This is precisely why my next engine will be a Subaru. For the $16k you were quoted you could have had one installed instead of the GW engine.  GW won't warranty their engines if they fail because of a cooling system failure, that's why the shop quoted so high a price.  I'll bet they also did Subie conversions and were trying to push you towards that!

I had  2.1 rebuilt by NW Con Rod in 2000 for $2000 and the rings never seated, so it burned a quart every 400 miles.  Jerry re-did it under warranty, but I had to do two R & R's. I sold that van six years later. I'm done with WBX's and NW Con Rod too. I think they can build a decent engine some of the time, the problem is the obsolete piece of junk and questionable parts they are working with. 

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Grant Johnson
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2016 4:28 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: User Input: Oval's Motorsport Rebuilt Engines

I researched them recently in trying to figure out what to do with my syncro Westy. I ended up having NW ConRod build me a 2.2. $3500 for the long block, plus balancing, install, and all the stuff that was no good, etc... I just finished the break -in period so can't comment on longevity.
I'd install it myself if I was to do it over again though... Even with the slightly more powerful motor, this thing is a dog. A local vanagon specialty shop here wouldn't put a GW motor in without completely overhauling my entire cooling system with nothing but stainless and silicone for a grand total of approximately 16k though! No way.......

On Monday, May 2, 2016, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:

> $2800 for a stock 2.1 with AMC heads is a bit high around here.  
> Should be able to get a 2.2 or 2.3 for around that.  Looks like a 
> quality rebuild, I'd ask if the crappy AMC valves were replaced and if 
> anything was done to the case, like stud replacement or machining.  I 
> think you are right about miles on any WBX rebuild, 100k or so if you are lucky.
>
> Stuart
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com 
> <javascript:;>] On Behalf Of Neil N
> Sent: Monday, May 02, 2016 2:49 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <javascript:;>
> Subject: User Input: Oval's Motorsport Rebuilt Engines
>
> Hi all.
>
> With all due respect to parties concerned, I know one "gets what they 
> pay for"
> but re this ad:
>
> https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ptd/5559218737.html
>
> googling phone number led me to Oval's. Searched that name in 
> archives, got no hits.
>
> Anyone running one of these engines? Input welcome, p-mail is fine.
>
> For someone who might not put a LOT of miles on their bus, this might 
> be good value.
>
> Neil.
>
>
> --
> Neil n
>
> Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>
>
> 1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>
>
> 1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical 
> <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>
>
> Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>
>