In a message dated 10/13/98 12:02:18 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
Westys4evr@AOL.COM writes:

<< Feel like I should jump in here in defense of  our German engineers-I
haven't
 yet heard anyone telling about the GOOD luck they have had with the original
 engines!  I personally service and have owned several very high mileage
 waterboxers. One,a '91 with 180K dependable miles (ORIGINAL head gaskets-no
 leaks!), an ' 85 with 190K,same dependability and original gaskets, a
previous
 personally owned ' 84 Westy with 180K,still doing great, and now my current '
 87 Syncro Westy with 253K,gaskets replaced at 150,and still running great
with
 minimal oil usage!! I am SURE there must be others out there in this group.
 The point is,almost ANY modern engine will go 250K if it has regular and
 proper maintenance. Take care of these  boxers and they will last as well as
 any asian engine. Regular oil and coolant changes with the best filters and
 fluids are the key. Good luck to all!

 Karl

  >>
I agree with you Karl. I have 138K on my engine with no problems.  It runs as
good as new. It's been properly serviced and maintained, thanks to the fact
that I also specialize in VW also. Personally if I were to do an engine swap
with something other than a waterboxer, I would use an engine from the Audi,
Porsche or VW family. See ya. Michael
 87 syncro
 87 quattro