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Date:         Mon, 8 Dec 1997 11:39:33 -0400
Reply-To:     jdeck@TRENTU.CA
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         Marcus Elia <jdeck@TRENTU.CA>
Subject:      digijet engine swap?
Comments: To: David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

David (Marshall):

You posted a message advising another list subscriber to go for an engine swap. I assume that the engine you were talking about was the digifant ('86-up)? My '84 of course has the digijet engine, which one mechanic has told me (without research) is "extremely difficult" to replace with anything but the intended waterboxer, because of the way it 'fits' into the reins. Now I have checked out the archives and found ideas regarding the swapping of Audi 5E engines and Ford V6s, but what I am interested in is a nice, affordable, bulletproof Golf/Jetta engine. My parents have an '87 Jetta and the engine runs nearly as peppy as the day they bought it. Although they have no desire to give it up, there are plenty of Golfs with and without trunks getting scrapped in southern Ontario everyday.

My engine is swappable, having been recently rebuilt. But as you (David) pointed out, it's bound to require re-sealing in the next 4 or 5 years. Now, the question presents itself: If one can get good money for a decent waterboxer and the kit+engine are affordable, Why isn't everyone doing it? Seems like a no-brainer, but the 'nostalgia' and 'genuineness' factors don't seem strong enough. Is it because the cost of swapping is prohibitive if one doesn't perform the swap oneself? Further, why would there even be a market for second-hand waterboxers if their reputation for oozing, surging, and bucking is so pervasive? (these questions quite intelligently posed by Jen, my partner in life and van decisions).

Thanks in advance,

Marcus '84 Westy (Dela)


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