Refurbed engine, anyone used these guys

[Bluemagicmarker]

Looking for a recon unit 2.0 Aircooled for my '81 T3 and installation.

Looked at the theengineshop.info - anyone used them?

or these guys off ebay who are cheaper?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/reconditioned ... SwWTRW0Hwt" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ChrisTriple]

It looks to my like elite vw, some really bad reviews and some OK ones. I had my engine from them 10000 miles ago and not had a problem but reading more about it I was one of the very few lucky ones. Search elite vw on here and you'll find all sorts

[Ian Hulley]

I now have 2 Elite recon engines ... mine on 80+ thousand miles and the other on a lot less. Nothing to report so far.

Ian.

[bigherb]

For Aircooled TES would be the better option and then spec what you want like new piston and barrels rather than just new pistons and hydraulic tappets rather than solid.
What is actually wrong with yours they are not always needing a new engine.

[ChrisTriple]

I now have 2 Elite recon engines ... mine on 80+ thousand miles and the other on a lot less. Nothing to report so far.

Ian.

You can't say that's bad in any way. I'm happy with mine, the service was good the price was as quoted.

Some people get annoyed when the cost goes up, but that tends to be because of the condition of the van in the first place.

[Ian Hulley]

Some people get annoyed when the cost goes up, but that tends to be because of the condition of the van in the first place.

Let's be honest here ... What doesn't go up in price once you start doing a job ? Quite possibly the engine died for a non-engine reason ... cooling system being a favourite for example. As a supplier I would never fit a new engine to iffy parts, there is things like the water pump (you wouldn't refit the old one would you ?) pipes and hoses .. people forget how expensive these are WHEN they are available even. A clutch ... would you refit a 1/2 worn clutch ? Would you replace the engine mounts ? I tend to. There is the cost of anti-freeze, oils etc. Ditto bits of exhaust plus the usual things that snap off.

Ian.

[ChrisTriple]

Agreed 100%

You have to go into these things with your eyes wide open and I've found always expect the worst especially with one of these campers. Oh and not forgetting deep deep pockets.

Since owning mine we have shelled out a small fortune getting her mechanically sound always using the best parts it's not worth skimping with a motor this age. I'm now at a stage with her I'd be happy to take her anywhere.

[Bluemagicmarker]

.....great informations thanks everyone, yes looks like they are Elite you are correct. I have two knackered pistons, buy time labour and new parts I'm not far off their quoted price. see below. Still waiting for price back from TES.Will report back.

"Hi the engine is as shown in the picture with a colour of your choice.
the engine is almost the same as the engine shop, we supply the oil filter and oil filter head as well.plus we do not surchage as we deliver and collect at the same time in our own vehicles.
the engine cost £1050 fitting cost £300 and all engines are sold as an exchange
many thanks for your enquiry"

[Bluemagicmarker]

TES came back with

"2lt Air Cooled replacement units are £1849 inc VAT exchange
If there is any further information you need then please contact us"

Just need to work out if they are worth the extra £500 as opposed Elite

[kevtherev]

If the TES engines come with a build sheet then yes.
Otherwise it would be elite for me

[Sir Brixalot]

My thread on Elite has disappeared but they fitted five engines all of which failed, the sixth was checked over and fitted by a specialist on her and has done 5k now. One engine seized within minutes just up the road and Elite didn't come out to help. I had to wait hours for AA and a tow back. They lost my keys and had to fit new locks and straightaway the ignition stopped working properly, they told me to go to a garage in New Cross who would fix it free, but I got charged. I made several trips down to collect the van to find the work hadn't been done or the engine sounded terrible. I broke down repeatedly all over the country, often on motorways with my young children on board and not one of the engines made it to 1,000 miles. MY van had bits of other engines stored in it. Others on here have similar tales. I get the feeling from the feedback on here that the older Mick did a decent job but he's retired. If Elite are so good why do they trade on Ebay under so many different names?

Pay the money and use one of the recommended specialists on here and then be able to enjoy the van without worrying about breaking down

[captain Byrne]

I second any slagging off of Elite - bunch of lying muppets. They still owe me money I was promised ages ago. Wouldn't trust them as far as I can waz.

[Bluemagicmarker]

Turns out fitting not included with TES price **Sorry, but the price quoted is just for supply only, we have no fitting service**

"2lt Air Cooled replacement units are £1849 inc VAT exchange
If there is any further information you need then please contact us"

Just need to work out if they are worth the extra £500 as opposed Elite[/quote]

[Bluemagicmarker]

Hmm, like you say, why do Elite trade under another name on ebay.

Where can I find a list of Engine Specialists on here anyone?

[300CE]

These chaps are based in Catford:

http://www.thevwenginecompany.com/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;