Last year I purchased outright a completely rebuilt 2.1 WBX for $1500. It had
new everything except the heads. Heads had new valves, inserts, etc, etc. but
the heads themselves were not new. A local VW guru did my engine. It was as
cheap for me to buy one he rebuilt from his own collection as it was to
rebuild the one I had. Do that is what I did. Outright purchase, that left me
with a complete engine to rebuild myself....which I intend to do following
Robert Lilley's lead. I did have to use the FI off my original engine on the
replacement, but I  may come up with another Digifant system. Then I would
have a complete engine ready to shove into the van on a moments notice.

In the meantime, the replacement engine cost me $1500, and $250 in labor to
install, and some miscellaneous stuff, maybe another $50. Total cost,
drive-away, $1800.

The final bill for all work done at that time was another $1000 including
parts. I opted to replace all fuel injection hoses, all coolant hoses, and
install a complete new clutch including pressure plate. Engine and cooling
system got new sensors as sell.

I have 6000 miles on the new engine and so far all is well.

One thing, the startup on the new engine was done very carefully.

The engine was started, using straight break-in oil. It was allowed to run
until the valve lifters stopped clattering, It was shut down and the oil and
filter changed.

2) It was run for  1hr+30 using straight 30W ND to get the engine warmed,
temps stabilized, all systems checked. It was shut down and the oil and
filter changed.

3) It was run 300 miles using straight  30W. Then the oil and filter were
changed.

4) It was run 1000 miles using 20W50, and oil and filter were changed.

5) Was run 1500 miles on 20W50, and oil and filter were changed.

6) I now change oil and filter at 2500 mile intervals.

Engine is running nicely.

John Rodgers
88GL Driver

"K. Taylor" wrote:

> For those who've had a rebuilt 2.1 engine installed in the last year, how
> much have you paid for engine + installation?
>
> Ken