If I wasn't living in a condo with no garage, I would have gone a different
route. Heck, after circling the Olympic Peninsula this last weekend, and
struggling up the hills, I'm already thinking a different route. I can't
say that I think a 2.2 WBX is a good route for a syncro Westy. My current
train of thought is that when I move next month, hopefully to a place with
a workspace, I might piece together what I need for a DIY Subaru or VW
in-line 4 conversion, and sell my low mileage 2.2 WBX. Lesson learned. I
know I'll lose money on the deal, but I'll still come in at far less than
the 15k I almost paid Small Car.

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

> 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
> <javascript:;>] On Behalf Of Grant Johnson
> Sent: Monday, May 02, 2016 4:28 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <javascript:;>
> 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
> <javascript:;>> 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:;>
> > <javascript:;>] On Behalf Of Neil N
> > Sent: Monday, May 02, 2016 2:49 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <javascript:;> <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>
> >
>
>