This is so true.

I installed a "home brew" Jetta 2.0 engine at 15*.

Engine/wiring harness/misc parts: $600, KEP "Rabbit" kit
(plate/flywheel): ~ $550. (Cnd.) MIG welder, acc., tank + gas ~ $700 -
800. Steel ? but not a high relative cost.

If one kept their clutch/starter, purchased a *known* working engine
(can't stress this enough), fabricated what's needed, IMO, they
*might* get in under 2K. But from what I've experienced, (a newb)
there are unforseen costs. i.e. redoing something requiring new
gaskets/parts. Plus I chose a "blanket" attack on the engine (didn't
see it running) and put in a new clutch, water pump, new seals and
belts etc. Plus it takes WAY more time.

The hardest parts of the install were: adapting and trouble shooting
engine management (Motronic), fabricating the exhaust and to some
degree the engine carrier. There were also issues with fine tuning
parts I made or adapted.

But as Allan says, saving money means fabricating. IMHO paying someone
to make these parts would *really* bump up the costs.

Again, this is knowledge based upon a 15* install.

For me, a 50* install would have bumped up conversion costs of the
major parts. The needed DV parts range from $500 - $1000 from what
I've seen on The Samba. I chose to put this money toward a MIG, raw
materials, and new parts. But, I'd do it the 50* route next time.

And for sure. This Bostig is a slick setup. I *think* you have to be
in an install group to get the "kit" for 5K. But I might be behind on
my Bostig data!

Neil.

On Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 7:20 PM, Allan Streib <streib@cs.indiana.edu> wrote:
> Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM> writes:
>
>> I can get Jetta and Golf engines in a range of $500-650 dollars. Just
>> wondering what other parts are needed?

> Probably at least another one or two thousand dollars worth, easily more
> depending on how much you want to scrounge and fabricate yourself.