Tho I've not bought an engine from 'em, I've had excellent dealings with
Gowesty on a number of fronts - from having my own van repaired, to incredibly
timely and professional responses with parts and questions.

I put a 2.3L WBX built by Chip at Unique Imports in Mission Viejo, CA in my
Syncro Westy, and after 15K, it still seems to be running great. Waaaaaaay more
power than stock - pulls the grapevine and all the grades on the 101 between
OC and Santa Barbara at 60+. And I'm running heavy big bumpers and an
Adventurewagen top and 15 inch wheels.
As with a Gowesty motor, I hafta run hi octane gas, and to be safe, I put in
booster too.
Thing about the Gowesty's is, one word: Warranty.
40K mile warranty for a vanagon engine? That coupled with Gowestys' excellent
service makes for a very strong argument in favor of them and their higher
prices in my opinion. You get stuck somewhere with one of their motors, how
worth it would it be to have the comfort of knowing you're covered? When I was
considering an engine, I just didn't have the money for a GW, and only got a 10K
mile warranty. But I put emails out to several GW motor owners prior to my
rebuild. All seemed quite happy. Otherwise, call Chip at Unique Imports: 949 951
5201.
my two cents.
Chris Dixon