The simplest, most effective thing is to simply get a rebuilt engine
from a reliable rebuilder. Bob Donalds of Boston Engines is one. Ron
Salmon of The Bus Depot carries a good rebuilt engine line, as does Ken
Wilford of Vanagain.com. All three have engine information available on
their web sites. If you can find a local rebuilder you are ahead of the
game, provided he is reliable, because if there is a problem he is
local, and you are not caught in the squeeze of builder vs. installer if
something goes wrong.

I found a local rebuilder and lucked out with an outright purchase of a
fresh rebuilt engine, with all new internals. Basics were there. Case,
Crankshaft, rods, heads, etc. but it got new valves and seats, new cam,
new oil and water pumps, pistons, rings, new bearings through out., etc,
etc. . I have 45,000 mi. on it now, and I'm happy. I kept my old engine
so have one to have rebuilt to my specs when I'm ready.

Local guy...if he is good and not a flake.... is the way to go so far as
I am concerned.

List member Robert Lilley rebuilt his engine with some special mods to
increase the life of the engine and increase horsepower as well. The
details are in the archives. You may want to look into the methods.

regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Adam B wrote:

>Hello,
>Has anyone ever done a V-8 Swap into a Vanagon? If so, does it make the thing
>fast? If my engine ever craps out, is it worth doing an engine swap? And if
>so, what is the best one to do? Also, I know my car has a leaky head gasket. I
>know it isn't bad right now, but if it ever does get bad, is it best to
>replace them, do an engine swap, or just get a new car which would be devastating
>
>thanks
>
>
>