Date:         Wed, 23 Jan 2002 17:00:07 -0500
Reply-To:     "Beckham, Chip" <cbeckham@NORDSON.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Beckham, Chip" <cbeckham@NORDSON.COM>
Subject:      85 Vanagon GL, Engine Exchange
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I'm a brand new member to THE LIST, but a long time Vanagon owner and even
longer VW owner.  I've had my 85 GL since it was new.  It now has 269,000
miles on the original engine. Only the head gaskets and #3 & 4 exhaust
valves have been changed.  All else is original.  It still runs and looks
good and will do 80 mph easily on a level road.  But I'm now using about a
quart of oil every 500-800 miles.  I'd like to keep the van, so a rebuilt
engine may be in my future.

My question is: do any list members have experiences (good or bad) with any
of the engine rebuilders specializing in VW engines?  I'd like to go back
with a 1.9 long block, same as original.  The rebuilders I've heard of are:
AVP, FastGermanAuto, and Boston.  There likely are others.  Any
recommendations?  I'm looking for quality.

Chip Beckham
Atlanta, Georgia