the Engine Shop Big Bore WBX

[Dubmaster77]

Hi!
Im thinking about engines as my little ends need looking at some time in the near future.
I did think about the default subaru conversion and am not against it, But this motor seems quite appealing.

http://www.theengineshop.info/acatalog/ ... _2200.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It would keep the van VW and be a good base for further tuning in the future, Im thinking Mega squirt/ LPG,
Has any one fitted one, I have heard some horror stories about the company, Google The Engine Shop and see the VZI thread which appears next on the list!!!!!!!!!!!!! But.... i have worked in the motor industry for many years and know mistakes and unforseen problems can arise and the thread evens out with some good feedback after reading it all the way through.

Are there any other UK based guys who could build a similar engine for similar bucks?
Thanks in advance.

[jmdlister]

In the end, whoever builds it, it's still a WBX. The more I look at mine, with water dripping from at least 4 places (including both heads), and with more water pipes/connections than I can count, the more inclined I am to go for the Subaru option. I've spoken to a few VW guys who say that the WBX is a great engine if properly built and maintained, and I'm sure there's some truth in this, but after extensive searching on this and other forums, it seems that there are at least some bad experiences with just about every builder of WBX engines.

I'm pretty well committed to going the Subaru route now. I'm sure it won't be entirely straightforward, but I'm more confident that it will be the best solution in the long run.

James

[toomanytoys]

The wbx isnt such a bad engine.. but it has it faults.. and crappy refurbs have done nothing for its reputation..
Personally after having an engine biult by a "proffessional" I'm never going to hand over hard earned cash to anyone but me and one other person for another WBX.. (I built the one in the syncro and have 2 more on the go at present) The Syncro one has been in 2 years now and has done some hard work.. (latest was 2500km round trip to central france fully loaded at 4.5 tons GTW on the autoroutes at 60 mph) it wasnt built with loads of new parts either.. it doesnt leak oil or water... or burn it..

As for those "big bore" engines.. I cannot comment on what work and what kit is being used as I dont know..... I can only comment on what parts/kits I know are available to buy.... and they need modifications to make it work properly.. bolting it in works, but isnt ideal...

IMHO....
Standard no messing... I would stick to a std DJ or MV spec 2.1 engine.. this is a good upgrade in power from a 1.9 even when using the carb etc...

If you are prepared to spend the time and money on Microsquirt etc.. then spend the money more wisely and do the subaru conversion.. even a 2L scoob will out perform a wbx....

Why havent I scoobed?? well.. couple of good reasons.. becuase neither of my T25's are campers.. insurance is a bit more of a git.....

[Dubmaster77]

I'm currently running a 2.1 DJ just needs a refresh..... Scoob is the next option. Seems like a lot of money though,
Mine does not leek oil, it's just noisy.... In a bad way! Might just run it till it pops!

[Dubmaster77]

What do you mean by bolting it in?? Excuse my ignorance!

[toomanytoys]

Just installing the big bore kit that is....