There is now a factory rebuild available in the market from VW So. Africa. It is
a little better equipped then the VWOA engine. Engine comes with a new water
pump, t-stat, and a new genuine oil filter. Engines are built to VW Kassel specs
and built with German parts from Kassel. You can contact H&H Distributors
directly if you are a wholesale account or ask for a distributor in your area. 1
800 333 PART (7278). They also have the Vanagon 2.0 liter engine with new German
oil cooler included from VW S. Africa. I have seen the product and it is
beautiful stuff. Yes, this does benefit me, although I do not work for H&H.

john silverman wrote:

> Our 90 syncro westy (Vic) seems to be developing a head gasket leak at 80k
> miles.  Independent garages have quoted me about $800-950 for the job.  The
> VW dealer quoted me about $1200.  This brings up several ??s:
>
> Any advantage to having the dealer do the job?
>
> At what point should one consider a complete rebuild, or a VWoA Rebuilt
> engine (about $2250 plus labor)? (or perhaps anyone elses rebuild?)
>
> Without an engine swap, are there any performance upgrades worth doing to
> boost power (I recall seeing within the last few months an ad for an outfit
> in Oregon that could boost power with an engine rebuild, and someone was
> going to check into this...any word?)
>
> Are there any other jobs (eg preventative maintenance, fuel lines, anything
> else) that should be done while the biggie job of head gaskets is being done?
>
> Thanks...
> John
> SLC