I would certainly expect that if the engine were *truly* reconditioned and
"rebuilt"  (not just put back together with new parts) it should last a LOT
longer than 22k miles!  If you want to go the WBX route, I would have to
suggest one of the known quality rebuilders out there like Boston Engine.

Other than that, I must admit that the Subaru transplant seems to meet most,
if not all of your stated requirements.

I would probably never be able to go this route myself, because my trusted
mechanic would no longer want to work on my Syncro.  If I had more free time
and did not rely on his services for almost all repairs and upkeep on my
Syncro, I would be seriously investigating the Subaru conversion.  (I am
embarassed to admit that he even does my oil changes, despite the fact that
I own almost all the tools to even rebuild the engine!)  It boils down to a
choice of spending time with my kids and paying a mechanic to maintain the
Syncro.   ;-)

My $0.02 worth.

Brent Christensen

>From: "Andrew Bell" <andrewbell@qwest.net>
>Reply-To: andrewbell@qwest.net
>To: "Cookson, Noel" <ncookson@CELOXNETWORKS.COM>,
>"      syncro@yahoogroups.com" <syncro@yahoogroups.com>
>CC: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: [Syncro] Re: New Engine Needed
>Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2002 10:45:08 -0500
>
>What about the HP WBX from Colorado? Plug and play...
>
>AB
>
>"Cookson, Noel" wrote:
>
> > Bad news: my rebuilt 2.1 blew out this week after only 22.5K miles (160K
>on
> > chassis).
> >
> > I am committed to this van - bought it new in '88 - and want to do the
>power
> > plant right this time. The last two days have been spent searching the
> > archives trying to come up with the best solution. A lot has been
>learned
> > but not enough to make my final decision - I need help from this group.
> >
> > The following engine options are under consideration:
> >
> > Rebuild (hesitate to do this since the last rebuild was good for just
>22.5K
> > miles plus leaky heads, expensive exhaust system, weak water pump).
> > Subaru Conversion
> > golf/jetta I4  conversion
> > Tiico
> > TDI conversion
> > Open to other suggestions
> >
> > Below are the requirements this new engine should meet. Obviously all of
>the
> > options listed below can be achieved with enough effort but I am looking
>for
> > the solution that will meet these requirements in the simplest (not
> > necessarily cheapest) way.
> > 1)      Closed loop engine management system.
> > 2)      Digifant or better fuel injection system
> > 3)      Stock tach and gauges work
> > 4)      Stock AC, Power steering bolt on.
> > 5)      More reliable than a stock 2.1 WBX
> > 6)      Compatible with stock cruise control
> > 7)      Serviceable by me and acceptable to competent mechanics
> > 8)      Engine parts are generally available
> > 9)      Same or better power/gas mileage as stock 2.1
> > 10)     Cost under $5000 (including labor)
> >
> > Here are the questions I have:
> >
> > 1)      Which of the engine options comes closest to meeting these
> >       requirements?
> > 2)      Is there an engine option that cannot meet a requirement?
> >       For example one might guess the TDI conversion will cost more
> >       than $5000.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for your help!
> >
> > Noel '88 GL

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