So, I just laid down $3500 for a high perf rebuild from Chip at Unique
Imports in Mission Viejo, CA. That was the installed price. Combined with Chip's
excellent rep and my budget, I figured the price couldn't be beat. 12K/1yr
warranty is less than Gowesty, but I'm spending less money too.
Chip put in a stroker motor (not bored out)-- giving about 2.3L and a nearly
10:1 CR. Also put on 1.25 Rockers and a Magnaflow muffler. Obviously I'll be
driving 91+ octane gas always.
This has been installed on my heavy Adventurewagen topped Syncro Westfalia
that was bought from Veronica Fraga. Heavy because of the AW top and tube
bumpers and bigger wheels and tires.
Initial report on the motor: Much more midrange power than the stock 2.1.
Aside from seat of the pants, my key gauge hill was on the 5 FWY heading thru San
Clemente. My previous stock Syncro Westy would hold, maybe 55-60MPH going up
that hill unloaded. Today, I pulled it at 65 with AC on and was still
accelerating. Throaty sound from the Magnaflow is tasty. Mileage seems to be around 20
mpg.
Initially, I'm impressed and stoked. I'm driving cross country this summer
with the van, so will make updates as I go. If she holds together, my $3500 has
been very well spent. And no conversion headaches.
Chris Dixon