Hi Jenny,

Just had my engine in my '87 Syncro Westy rebuilt a couple of months ago. It had about 85,000 miles on it when then heads developed a MAJOR coolant leak.

The work was performed by Larry'z Auto World in Sacramento, Ca. They have been around for what seems an eternity, at least 25+ years. Anyway, since I totally trust Larry, when ever I have a problem, I just drop my van off and tell him to fix it properly with no short cuts. I know if I ever have a problem, Larry will make it right and I'm willing to pay for that peace of mind.

The actual mechanic that did my rebuild was a engine rebuilder from reputable dealership in Sac. that retired after 28 years with a good reputation, another Larry of all things.

Larry #1, the owner called Boston Bob at my request and it turned out they agreed on just about everything. I was going to buy a set of big valve heads, but there were none
available. Just as will, in retrospect I think stock is still the best way to go if overall reliability is high on your list of priorities.

New heads (spanish-AMC?), new pistons, new bearings, rebuilt connecting rods, new clutch, throw-out bearing, etc.......

Just over $4,000.00. I now have 1,000 miles on it, took it back for a check-up and everything looks fine. Even with only the break-in miles on it, it has more low end than it had before. I bought the van with about 72,000 miles on the odometer.

Happy Trails,
Tim
'87 Syncro Westy "Trigger" now with "new" engine
Jeff and Jen Gilbert <jeffnjen@JEFFNJEN.COM> wrote:
Jenny,

I rebuilt my 87 back in 1999. The rebuilt engine, from AVP, was $2043.
That included shipping and new heads. The labor for the install was about
$1000, and another $500 in hoses, belts, etc (syncro).

I think the total was roughly $3500. Thats in San Francisco, where labor is
high ($75/hr at the time).

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Jenny Fontaine
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 12:44 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: cost of installing engine on '87 Westy

Hi All,
I am trying to figure out how much it is going to cost me to install a new
engine in my '87 Westy. could people that had this done let me know how
much your various mechanics charged you? I haven't decided who/which engine
I am going to go with yet, still trying to get my head around the various
senarios to consider.
Thanks in advance,
Jenny
Chicago, IL