Date:         Sun, 6 Apr 2014 23:19:35 -0700
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Rebuilt engine
Comments: To: David Boan <dboan@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <001101cf51c9$0950f290$1bf2d7b0$@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

If you want to stay at least sort of VW original, then there is no better
option.

Since you have a 1.9 core, unless you are willing to pay a much higher core
charge to get the later model 2.1 engine that is the basis of the higher
displacement engines, the 2300 is it.  Personally, I think that's the best
choice, but I have no personal experience.

Go Westy uses custom made forged pistons and reworks everything else that
can be reworked to provide a solid and reliable rebuild. That said, the VW
factory engine lasts a long time in part because VW didn't try to extract
the maximum power possible from a design that's based on water-cooling the
obsolete air cooled engine.  Keep in mind that longevity and power are
inversely proportional.

Since the GW engines generate more power from higher displacement and higher
compression, you will need to follow all of GWs recommendations to get your
money's worth out of this investment, and that includes replacing all of the
cooling system components and using premium grade fuel to minimize the
chance of detonation (knock).  Detonation will destroy this engine because
it doesn't have a knock sensor to retard the timing and stop the damage
knocking will cause.

I believe that GW has high quality standards and they back them up with a
warranty (buy their extended warranty), so you should be happy with your new
running gear as long as you follow their recommendations to the letter.  It
won't be cheap, but it will be worth it.

Happy camping!

Stuart
On my second Vanagon Westy, and my fourth waterboxer.  It will be my last
waterboxer.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Boan
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2014 11:50 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Rebuilt engine

I am getting ready to buy a rebuilt engine for my '85 Westy, and am looking
seriously at the Go Westy 2300 1.9L.  I would appreciate any comments from
anyone who has experience with this engine, and any ideas about this versus
going for the 2300 for the 86-91 model years.



I am also considering having the shop that does the install also rebuild the
transaxle at the same time, or perhaps getting the Go Westy rebuilt
transaxle.  I am assuming it makes sense to do both the engine and the
transaxle at the same time (they have 225,000 miles and never rebuilt).  I
welcome anyone with suggestions on that idea and/or experience with the Go
Westy transaxle.



Thank you



David Boan

Wheaton, IL