Date:         Mon, 26 Feb 2001 13:38:14 -0500
Reply-To:     Jay L Snyder <Jay.L.Snyder@USA.DUPONT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jay L Snyder <Jay.L.Snyder@USA.DUPONT.COM>
Subject:      '85 1.9l's Rule
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I get a kick out of reading all the problems people have installing
"bolt-in" engine swaps.  I have always felt stock is best in terms of
reliability and maintenance.  No matter what you think of VW engineering
(one way or the other), it would be hard to out engineer the factory staff
with the knowledge and resources they have at hand from the expanse of your
double-car garage.  I personally think the late 1.9l Digijet is the most
reliable of the WBXs because of its simpler FI system and smaller
displacement.    When it comes time for a rebuild, it will be another 1.9l
for me.  I know most of you think you will keep your Vanagons forever, but
it just isn't the case.  I owned my '86 GL from new and thought I would
never sell it, and then I bought this '85 because it was a camper.  I hated
to sell that '86 (my daughter came home from the hospital in it when they
were both just days old!), but it went to a VW fanatic you drove 100 miles
in his brand new bright Yellow Beetle to see it.  My '85 Westy is a
hobby--like a big kit car--when it stops being fun, it will be sold, too.
Hopefully, not for a long time.
                                                   Jay