vw engine in 356

[murisgar]

I may be branded as a heretic but I need to ask, will a type I vw engine fit in a 61 356?

I am asking because I just bought a engineless 61 and I have a vw motor on hand that I can install untill I get a porsche motor.

Thanks

Joe Murillo

[dave914]

Yes a VW can be put in a 356, I do not know all the details, I belive the big question is what flywheel to use, and clutch/throw out bearing
Now I am only assuming, but I would think an early 6 volt VW fly wheel might just fit, as the 356 is also 6 volt, and VW changed the fly wheel teeth when they converted to 12 volt in 1967. Also the early 36 HP fly wheels used a smaller clutch.
Sorry I'm not more help. I'll probably be doing the same "conversion" if I buy a 356 I've been looking at (bad motor) Until funds allow a rebuild of the original motor.

You might try giving DONSCO a call in Belmont Calif. (area code 650) They are into the vintage VW stuff, and give free and good advice, I'm sure this question is in their experience base. ( I asked them once and they gave me the details, but I forgot, and didn't have a 356 at the time.

Also it is common to go the other way, I had an english teacher that had a 356 motor in a VW fastback.

good luck, and let me know how it goes on this posting.

dave

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