Date:         Wed, 22 Dec 1999 10:56:57 -0500
Reply-To:     Bulley <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bulley <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Mailorder rebuilders?  AVP, Bost Eng, Fast Germ..?
Comments: To: "Zxcvvi@AOL.COM" <Zxcvvi@AOL.COM>

John-

Since none of us have bought engines from all of the builders, what you
will receive (mostly) here is a mix of experience, and conjecture, based on
the experiences of others.

I can offer you pure conjecture, not polluted by actual experience. In what
I have read and experienced here on this list, without having purchased
anything from any of the vendors in question, here are my opinions:

1). AVP---      A minus. Heard one gripe about a return, but AVP eventually made
good. Otherwise can't say I've heard anything bad about them.
2). Boston Engine---    B. Boston Bob McDonalds absolutely knows his stuff.
The only reason I can't give him the rock solid A++ he probably deserves is
that I can't recall anyone on the list talking about his rebuilds/buying
experience. From reading Bob's mail though, I'd trust him to do my motor.
3). Fast German Auto--- C-. Maybe a little risky. They talk a good show,
have a pretty website. Have heard mixed reviews. The North Carolina motto
is "Esse Quam Verderi"... To be, rather than to seem". These guys may have
it backwards.
4). Other...--- I'm not sure if you had someone in mind here, or if you
were looking for suggestions. Perhaps you were entertaining the notion of a
self-inflicted rebuild. Dicey.

Hope this helps.

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Corporate Communications Counselors
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

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-----Original Message-----
From:   Zxcvvi@AOL.COM [SMTP:Zxcvvi@AOL.COM]
Sent:   Wednesday, December 22, 1999 10:06 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Mailorder rebuilders?  AVP, Bost Eng, Fast Germ..?

I am replacing the engine on an 87 Vanagon and need some help.  As friend
told me to write the list and ask for suggestions.    If anyone could drop
me
suggestions between the following mailorder rebuilders (good/bad) I would
appreciate it.

        1). AVP
        2). Boston Engine
        3). Fast German Auto
        4). Other...?

Thanks for any help you can give.    > John   87 Vanagon