Date:         Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:34:14 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: body work vs. mechanical work-Now Engine Conversion
In-Reply-To:  <031120080201.1396.47D5E7E400086636000005742215575474C9C9CDCB020E03020100@comcast.net>
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I thought long and hard about an engine conversion and did lots of
homework over the last two years.  I finally decided that my
"Conversion" was going to be to a Boston Bob 2.1 for my '85 Westy.  In
fact, I've already ordered the engine.  The cost is probably about the
same as if I were to convert (and do my own work) to a Subaru engine.
My Westy has a working air conditioner and I certainly want that in my
finished product ... which would be an additional expense over what some
others have quoted if I had decided on another brand of engine.

I'm not changing engines due to any past reliability issues.  My 1.9
normally starts with a bump of the key and might only turn over twice
before starting when the temperature is -20º F.  It idles smoothly even
when cold and goes every time I ask it to without problems.  It's just
that it has 210,000 miles on it and it burns a quart of oil about every
500 miles.  In that we take long trips in it, it's probably time to
start with fresh components.  I just hope the replacement engine gets
"Decent" gas mileage as I'm now getting about 21 mpg at 63 mph.

Mike