Check deck height of aftermarket pistons.  Cheap pistons can have a
lower deck height thus lowering compression and power.

On 4/7/09, Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com> wrote:
> I spoke with Pete from Van Cafe where I am ordering most of the parts
> and he too suggested replacing the rod bolts thanks for the suggestion.
>
> I a couple more questions...
>
> 1. Why is it important to replace the Pistons if they look fine? I
> understand the rings and other components but why the actual piston?
>
> What brand of pistons is best?
> I see the several brands:
> -  German made Mahle which are most expensive
> - QSC from China
> - Brazilian
> - What are peoples experience with the 96MM Big Bore Kit from QSC?
> Worth the extra horsepower or does it create to many problems with
> heat in the engine and not a long lasting product?
>
> 2. If there is no visible wear on the camshaft does that still need to
> be replaced?
>
> 3. What is the proper break in period after a rebuild?
> I have heard that after driving the van for 500 miles I should change
> the tranny fluid and oil?
>
>
> Thanks,
> Robert
> Orange County NY
>
>
> On Apr 7, 2009, at 3:02 PM, Jake de Villiers wrote:
>
>> Replace the rod bolts with the uprated components - they are the
>> weak point in the 2.1 motor.
>>
>> Pretty sure someone already brought this up in this thread...
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 11:32 AM, Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com
>> > wrote:
>> Just got back from a meeting the rebuilder and we are replacing:
>>
>> oil pressure valve
>> oil pressure relief piston spring
>> All New Lifters
>> New AMC Spanish Heads
>> Wrist Pin Bushings
>> Cam Shaft - Reground from Van-Cafe
>> Complete Gaskets Replacement of All seals
>> Piston Cylinder Kit - From Van Cafe - German Mahle  ( does anyone
>> recommend the 2.2 piston kit from Vanagain or GW?)
>> Piston Engine Ring Set - Grant Brand
>> Standard Main Bearing Set
>> Crank Shaft bearing kit
>> Rod Bearings - Standard
>> New Temp Sensor with Lower threshold to keep the engine cooler* - Van
>> Cafe 80 degree
>> New Oil Pressure Sensors
>>
>>
>> The rebuilder said all the other parts looked good.
>>
>> Indeed he has done these before he said and he realizes the
>> complicated nature of how torque ratio's and well as the extreme
>> precision of the tolerances are required. In fact he said he really
>> dislikes working on all the German engines regardless if it is VW,
>> Mercedes or BMW. For him hey says they use way to many bolts and misc.
>> parts to complicate the process. He told me once the parts arrive he
>> can have it done within 3-4 days. Sound about right?
>>
>> Am I missing any other crucial parts to replace?
>>
>> He said the crank, stud bolts and other key parts all looked good and
>> said the engine seems in otherwise good shape for its age.
>>
>> Thanks for assistance.
>>
>> Rob
>> NY
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Apr 6, 2009, at 1:29 PM, Robert Stewart wrote:
>>
>> Good Monday to everyone,
>>
>> I have a local engine rebuilder working on my 2.1 Automatic engine
>> which had roughly 250,000 miles on it.
>>
>> He informed my heads needed to be replaced. I could clearly see the
>> space between the two valves having a indentation bridging them and
>> the surface areas were very badly pitted.
>>
>> I planned on purchasing a set of rebuilt heads from Van-Cafe, anyone
>> think this a good or bad idea?
>> Anyone used them before? Have any feedback?
>>
>> Secondly is there anything regarding the rebuild that is a must to
>> replace component wise since he has it all apart?
>> i.e. sleeves, pistons, camshaft etc...
>>
>> I am awaiting a final parts list from him now but want to be sure I am
>> not missing anything.
>>
>> Before he rebuilds it he is going to be cleaning all the parts in a
>> special bath then glass bead blasting the non sensitive parts.
>>
>> Also how long should a standard rebuild take? i.e. 7-21 days? or is it
>> something that can be done in a 40 hour work week?
>> What kind of price should I expect?
>> He told me it would be roughly $1500 dollars.
>> He said he would be check to see if the camshaft needed to be reground
>> and would check all valves etc. His shop only does rebuilds but of
>> mostly race car engines and big truck engines so I trust he knows what
>> he is talking about. He is not a VW guy at all he just knows engines.
>> I did give him the Bentley just to be safe though.
>>
>> Any advice would be appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Robert
>> NY
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Jake
>>
>> 1984 Vanagon GL
>> 1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
>>
>> Crescent Beach, BC
>>
>> www.crescentbeachguitar.com
>> http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27
>

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Chris S.
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