On Tue, 22 Jun 1999, Brian W. Block wrote:
> Hello VW fans:
>
> I am new listmember, and owner of '83 vanagon (air cooled).  I am experiencing
> loss of compression from leakage around cylinder head.  Am considering going
> to the "six stud system" from Mark Stephens-- This includes oversize pistons
> and sleeves and two additional studs to bolt on cylinder heads for each side.
> I figure this should cure leaks and provide some additional hp as well.
> Does anyone have experience with this setup?  How well does it work?
>
> Regards,
>
> BWB

Hi Brian -- I have an '81 air cooled van, and rebuilt the engine a few
years ago.  Mark Stephens did the heads, just their 'standard' job,
including the groovy seats guaranteed not to fall into the combustion
chamber.  I spent a bit over $2200 on that rebuild, as I recall,
and while the engine has run great ever since, I sure wish some of
the current engine-swap options had been available/well-researched
then.

I really don't think much of the air-cooled engine.  It's loud,
generates a minimum of heat unless loads of money are invested in
new parts, gets lousy gas mileage (20 tops), and is gutless gutless
gutless!  On the other hand, there are diesel and gas alternatives
that are much more attractive and don't cost a whole lot more.
I would have preferred to spend 3000 and have more horsepower,
better gas mileage, and better reliability.

I'd strongly suggest looking at the Audi 5 if you're looking for
straight price-for-value at rebuild time, or maybe a 1.9L TD for
longer term savings (my preference).

Oh, and just so there is some actual information in this response,
Mark Stephens did quite a nice job on my heads and with good turn-
around time as well.  I'd recommend them, if you feel you must stick
with the air-cooled motor.

        Gary

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gary Shea                                       shea@xmission.com
Salt Lake City                      http://www.xmission.com/~shea