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motor options

 

All of the VW motors used in our dune buggies are brand new 2275 cc with dual 44 Weber carburetors, large valve heads 42X37.5, Engle 125 cam, oil sump, and forged pistons and rods. The total weight of a VW is approximately 260 pounds. A built VW 2275 cc is capable of about 145 hp, and typically they do fine in a standard five seat sand car. However, you will be in the higher rpm’s climbing large hills, and you will probably need a rolling start.

A 2.2 liter GM Ecotec produces about 160 hp normally aspirated. This brand new all aluminum four cylinder motor features 4 valves, per cylinder, and has a dual overhead cam. In our judgment, being fuel injected, water cooled, and making more power than a built 2275, it is a much better choice than a VW in comparison in price in your dunebuggy . Add a turbo and your Ecotec will make 240 hp in your sand rail on pump gas at 6-7 pounds of boost, and still be reliable in the dunes.

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A 2.5 liter Subaru engine weighs in at approx. 290 lbs. and comes in two versions, SOHC or DOHC. Both also have a low center of gravity due to the placement of the cylinders. The Subaru engine produce approx 180 hp, and are fuel injected water cooled motor making good torque for a 4 cylinder motor in a dune buggy. Add a turbo on 6 pounds of boost and you’re approaching 250 hp. The only drawback is that these motors are used low mileage motors, unless you start off with a 350 hp or higher version and that gets very expensive

We strongly recommend a V-6 over a stock 4 cylinder in your dune buggy because of the increase in torque at low rpm’s. A GM 3.5 liter Short star or Honda 3.2 produce approximately 250 hp, normally aspirated, and have excellent low end torque compared to a stock 4 cylinder. You can push your 4-5 seat sand car through any hill with plenty of power at the pedal. These DOHC motors have 4 valves per cylinder, all aluminum block and heads and weigh in at approximately 430 lbs. The GM Shortstars are brand new motors however, the disadvantage, once again, is that the Hondas are used low mileage motors and all V-6’s are recommended to use a Mendeola, E box.

An LS1 produces approximately 380 hp and is also all aluminum block and heads, and by far, obviously has the best low end torque and the best bang for your buck, weighing in at approximately 480 lbs. You’ll never regret purchasing an LS1 powered dune buggy. There is no replacement for displacement, and there is no substitute for the roar of American muscle. Whether you’re in the hard pack desert or taking a trip to the sand dunes, you’ll thank yourself ever time you turn on the ignition and start your V-8. A Mendeola, 2d is included in our standard V-8 dune buggy package, however, if you plan on adding a super charger or turbo’s, you should plan ahead and purchase 934.5 cv’s and a sequential (S4S) or comparable transaxle. A stock LS1 is plenty of power in a 4-5 seat sand rail, so don’t think you need more, but some people do want more in the future, and by adding the S4S it makes life a lot easier if you do