I think replacing the standard 1.9L engine is most budget-conscious way
to go.  While that extra 8 horsepower and some added torque make the
2.1L engine tempting, I don't think that engine is as long-lived from my
albeit anecdotal experience of reading this list since 1994.

I put a factory remanufactured 1.9L in mine 72,000 miles ago.  It has
performed flawlessly every since, burns no oil, leaks no fluids.  It has
plenty of power for Iowa <grin>.  It's my understanding that the factory
remanufactured engines have become prohibitively expensive since then
leaving rebuilds as the only relatively inexpensive way to go.  Glad I
did mine when I did!

If money were no object, I'd put a 1.9L TDI in mine.  Someday when I win
the Iowa Lottery, I'll ship mine up to Britich Columbia for the
transplant!

Donald Baxter
'85 GL
Iowa City

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Tom Davis
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 6:32 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Engine advise

       I have an '85 Vanagon GL & the engine recently blew and it needs
replacing. The guy doing the work for me is having trouble locating a
replacement, either used or new/rebuilt. He suggested GEX and I said
forget that...too much bad news about them. We also discussed going the
Subaru engine route.
       I need help and advise, which engine should I use and/or where
would you suggest finding a good engine?

TIA,
Tom