So you fixed the handbrake/engine turning off thing Neil?

You're talking like its all over, in which case we should have a Launch
Party and break a beer over your van's nose!  :)

On Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 9:49 AM, neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:

> Re: #1
>
> A fellow on the samba list, "tencentlife", seems to have a good rep
> with his wbx rebuilds. Might be worth checking out.
>
> From what I've heard, GEX rebuilts has a poor rep. FWIW....
>
> Re: #2 and #3. And this is the POV of a first timer and just my .02
>
> Buying a used turnkey engine, or install kits, will save time if it's
> all there and working. And not that you asked but.....
>
> Depending on your wheeling/dealing skills and level of understanding
> in what's needed for a conversion, IF you choose to cobble parts
> together or part out a Vanagon and cobble parts together, this will
> likely increase your project time substantially. But, you MAY save
> money. From my POV, and in hindsight, the saved money weighed against
> spending more on a kit, hardly seems worth it. Remember this; you are
> already saving a bunch by doing it yourself. On my project I cobbled
> and built parts from scratch. I also removed parts from a Vanagon.
> Took WAY more time. No regrets as I learned a lot, but there were
> times when a kit or used turnkey setup looked really attractive! ---
> :^)
>
> Wiring? A bit apples to oranges, but I installed a Jetta 2.0 with
> Motronic 2.9 (OBD1). It has at least 7 sensors for the engine
> management. Depending on the year, the 2.2 may be similar. The hardest
> parts, for me were finding all the flaws in a 15 YO wiring harness and
> learning how to properly read the Bentley wiring diagrams, and tracing
> (confirming) every wire with a VOM. (ECU to all the plugs etc.)
>
> There are people/companies that can do the harness for you but if you
> did it yourself, and IMHO, the Suby swap is documented way better than
> what I did so the wiring harness would be easier. And....
>
> .... if I can do the wiring job, most anyone can. I had a little
> experience playing around with radios as a kid, and had a very basic
> understanding of DC/AC circuits, knew how to solder, so this helped.
> Still, it was very *basic*. But, I got it done. (with a little help
> from this list --- ;^)
>
> It looks like your $ estimate is similar for #2 and #3.
>
> Personally, I'd go for #2. Likely the engine is "stock" and you might
> be able to find out how many actual miles are on the engine.
>
> IMHO, most people care a LOT about their conversion, but you never
> know what mayhem has gone on in another conversion install. And why
> are they selling it? Of course this is true for any vehicle, but just
> a thought.
>
> IMHO, keep your options and your eyes open. You never know what may show
> up.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Neil.
>
> On Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 8:40 AM, Jon Rizzo <the_rizzos@mac.com> wrote:
> > I feel I am at an impasse regarding the replacement of the engine my
> > syncro westy. I am definitely on a pretty tight budget (under4000) but
> > don't want to cut corners that will only cost me money later. I have
> > have spent the last month researching options. I have narrowed it down
> > to three choices and I would love to have the opinions of this board.
> >
> > 1) rebuilt wbx motor, I know bus depot has them available but I am
> > unsure about their rebuilder even after speaking with them on the
> > phone. I can't get Boston Bob to return my phone calls soo... cost
> > 1800-2800 plus my labor
> >
> > 2) used 2.2, smallcar parts kit. I have a neighbor with a 92 legacy
> > that could part out to save some money, but I am nervous about the
> > wiring part even though I have some experience in that area. cost
> > 2450-3450 plus my labor, minus what I could part out the legacy wagon
> > for.
> >
> > 3) used 2wd vanagon with a 2.2 conversion already in place that I
> > could then part out and recoup some of my money. This seems to be my
> > best option as I could drive the van and could make sure all the parts
> > work together and who doesn't need more spare parts around? cost
> > 3000-3500
> >
> > Let me know what you think.
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 JettaWesty "Jaco
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
> http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
Crescent Beach, BC
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27