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Subject:Re: '85 vanagon rebuild or burn?
From:Mark B. Magee
Date:Fri, 14 Feb 1997 15:52:52 -0600

Rik Santos wrote:
> 
> Howdy all-
> 
> New guy on the list and I've got a question that's half scaring me to death.
> I've got an 85 vanagon, she's apporaching the 120,000 mark and signs of wear
> are begining to show.  My family and I -love- this vehicle.  Our original
> thoughts were to rebuild it from top to bottom, but as we (or rather, I :)
> look for information about taking on such a task nothing positive is turning
> up.  Our mechanic has advised against (for no reason other than the head
> problem which isn't showing up -yet-) and all literature I find about fixing
> up vw's are geared toward aircooled engines.  I guess what I need is to
> hear some good, positive experiences with rebuilding watercooled engines.
> Unless, of course, all of them are negative, but I suppose I need to hear
> that as well.  Thanks!
> 
> Rik
Rik,
Contact Kennedy engineering and put a Subaru 4 cyl engine in, 140 HP and
looks similar to VW 2.1 liter. Parts available and cheap. I have your
exact sentiments and will do this rather than rebuild this engine due to
lack of parts support from VW.
Regards
Mark B. Magee
87GL 78K