I'm in a similar position that the OP is in.

I'd suggest that if the the OP has any hankering to enjoy doing a
rebuild or is somehow
tied to idea of keeping things "all VW" or similar, I'd think twice.

As much as I'd enjoy the challenge of learning how to rebuild a WBX,
(and possibly maintain resale value of van) for me,
a DIY VW engine swap just makes more sense.
But if one is already "rich" in WBX spare parts, then rebuilding may
make more sense.

A link to a 1.9 rebuild done by a (somewhat I think) engine building newb.
His engine is still running AFAIK.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=589769&highlight=

But here's just one reason I'd consider a DIY swap. From that thread:

"The cleaning and crank work cost $240 - about half cleaning and half
crank work. Canadian dollars, so, about $220 in USD."

image

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1194040.jpg

On 7/17/16, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:

> Your bearings are shot, which means a full rebuild or engine
> swap/conversion.

> The 1.9 isn't as prone to throwing rods as the 2.1 is, but it can once you
> start hearing rod knock.
> Drive carefully, but a new engine is in your near future, it's waving the
> red flag!  Rebuild it while you still (hopefully) have a rebuildable core.

--
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>