I've recently acquired a DoKa with a 3H gearbox and a JR engine. The gearbox needs rebuilding pretty urgently and the engine (of unknown mileage) is pretty smoky, although it's running okay.
I've considered the possibility of obtaining second-hand units, including the attractive AAZ. However, I'm tending towards having both engine and gearbox reconditioned for the following reasons:
1. the history of any second-hand part is at best hazy
2. I'd prefer to keep it stock
3. good second-hand 3H gearboxes aren't exactly plentiful.
4. I can afford it at the moment. Although it's not cheap, I'll be getting what I hope will be some degree of certainty as to the van's mechanics.
5. I don't want to put in second-hand units now, only for one or both to fail next year, say, as I'm cruising down the M5 with family and luggage on board in a freezing gale and pouring rain.
6. I need the van running as soon as possible.
I'm told that the JR originally came from a Mk2 Golf and that it's identical to the JX with the exception of having hydraulic tappets. Can anyone verify this and, more importantly, does anyone know whether this has any implications with regards using this unit in a van, when mated to a 3H gearbox?
Does anyone have any other advice as to which engine to settle on? I'm not especially bothered about speed but this will be our everyday vehicle as well as a long-term investment and, although I need it back on the road yesterday, I also need to be sure I'm doing the right thing.
Also, if it makes any difference, I'm thinking about running it on veg oil.
Thanks for reading
