Having been *somewhat* in these shoes of having decide what to invest in,
here's my opinion.

I didn't get any info on the van itself (of course I might have skimmed over
it), but you have to ask yourself "is this a van worth investing in?  You
have $500 in it, which is only a deal if it doesn't have an incredible
hunger for more $$.

If you are think about rebuilding the tranny yourself, that leads me to
think that you are possible capable of doing your own work.  If so, consider
doing your own work.  That save thousands and gives you the advantage of
really "knowing your vanagon".  BOND with the vanagon!  [helps to giggle
here]

If you engine has a LOT of miles on it and/or is having any oil pressure
probs or history of problems, then I'd go with the TIICO.  You're in CA, so
you'll save on shipping if you pick it up yourself.  Plus, there are a lot
of sites, data, and sources of folks who can help you through the process.
I also consider the subaru conversion for a spell.  Since you have a manual
tranny, you're in good shape to go with the I-4 engine.  I wouldn't suggest
it for an AT, from what I studied.

I went with the head replacement job, myself.  I spent last summer in
NV/eastern sierra, tackling all of those significant little passes with an
AT.  The van didn't like the heat, and was slow going uphill.  There's not a
lot of air intake volume on those 1.9's.  But, it WORKED and was a fantastic
camp (the wonderful westy!) Mountains knock my mileage down to 14 mpg BTW.

Old vans suck a lot of money out of your wallet.  There's not much you can
do to stop that short of selling them!  What you want to do is "minimize
your maximum regret", to put it in an economic term.  If your van is up to
snuff on seam rust, suspension, bearings, interior, etc, then invest in the
Tiico and get the tranny rebuilt.  Then you'll be good to go for 100k or
more, plus you'll get improved gas mileage!!!

If it's a dog, despite all of the coolness it exudes, then slap some boston
bob head on, and drive till it drops, or just sell it.  Trust me, $500 is
pittance compared to some of the hidden expenses I wasn't expecting.  (but,
strangely I still love my westy).

Remember, what us list members say matters little.  It doesn't cost us
anything, but a few minutes.  It's your money.  Good Luck!

Brian Cochran
seattle
84 westy

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.