""Why is it that people
on this list who have done a "Turn-key Search Engine Conversion" are so
quick to slam those that offer a "Turn-key Vanagon Engine Conversion"???"""

    This is what they advertize.  This is NOT what they are. A really
good mechanic/engineer knows that none have done the long term studies
needed.
                         Joe

John Reddick wrote:

>Finally, the last ten responses explaining the costs/benefits of a store
>bought conversion vs. doing it all oneself.  Doing it on your own can be a
>very rewarding project if you are doing it for its' own sake.  It can be
>also be very frustrating if you are trying to get your ride back on the
>road.  The latter usually entails taking many "shortcuts" that will severely
>degrade long term reliability and performance.
>    Perhaps the greatest benefit of any good conversion for a Vanagon is
>that you have removed yourself from the WBXer/Digifant world.  The base
>engine for any TIICO/VW I-4/Subaru/Zetec engine is far more common and
>readily available for parts and total replacement.  Blow up your WBXer, no
>matter who rebuilt it, entails buying another of the same and paying 250
>bucks to ship it.  Blow up the base engine for a converted van, and you go
>to your local junkyard for much less.  This is where Jim's comment about
>long term ownership costs come in.  You can put the worlds ' greatest WBXer
>longblock in your van at great cost, and you still have Digifant, 20+ year
>old wiring, outdated engine management and unreliable MAF.
>     I love Vanagons and have had above average luck with my WBXers.  But
>when there are vastly superior, and long-term VASTLY cheaper alternatives, I
>chose to upgrade my Vans and now offer to help others do the same.
>     Some people love their WBXers.  Good-on-em. Some also like to spot
>trains.  Good-on-them also.  Me, I like Vanagons and Westies of all flavors.
>If somebody can make a Vanagon better, I am all for it.
>     My only dilemma is that I don't understand this:  Why is it that people
>on this list who have done a "Turn-key Search Engine Conversion" are so
>quick to slam those that offer a "Turn-key Vanagon Engine Conversion"??????
>
>John Reddick
>East Coast Vanagon
>Vanaru.com
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