If your van is ready for both engine and transmission that if often the sign
that most of the support systems are also at their end of life. That said
you really need to consider your long term plans for the vehicle and the
long range finances that will go with it. As for a rebuild itself even the
Go Westy stuff is based on an existing engine block that will have some
level of wear and repair done to it. While some will disagree with me you
need to decide if more HP is worth not only the added cost up front but he
long term effects that will go with it. Even just the increase in the cost
of premium, fuel needs to be considered.

Since you have an 85 any engine upgrade should include going to the 86 and
later cooling system and exhaust system. The throttle body is also larger to
allow a bit more air flow. The 85 fuel and ignition system will support a
2.1 with no problem. I don't know about the GW upgraded engines but I would
think a fuel delivery upgrade would be needed for the larger engines to work
well.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Boan
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2014 2:50 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Rebuilt engine

I am getting ready to buy a rebuilt engine for my '85 Westy, and am looking
seriously at the Go Westy 2300 1.9L.  I would appreciate any comments from
anyone who has experience with this engine, and any ideas about this versus
going for the 2300 for the 86-91 model years.

I am also considering having the shop that does the install also rebuild the
transaxle at the same time, or perhaps getting the Go Westy rebuilt
transaxle.  I am assuming it makes sense to do both the engine and the
transaxle at the same time (they have 225,000 miles and never rebuilt).  I
welcome anyone with suggestions on that idea and/or experience with the Go
Westy transaxle.

Thank you

David Boan

Wheaton, IL