That little piece of tin is very important . Maybe it was a good thing that you didn't get started. You would have melted the engine down without that deflector plate tin. Also what was the problem that the engine didn't want to turn all the way though ?
Ruttco, We love you like a Brother and we are here to help you but getting all the story and info from you is like pulling teeth. I know you are a "Newby" in the world of VW and you don't know everything about these "Critters" , neither do I even being in the business for 45 years plus. I'll say this, you get the "Big Cookie Award" for trying to repair the most cantankerous, problematic and expensive Air Cooled engine that VW ever made in my estimation .But thats just me. The Van Guys in the club give me hell about this all the time :lol: :lol:
As far as a Type-1 conversion you will be down some H.P. but if you drive them right they can get the job done, just slower. Zen drives Homer "Balls to The Wall" and has puked a few engines in the process. But I would bet he has less money in all those Type-1's than he would in one Type-4. You need to talk to Justin about his conversion . He did a very nice job and as far as I know hasn't had any trouble.