Date:         Thu, 12 Oct 2000 11:24:47 EDT
Reply-To:     OuiSki1@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Scott Kraning <OuiSki1@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Engine & Exhaust replacement (help!)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Dear List-

The day has finally come. We have owned our 3rd beloved Westy -  "Roxy"  -
for over a year now and besides a few minor probs and the epidemic [bucking]
now and then, she's gone a long way and brought us lots and lots of
happiness. I've read thousands of postings here, and while sympathizing with
many of you, I thought I must be the lucky one with 117,000 miles my Westy is
still going strong...(Ha!)     After some serious inspection,  my ENTIRE
exhaust sys needs to be replaced, and a second and third opinion both predict
my 2.1 is about shot (leaky all over the place).  So, my question...and I do
have one...what's the best, most cost effective way to revanmp an aging beaut
of a bus? engine transplant (Tii will run about 4000.00 delivered) vs. Fast
German Auto rebuild ($??) We plan to hang on to her for a long time and
figure a NEW engine would be a better investment, but pricey!

What about a new exhaust sys recommendation. (S&S looks economical compared
to an OE design, but as good?) The exhaust is the most urgent, and will
eventually need to be switched over to the new/rebuilt engine which we will
probably have more time to save for.

Any and all suggestions and experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Scott and Candis
Greenville, SC