Putting in the engine is cake! Save the money, buy a new clutch, redo the
CV's, fuel line, all that other stuff the shop won't include...

Before this project, the most car repair, by far, I had done was replace a
timing belt on the subaru. Actually a good thing that happened, gave me a
little more confidence for the engine swap. I had a more experienced friend
on hand to pull the old one, but I was basically on my own installing the
new one. Did it in the dirt out in front of my house. LIfted the engine in
with a 1/2 ton transmission jack. Probably be easier renting an engine
hoist, if you've got some pavement to wheel it around on.

One advantage I had was being able to borrow any tools from work - but you
don't really need any specialized ones, i don't think. Mines a manual
tranny, looks like the auto might be a little harder.

Overall, I'm real happy with the engine. The vibration at 3500 rpm is
slight, not nearly as bad as it sounds like it is for some people. Still
making mods here and there, but haven't really had any trouble with it yet
(its only got a couple thou. mi.) - just hope those headers don't crack! One
HUGE advantage to anyone inexperienced doing this is the list, and the
ability to ask questions to hundreds of knowledgable people. Couldn't have
done it without it!

good luck,
jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: David Thoresen <mrepic@ATTBI.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, September 19, 2002 1:46 PM
Subject: Re: Seized Engine? Is there something I can do? - '91 Vanagon GL

>Thanks to everyone who replied.. it seems the Tiico conversion is my
>best bet right now... I went into a shop that does the conversions (The
>Wagon Shop in Bellevue) they said they had some problems with the
>harnesses and putting in the engine so the labor could run up to
>$3000 :-\  I have a feeling they are trying to screw me...
>
>Anyone have any issues putting in the engine themselves?  It doesn't
>look to terribly difficult.
>
>Ciao!
>David....
>'91 Vana-Goner *doing the unstuck* 207K miles
>