Date:         Wed, 11 Mar 1998 05:34:31 EST
Reply-To:     ROGunter <ROGunter@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         ROGunter <ROGunter@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon engine rebuild cost
Comments: To: KENWILFY@aol.com, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 98-03-10 22:09:53 EST, KENWILFY@AOL.COM writes:

<< Sounds like a spray paint rebuild to me.  Either that or somebody likes to
 give away skilled labor (you can work yourself into the poor house that way).
 Ken Wilford
 John 3:16
 PS wouldn't the parts alone to do a decent rebuild be close to the $500 mark?
 What is the price of a Waterboxer rebuild kit anyway?
  >>

I would really like to hear the answer to this question.  I am in the process
of rebuilding an '84 1.9L engine and here is what I have been quoted for some
of the parts from a reputable VW performance auto parts store:

   4 pistons:              $325.00
   1 headgasket set       91.00
   main bearing set        97.00
   hydr valve lifters         21.00 ea.
   ring set                     48.00
   rod bearing set          10.00
   crankshaft seal          12.00
   cam bearing set          8.00
   push rod tubes set     12.78
   oil pump                    24.00

I still need to add con rods and cylinders (didn't get a price for them).

Rounded off, this comes to 1020.00 (he said he would cut 20% off this up
front)
He claims this is all high-quality, German-made stuff, with the exception of a
few Brazilian made Mahle parts (which he says is as good as the German stuff).

From the local VW dealership, I can get a long-block ready to install for
$1750.00 which is only a few dollars more than all the parts plus the head
work that has to be done ($75.00 - 100.00 per head).

If anyone knows where I can get top quality German-made (or equivalent) parts
that would total around $500.00 like Ken Wilfy says, I have my checkbook
ready.  I would really love to do this work myself for the pleasure of it but
if I can get a factory rebuilt engine (with a 36K mile warranty) for near the
same price as what the parts would cost for me to rebuild it myself, I would
be crazy not to get the factory engine.

I have contacted Ron Salmon (before he went on vacation) and his assistant
numerous times for their prices and as yet have not heard a whisper from
either of them.

I can't wait much longer and I do not want to get taken to the cleaners.  Can
anyone point me to a supplier with good parts for a reasonable price?

Thanx,

Russell Gunter
'85 GL
'93 EV