That’s a very low mileage van which leads me to believe you don’t drive it a great deal each year. More local camping?  If so, then air cooled is probably good enough.  I’d just replace the head(s) and use rest of money for camping :). If you are planning a long trip or retiring soon and planning longer trips then engine upgrade may be in order.   How slow do you want to go?  We do fine with our 2.1, but I would be frustrated with an air cooled. Buts that’s me :)

Dan
Country Homes Camper, the Huckleberry Sky

> On Oct 1, 2020, at 11:27 AM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> You are thinking about 4 options:
> 1. rebuild your engine
> 2. get a rebuilt engine
> 3. watercooled WBX conversion
> 4. Subaru conversion
> 
> All you need to do is define your goal, what you want to have and how
> comfortable you are with your budget.
> 
> there's another option
> 5. sell it as is and get another one in any version you like - aircooled,
> WBX, Subaru and other engines too.
> 
> I'd think it's hard to make a decision based on someone's opinion... your
> question is not like seeking advice on how to repair this and that.
> 
> good luck,
> 
>> On Wed, Sep 30, 2020 at 8:04 PM Randy C <rcicoryell@msn.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I'd love to get some feedback on thoughts regarding my need for an engine.
>> 82 Air cooled,  Approx 175,000 miles on engine.  No compression in Cylinder
>> 1.  Need new cylinder head.  #1 I'm not really mechanically inclined.  My
>> mechanic gave me a quote to fix what I have for about $1,400 (including
>> products).  Bus depot has a air cooled for around $2,500.  Probably a grand
>> to have my mechanic through it in.  I know lots go to a water cooled maybe
>> Subaru conversion.   Anybody have thoughts on the price of a water
>> conversion?  I love my van and would like to keep it.  Any thoughts on a
>> wise direction to go?
>> 
>> Thanks for any help!
>> 
>> Randy
>>