Date:         Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:11:30 -0800
Reply-To:     David Kao <dtkao0205@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Kao <dtkao0205@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Replace 1.9 with a 2.1 WBX
In-Reply-To:  <c14.589cc7e0.36cf4ed2@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I took a plunge and bought a used 2.1 WBX engine today from a savage
shop. I have been looking for a long while for a 2.1 that can be
rebuilt to replace my 1.9 from my 83 Westy. I found it on Craigslist
last night. I kept calling this morning then received a call back
near noon. The engine was still available and I went to pick it up.

It came with all the intake manifolds, fuel injectors, fuel lines,
fuel pressure regulator, water pump, thermostat housing, all 3 mount
harness for alternator, power steering pump, air conditional compressor,
etc. The fly wheel and pressure plate were taken off but are included.
There is no distributor but they managed to find one to give it to me.
There is also a throttle body in place but no AFM there. I was told
I could have one for extra money.

The only major parts that are missing are exhaust headers and everything
beyond that. I could turn the crank pully a full turn without hearing
any sound that was suspicious. I believe this is possibly a good core to
rebuild from. Of course I have to take it apart to be sure. I was told
that it has head gasket leak and it was pulled 4 months ago from a 88
Vanagon. It shows no sign of being taken apart recently.

What I intend to do is to rebuilt it using as many 1.9 parts on top
of the engine and swap out my 1.9 from my 83 Westy. The 1.9 engine
was rebuilt by me last year. But I have always wanted a 2.1. I need
more power because I went to Yosemite very frequently.

I think this was done by many before. My first question is if I can
use the 1.9 exhaust system still. I think the answer is probably not.
The next question is if I can use the 1.9 AFM attached to the 2.1
throttle body. I can try it to find the answer. But I would like to
hear what you folks would suggest. I will look into the archive too.
But maybe this is something to discuss about one more time here.
Any suggestions on how to do a good rebuild on the bottom block will
be appreciated. I am not in a big rush. I am willing to take 3 to 4
months to get it done.

Oh, BTW, I paid $100 for the 2.1. I think this is very cheap. The shop
said they have had it for 4 months so they just want to get rid of it.

David