> I am considering to rebuild the engine of my 83 westy... I was a bit
> shocked by the price tag of more than $1200 for a piston/cylinder set.
> I checked around aftermarket and was given a price of $350
> for a set by Moly. They told me it's the OEM liner. But is made in
> Brazil. I was also quoted $650 for the same brand but made in Germany.
> I have to be skeptical about this. Could anyone comment on this?

Yes, your Vanagon came from the factory with Mahle pistons/cylinders,
although they were the German made ones.  To be fair, most of the Brazilian
made Mahle P&C's that I've seen (speaking generally here, not specifically
Vanagon) appear virtually identical to the German ones (unlike the
Brazilian Cofap sets, which do not).  The brand's reputation is excellent,
and I would personally feel fairly safe with Mahle P&C's from either
country.

However, the last time I sent a set of GERMAN-made Mahle 1.9L
pistons/cylinders to a customer I only charged him $399. I'd have to make
sure the price hasn't gone up (I'm at home right now), but $650 seems a bit
excessive.

-Ron Salmon
 The Bus Depot
 http://www.busdepot.com