On Sat, Nov 13, 2010 at 8:42 AM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote:

> �You are right, Mark.
>
> �That is the drawback--either way, ...shops are expensive. �I know of none
> that specialize in or even advertise for inline gas VW to Vanagon
> conversions, in the US anyhow.

> �Using the figures posted for rebuilt WBX motors and heads, however, plus
> the shop time to exchange the motors, etc..I'd *guess* �if you did find a
> shop with a VW and Vanagon savvy knowledgeable and willing mechanic who
> wanted the work, you'd spend less having them install an inline and you
> would have an 'argueably' better motor when done with the conversion. �I
> guessed "1/2 the cost" of the $4000 motor, + remove and replace...using the
> hours and cost of my own recent work to the inline in my van, working as a
> total neophyte without air tools or a hoist or even a good tools set...And
> putting in a large 'fudge-factor', too..
>

> �Finding a shop to do the work...that seems the hard part...And, if I were
> a shop, myself, I might be reluctant to take on one of these swaps. �If I
> had plenty of other work, work right out of the "Flat Rate" Book, why bother
> with something unknown? �You gotta pay the rent and 'sure thing' jobs pay
> the rent...
>

An example of a shop doing I4 swaps. From the Autobahn website via
links page on the I4 site I started:

http://theautobahnsociety.com/Engine_2L.htm

Not sure what "starting at" means though.

My take. Scenario: WBX Vanagon, only a rebuilt or new engine needed.

Perfect world: VW I4 swap experienced shop with streamlined process,
no mark up on parts, motor freshen, R&R, fabbing labour all accurately
listed. Low shop rate. That might offer a competitive alternative.

Real world: markup on parts. Labour not detailed. (Even if detailed,
most wouldn't likely know what to question should they choose to do
so. i.e. where does one find a "book" price on labour for this type of
swap?) Shop rate higher.

Not suggesting a shop is being sly or unethical doing the latter. It's
just business as they say.

Maybe a VW I4 swap could compete with a rebuilt WBX but as you infer,
they would lose money.

Personally I think it's a viable option for the right person/vehicle
but as we're fond of saying, YMMV.    :)

Neil.

-- 
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines

-- 
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines