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Subject:Recommendations for Aircooled Engine Rebuilder
From:Wetzel, Scott
Date:Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:53:19 -0700

A couple of years ago the engine in my 82 Westfalia gave up the ghost (sucked in a valve) and it is finally time to replace it. I have talked with Stan Wohlfarth and unfortunately Boston Engine won't be rebuilding aircooled type IV engines for the time being. So now I am in search of another reputable rebuilder that can provide a top-quality 2L aircooled engine for my van. I searched the web and found a few companies that say that they rebuild type IV engines. Before giving any of them any $$$ I searched the archives and found some information about a couple of them, but most of the posts are pretty old (late 90's) so I'm not sure that they are relevant anymore.  

Below are the companies I have been able to identify. I would really appreciate any feedback about any of these companies. (If you are more comfortable, you could pmail me with your recommendations or experiences.) I am sure that there are other rebuilders I'm not aware of and I welcome any recommendations, too.

Mofoco - mixed reviews from list members 
AVP   - generally positive comments, but a few complaints
Jcs volks machine  - no comments
Importmotor.com  - no comments, but very cheap ($1350) which concerns me
Original customs - no comments, but fairly expensive ($5000 and up)
Raby's  - very good reputation, but the he is ambivalent about installation into vanagons and the cost of an engine starts at $7000.

Thanks,

Scott Wetzel

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