Hey all,

I'm hoping to get some feedback from you guys to help determine my long term
engine solution.

The lowdown:

-1983 GL Country Homes Camper w/original 1.9L WBX w/~115k miles
-Never been rebuilt.  Only ran about 35k in its first ten years of life!
-heads may have been replaced early on, but I have no records of it
-current compression test results: 110-150-100-150 #3 cylinder showed 60
before adjusting valves, but then came up to 100.
-leakdown test showed an estimated 30% leak through piston rings.

I haven't had any problems in the 6 months that i've owned this van...either
driving in Bay Area traffic for hours, or driving 500 miles a day.  Power
seems fairly strong for a 1.9.

There is a good possibility I will be moving to New York state w/in the next
6months.  I am in the San Francisco area now.  I have put too much $$ and
time into this van to get rid of it now.

So, the possibilities as I see it are:

-drive the van as is.  give it a deluxe tune-up before I leave. buy a Boston
bob once I am back east.
-put in a new 1.9L WBX.  I'm thinking either from GoWesty or my friends at
The Buslab
-put in a new 2.1L WBX.  Same as above.
-put in one of the other engine possibilities.  Diesel would be preferred,
but way too much work I think.
A golf engine is appealing to me, as is the Subaru.

Concerns:
$$$.  I don't have a ton, but will sacrifice other things in my life for the
right engine swap if necessary (stupid van ;)
-van has never lived outside of CA. Will NY temps. make it freek out? (old
rubber freezing, etc.)
-still haven't seen anyone post that has actually bought a GoWesty engine.
anyone, anyone???
-I feel like while I am still in the Bay Area, it would be wise to utilize
all the VW resources that are here.

If I keep my original 1.9 a bit longer, how will I know when the piston ring
leak is getting worse?  will i just lose more power until it is miserable to
drive it? will it go slowly most likely?

I'd appreciate and and all feedback on this issue.

In the 6+ months i've been on this list, I have amassed a ton of
information.  This is due to many of you folks posting questions i never
thought of, and well-thought out answers.

I really appreciate everyone's posts, and now I ask you all for some advice.

Have a great weekend everyone.

-James in berkeley

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