From what I've read, the Jetta 2.0 has a robust bottom end and is
commonly used by VW guys as a basis for "hopping" up. (swapping in a
different head etc.) **Some** 2.0's have oil squirters for the pistons
and a better crank. I installed a Jetta 2.0  in my Westy. I can speak
from experience that installing it *stock* would require more work.
Most common is to put a 1.8 head on it. It fits under the stock engine
lid this way and uses a simpler Digifant FI/engine management system.

My thought is; stick with stock. Repair what's there.

One possible aspect of the "tweaked" AMC heads is the valve guides.
There might be a good explanation of what is done to them on GW's
site. Check Bens site too for info on that.

Cheers,

Neil.

On Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 12:27 PM, Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com> wrote:
> Hey Everyone,
>
> I am considering all the options right now and have made no decisions
> as of yet.
>
> Making a list of the costs if I do it myself.
>
> If I leave the engine in place and just do the gaskets... can I do the
> heads as well if I leave the engine in the van?
>
> Tools
> Ramps/Chuck to prevent rollback.
> Jacks
> Dolly
>
> Parts - $120 for the Complete Gasket Set.
>
>
> vs
>
> Going to a local mechanic to do the gaskets which is $60 per hour for
> 11hrs = $660  plus or minus a couple of hours.
>
> I also have been looking around at engines, since I cant afford
> anything fancy and nice from Bostig, Boston, Go Westy I trying to
> source good used engines.
>
> I have one guy who has a inline 86 GTI engine with 80,000 miles that
> he drove for 2 years and converted himself. He wants $1200 for the
> entire conversion kit and it has 105 hp.
> I have another available engine from a Jetta 2.0 L for $450 but then I
> have to go through all the conversion process and have no idea of its
> history or reliability.
> Lastly since I am most likely moving to California the emissions is a
> big issue, so sticking with stock engine might be safer? Right?
>
>
> I was considering doing a compression test on my engine but since the
> gaskets are leaking, its going to effect the results of the test and
> still wont really know the condition of the engine correct?
>
> I figure I would take the heads off, check for the pitting and bad
> valves, if they are bad get new AMC heads.
>  The question is where to get them from? Are the go Westy Tweaked
> ones worth it?
> BusDepot  - New, 100% European made; not Brazilian
> Vanagon  - AMC Made in Spain $475 each
> Go Westy - AMC Made in Spain but they are tweaked. Sounds like a
> better deal to me $500 each
> Van-Cafe -AMC Made in Spain $425 each OR
>                 - Rebuilt units for $325 with core exchange. Rebuilder
> builds up
> the areas that were originally prone to cracking with extra material
> to remedy that original weak point.
>
> If I do the heads what other parts will be needed?
>
>
> Also the temperature Guage on Gauges stopped working. I replaced the
> blue and black sensors 2 months ago. The fan on the radiator still
> goes on and off once in a while so I know that is still working fine.
> 2 weeks ago I pressed the sensor rubber caps in thinking something
> might be loose and the gauge worked for a day then stopped. I am not
> sure if the its the guage, loose wire, or possible the wire to sensor
> is damaged or the sensor is blown? Any ideas?
>
> TIA for everyone's help during this difficult time of decisions.
> Truly, truly appreciated.
>
> Rob
> Bloomingburg NY
> 347.731.7938 cell
>
> On Aug 20, 2008, at 11:39 PM, Ian Allan wrote:
>
>> Hi:
>>
>> I'm with Ben on the don't fool around with "cures in a can" EXCEPT
>> that Stop Leak did exactly that (stopped the leak) with a MINOR
>> coolant leak on my 1.9 for about 2 years before I pulled it in favour
>> of a Bostig Zetec. Having said that I would certainly want a several
>> hundred mile test and in the hottest of conditions before I set of on
>> any journey, particularly with my family. The best place to fix
>> something is at home, not on the road with unknowns everywhere.
>>
>> There are good used economical engines out there and the head reseal
>> alternative is not all that bad either. One thing for sure, you will
>> know a hell of a lot more about your machine if you change engines or
>> repair your engine than if you pour a can of additive into the
>> cooling system.
>>
>> Good luck and let us know how it shakes out.
>>
>> Ian
>

--
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/