Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 18:44:19 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Advice on possible engine replacement
In-Reply-To: <BAY103-F4140E507C997B599C36850C79F0@phx.gbl>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
The major issue is who will be doing the conversion? A shop that does not
regularly do custom work should not be asked to do custom work. Engine
conversions, even with complete kits are custom work and each job will have
unique problems. Then, after the conversion, who will be supporting it?
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Bruce Nadig
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 9:08 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Advice on possible engine replacement
Sam,
There is a substantial difference between a, "heavily modified" engine, and
a (mild) engine conversion. I think that there are enough successful engine
transplants by owners here on the list that we have plenty of evidence to
support the position that many engine conversions (Tiico, Subaru, etc.) are
not only acceptable substitutes for the WBX, but in many cases superior to
the stock motor.
There are a few examples where folks have gone a little crazy and put
substantially more powerful engines in their Vanagons (Subaru SVX, Porsche
911, etc.). To my knowledge, those transplants have been successful also.
The key to doing an engine change right, whether it is from 1.9 WBX to 2.1
WBX, WBX to Tiico, WBX to Subaru, or WBX to crazy-power Porsche or SVX, is
attention to detail and initial sorting of early problems. If these things
are addressed properly, the common Vanagon engine changes can be quite
successful.
Remember, if you convert from a 1.9 to 2.1 WBX and your mechanic doesn't
have intimate knowledge of the changes required, your 2.1 can be problematic
too.
Cheers & Good Luck,
Bruce
motorbruce@hotmail.com
>From: Sam Stone <svs3@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
>Reply-To: Sam Stone <svs3@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Advice on possible engine replacement
>Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 21:58:32 -0500
>
>Well, I just heard back from the second mechanic. He concurs with the
>first mechanic. The engine is toast. His opinion is one of the PO did
>one or a series of valve job(s) adjusting the valves as though the van
>had solid lifters. His opinion is that I should replace the 1.9L with a
>OEM 2.1L (new: $5000 installed w\ 6month or 6000 mile warranty; used:
>$2500\installed w\ a 90 day labor only warranty). He was very vigorous
>in trying to dissuade me for purchasing any type of non-OEM engine, says
>in his experience heavily modified motors don't work out in the end -
>more problems than they're worth.
>
>So, the choices under consideration are:
>
>1) 2.2 GoWesty engine (delivery time 6-8 weeks; about $5000 installed)
>
>2) New OEM 2.1L engine (delivery time 1 week)
>
>Still confused,
>Sam
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