Date:         Fri, 28 Oct 2005 10:12:51 -0700
Reply-To:     Stephen DeMocko <SDeMocko@FDSMFG.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stephen DeMocko <SDeMocko@FDSMFG.COM>
Subject:      FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF GO-WESTY'S 2.2
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

 
Sorry, this letter is a little outdated I wrote this letter two weeks
ago but for some reason I got kicked off the list, and was only
reinstated this morning.  I have more to add in the saga so more is on
the way.
 
 
 
 
 
Volks,
I thought some of you might be interested in my latest experiences with
Luci my '85 Westy. A few months back I started showing signs of low oil
pressure on my original engine, 161,000.  I confirmed this with an oil
pressure gage.  I knew when purchasing the car a little over a year ago
this day would come, I had hoped later rather than sooner.  My first
thought for replacement engines was the Subaru conversion.  I do have
the tech ability to tackle a project like that but a few things brought
me looking at the Go Westy 2.2 replacement for my 1.9.  The Sub engine
might have been chosen if it had been under my terms and I had time to
prepare by collecting parts and studying the process. The easy of
bolting in an original block was attractive.  I also believe in the
direction Lucas has taken with his engine rebuilds.  I am also a grad of
Cal Poly with an ME like Lucas so I am biased.  It's hard to argue with
a four year 40K warranty.  I also think, and many of you out there may
disagree with me on this last point, I think it will be harder for
resale in the future with a non VW engine.  Maybe not to a list member,
but to the general public.
            So I place my order for the 2.2 on Sept.13.  It was
difficult spending that kind of money, but every one I spoke with over
at Go Westy put my concerns at ease.  I have never had anything but the
most helpful, positive experiences dealing with any of the Vanagon
specific mail order sites out there, and that goes for Go Westy as well.
When ever I had a question about anything having to do with home repairs
of my van the customer service guys and Go Westy had no problem spending
time listening to my problems and then giving advice.  Anyway I was
quoted 6 to 8 weeks build time.  I was caught off guard when the engine
showed up ahead of schedule on Oct 10 just short of four weeks.  I think
that was pretty impressive.
            My first impression of the engine was good.  I didn't know
that new heads could shine so much.  Go west also did a good job of
cleaning up and refinishing the valve covers intake runners and intake
plenum.  I would have given them and excellent rating had the parts been
stripped or blasted prior to repainting.  The only thing about the
engine that I think is a shame is the exterior surface of the block.
It's just, visibly lacking next to those beautiful new heads.  I wish I
had offered to pay extra to try and talk Go-Westy into preparing the
block's exterior and throwing some paint on it.  I know there are
probably good reasons not to do that, like better cooling ability with a
bare block but...  It would have also been nice to have
bran-spanking-new pushrod tubes (no dents) but, I guess it doesn't
really matter, it's just going to get dirty, and anyway all that really
matters is how the engine performs. Did I mention that the new heads
look great?
            Working on pulling the old engine was done an hour or so
after work for a few evenings.  Nothing to tough just draining,
disconnection, and labeling.  Just a note to others Bentley doesn't
really discuss removal of components related to the air or power
steering, so look for additional items still attached.  I had also
thought that disconnecting and then later lining up the three bolts for
the torque converter was going to be a bear but it wasn't.  I also
highly recommend the use of a cherry picker and one off those tilting
devises to change the engine angle for removal and reinstallation.  I
have a few tips for reinstall.  Put a mark on the torque converter at
the location off the threaded holes.  Make sure the mark is in a
location as to be visible from the opening in the final drive casing
when everything is in the lowered position.  It helped put the bolts
back in.  Bentley also makes you paranoid about making sure the torque
converter is fully seated on the one-way clutch before the engine is
bolted on.  It also says the converter will spin freely when correctly
seated.  I wasn't sure if it should only spin freely one direction or
what, but I found that even with the engine bolted on the converter
spins freely and in both directions. Don't forget to transfer the
coolant block off plate on the front of the driver's side head.  I also
had to transfer over the threaded nipple the oil filter threads onto.
All that's left is coolant plumbing, electrical, and exhaust.  I should
have my van back this weekend.  Be sure that I will keep the list posted
on how the engine performs.
            
Stephen DeMocko
('85 Westy Luci)