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@KingDupue I hear ya man, we all have some kind of learning curve. Look at cb performance they have engine builder kits that helps take the guess work out of things. Use their combos as a base line if you will.

[@gregorysummers9582]

Why the FK8 cam and what is the benefit to that cam?

[@VWJawbreaker]

You need to pair up the cam and heads. The FK8 cam goes well with with these heads.

[@brenton-lucas]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂laught my tits off when you read my question out Brent on Roy Lucas 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Maybe I should put some space in between 😜👍 brenton roy lucas.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Oh crap, I knew I was going to screw up at least one of the names.... my bad man!!

[@kidcassidy42]

What about the microsquirt ecu

[@VWJawbreaker]

kidcassidy42 haven’t looked into that to be honest.... something great me to read up on later 👍

[@kidcassidy42]

@@VWJawbreaker thedubshop.com/microsquirt-ignition-package/

[@VWJawbreaker]

kidcassidy42 just got home from a 15hr day, I’ll definitely try to remember to look at it later. Thanks!!!

[@dre182923]

What aftermarket 36hp style doghouse fan shroud do you recommend ? Most are crap

[@VWJawbreaker]

This is an actual 36hp shroud, haven’t had any cooking issues.

[@pablovdr6539]

Really hice vídeos Gary....engine oil type??

[@VWJawbreaker]

Pablo VDR thanks man, I appreciate that. High zinc oil, that’s all I’ll say. Oil weight will be dependent on your engine and climate.... the most important thing is high zinc content.

[@pablovdr6539]

@@VWJawbreaker yeah...nice advice Gary...but in your country ?...20w/50?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Pablo VDR with this new engine and a new case my clearance was nice. I’m running 10w 30 weight. In older engines 20w 50 is better.

[@christophersustayta5974]

What’s the HP on that 2054 Gary ?

[@VWJawbreaker]

According to CB, this combo is good for 130-140hp.

[@christophersustayta5974]

My guys putting my stroker together is down for another week COVID !🤷

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@christophersustayta5974 man that sucks. Hopefully he feel better soon.

[@christophersustayta5974]

@@VWJawbreaker yah I’m sure he will been in contact can’t wait I’m getting impatient hahahahahah!

[@christophersustayta5974]

Hey Gary are you on FB as well ?

[@juliog.5433]

what size carburetors are you running on your 2054cc . Weber or Dellorto?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Weber 44 IDF’s

[@juliog.5433]

@@VWJawbreaker great. I'm running Weber 40 on my 2054 but it feels like it could handle 44 or 45.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@juliog.5433 what cam and heads are you running? Running bigger carbs may not help, it all needs to match.

[@juliog.5433]

@@VWJawbreaker 125 cam and 044 head

[@juliog.5433]

@@VWJawbreaker don't get me wrong, she runs great but I think she has more and wants to go.

[@jamesbloomfield2741]

What’s the mpg like?

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@jamesbloomfield2741 in that car with stock geared trans, if I kept my foot out of it and cruised back roads at 55-60mph I was getting between 24-26mpg. Highway speeds, having a heavy foot and I’d be in the lower 20’s. Taking the time to put an afr gauge in the exhaust and properly tuning the engine, they will get good mpg as long as you don’t go crazy with the engine specs.

[@jamesbloomfield2741]

@@VWJawbreaker thanks for the fast reply! Now considering the power output and what has been done to the engine that’s almost the same field on me as a standard 1600 lol

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@jamesbloomfield2741 yes sir, she does pretty good! Now that I put this engine in the other car I built, large heavy mud tires, geared different, etc, the same engine is getting 19-20mpg lol

[@Volkswagenplanet]

Is this engine running hotter in temp?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Volkswagenplanet not so far, it’s been running quite well so far.

[@Volkswagenplanet]

@@VWJawbreaker great to hear. Glad it all worked out in the end.