Hi Stuart,

Wow!  Great info on the transmission.  That sounds like a very good improvement on a my nicely working but high miles transmission.  Does this do anything to address the high milage torque converter?

I’d like to learn more about the GW engines and I was leaning toward the 2.3. 

Keep this great info coming as I need to know what I don’t know!

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto 

> On Jul 31, 2019, at 5:27 PM, <stuartmacm@gmail.com> <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Eric,
> 
> Engine time comes for all of us sooner or later.  Go Westy sells reworked heads https://www.gowesty.com/product/cylinder-heads/3376/new-gowesty-amc-cylinder-head?v=  , If you opt for a GW 2.3 engine I doubt that you would get much of your core charge back for a 1.9 core, might not even be worth shipping it back.  German transaxle can Upgrade your tranny with a four gear Audi planetary gear (their "Turbo" upgrade, call to see if they have the parts) and also add a 3.27 ring and pinion, which lowers the cruising rpm a lot, about 800 rpm. I have it along with the turbo upgrade and it's great, much better on long trips!  https://www.germantransaxle.com/NEW-Ring--Pinion-Ratios-for-3-speed-Automatics.htm?m=97&s=698&&id=1394 
> 
> Stuart
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
> Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 7:52 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: What water boxer to replace my 1.9?
> 
> Hi folks,
> 
> Well it is time.  Even if the engine in my van comes to life it is clearly time to replace.
> 
> I don’t want to go the route of a different engine or engine swap.
> 
> I’m interested in a quality 2.1 or 2.2 engine.  Stronger if that is still in the reasonable original style engine category.
> 
> I’m asking for thoughts and tips on what may be out there for a strong engine.  I’ll start by looking over the GW options but I don’t really understand yet all that implies.
> 
> Though my engine is running many 1.9 supports such as the cooling system I do have the 2.1 Stainless GW muffler, a very nice oil cooler, cooling system on the Auto transmission. 
> 
> So I’m looking at dropping the 1.p and working with friends or a shop to put in the next engine. 
> 
> I’m also considering if I should send out the transmission for overhaul.  It seems to be working well but has about 155,000 miles on it. 
> 
> I’m wondering what they could do to improve my working transmission?
> 
> So, question is what water boxer   engine might you recommend?  A quality engine is my priority followed by price and warrantee. 
> 
> Transmission recommendations to go with that.
> 
> Later question, is what support equipment on the engine to keep using and what to replace. 
> 
> I’m counting on the list for direction!
> 
> Please, let's not talk other style engines in my request.  I’m determined to stick with an original VW Vanagon power plant.
> 
> Eric Caron 
> 85 GL Auto 
>