So, About my question.  Is it an April 1 joke that a local VW dealer did an engine swap on a 85 Vanagon in 2023?

True! 

Some background.  The Engine Dennis built was amazing in many ways.  And probably only needs a new set of rings and cylinders to be solid.  But, it had low compression and was burning oil and needed care.

Dennis is already doing major work on other vans so he kindly offered to send me a new 2.3 motor that could be changed out.  He would then pick up his engine later. 

        A local vintage VW enthusiast is also a master mechanic and is connected to a NH VW dealer. 

        They worked out the timing with Dennis and then with me.  During a lull in work at the dealership they picked up the 85 changed out the motor and sent it back to me. 

        I’m now breaking in and finding small things to fix, but so far the change over looks very well done and the engine seems pleasantly strong.

So, April fools joke?  No!  It really happened.

Eric Caron 
85 Westfalia 
84 Westfalia 

> On Apr 1, 2023, at 1:33 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
> 
> So, 
> 
>        My 85 needed some major work done.  It would take knowledge from 30 years ago to complete. 
> 
> A nearby VW Dealer sent someone to pick it up.  They took it to the dealership and completed the work in about 5 days.  This included changing the motor. 
> 
> They then delivered it back to me. 
> 
> No charge for the pick up and drop offs  and a very modest hourly rate for the work. 
> 
> Van seems to be running great though I need to finish the break in and go over it for any details missed. 
> 
> So, is this true or an April fools joke?
> 
> Eric Caron 
> 85 and 84 Westfalia