Date:         Wed, 10 Jan 2001 15:44:05 EST
Reply-To:     Greg Rich <greg4vwparts@USA.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Greg Rich <greg4vwparts@USA.NET>
Subject:      Re: [Re: Rough Cost of Engine Rebuild??]
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Are you guys crazy???
I had my engine rebuilt at a machine shop for under $1000 Canadian funds ($700
US) parts and labour for rebuild (I installed). I got new rings, all bearings,
heads redone, cylinder deglazing, all seals and gaskets, waterpump, pushrods
tubes, hydraulic lifters, etc. It was a light rebuild, no problems with the
engine before other then a waterleak.
I also did the oxygen sensor $25, exhaust $300, throttle switches,
cap/rotor/wires, coil, engine mounts, clutch kit, release bearing, altenator,
two v-belts, temp sensors, oil pressure switch, wiring/grounds, tested
injectors, thermostat, hoses, etc
There is no reason for an expensive rebuild, it is a simple gas engine like a
Beetle engine. Parts are cheap at VW specialists online and at autoparts
stores. No special tools were needed, but if the heads are pitted some extra
work is required. I see no reason to spend so much, or I really would consider
repowering it! I also fail to see "so much can go wrong", it is a motor, and
machine shops rebuild them day after day. If you think thses engines are bad,
try rebuilding a diesel engine that is expected to get a million miles, now
that is expensive!

Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET> wrote:
> $2500 and up for stock specs to do it right, more than twice that for
> the "full Lilley".  This means new AMC heads, lifters, 1.25 ratio
> rockers, high volume oil pump, bearings, and all parts that need
> machining machined and all rusty studs replaced.  Somewhat less if you
> use rebuilt heads, but that doesn't save much.

Add to the above the ancillary items that you may want to replace while the
engine is out: like exhaust pipes, coolant hoses, fuel hoses, clutch, and

even higher transmission gearing if you increase horse power significantly.

> There is so much that can go wrong with these rebuilds that I strongly
> recommend using a professional rebuilder like Bob Donalds or others that
> specialize in the WBX and get a warranty.

My understanding is that Boston Bob is in the process of developing a 'half
Lilley' offering that may be available soon.

Bill

> --
> Stuart MacMillan
> Seattle
>
> '84 Vanagon Westfalia w/2.1
> '65 MGB (Daily driver since 1969)
> '74 MGB GT (Restoring sloooowly)
>
> Assisting on Restoration (and spending OPM):
> '72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
> '64 MGB (Son's)
>
> Stripped and gone but their parts live on:
> '68 MGB, '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT
>


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