Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2001 11:42:00 -0600
Reply-To: John Silverman <jsilver@AROS.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Silverman <jsilver@AROS.NET>
Subject: engine woes and choices--need esperienced advice
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
Vic, our 90 syncro westy w/ 92k, has a failing engine. Head gaskets
replaced last year, but now compression is poor (#1 100, w/ 8% leakdown, #2
130/13%, #3 87/32%, #4 120/12%). I've entertained thoughts of a Subaru
conversion (oh how I lust after the 3.3, but don't want to spent the 10-12
k to obtain it), and I4 conversion, a replacement engine (either from
VW-whose local dealers say all they can get is factory rebuilds- or Boston
Bob), a rebuild locally (there are multiple shops that have lots of
experience). If I go w/ the stock engine (2.1), I've considered upgrading
a la Lilley-w/ "blueprinting", counterbalancing, chips/rockers and/or
other upgrades to boost power up hills and against the wind. Boston Bob
offers several options (Stages) to upgrade power as well.
I'm looking to minimize expense, yet maximize performance and
reliability. I'm not a mechanic, so all work must be done by a shop. I
also am fearful of getting a hybrid that performs well 'til it breaks down
in BFE w/ no mechanics around to work on such a beast. (A hybrid mechanic
will be even harder to find than a vanagon mechanic).
Most rebuilds around here (SLC) are quoted at about 3-4500 $. The dealers
engines run about 2500 plus installation, another 1-2000. The best price
I've had quoted is a local shop who'll replace w/ a GEX engine for about
2800, more or less. I'm leery of GEX engines, from other posts on the
list. This guy says he's worked w/ them quite a bit, and gets the cream of
their crop, so to speak. He claims quite good luck w/ their products, but
I'm still leery.
There's one local shop that has done 3 subaru conversions, and he has
several brand new, unused, '94 2.2 long blocks in stock (he bought them
years ago for ultralights and hasn't used them). But, he needs a parts car
for all except the engine, AND, he's not sure he wants to do any more
conversions. He quoted me 6-7000 for the entire conversion (including his
engine) IF he decides to do it.
So...I'm looking for advice, opinions (preferably backed by experience)
thoughts......I think I'm leaning to the local rebuild w/ upgrades as the
best way o increase performance and reliability while minimizing expense.
Thanks
John
SLC
90 syncro westy
| 
