Engine - Rebuild or Replace?

[fresco3000]

So my engine bottom end has app gone, according to the RAC anyway.

Engine replacement prices appear to have gone up a fair chunk in the past 5 years.

My question: Should I opt for a rebuild or a new (reconditioned) engine?

Cost is the core issue at present.

And if anyone knows someone capable in central Scotland.

[R0B]

Andrew (campershack) Is an engine builder, and Is based on the Isle of Arran. He's the man to talk to. 07813324365
There is a place in Kent that supplies rebuilt engines. But I cannot recommend them. (I have my reasons)

 

[fresco3000]

Andrew (campershack) Is an engine builder,and Is based on the isle of Arran. Hes the man to talk to. 07813324365

Thanks Rob, I'm on the east coast so that's a bit out of the way.

[R0B]

I know Andrew comes onto the mainland to fit his engines.

[silverbullet]

"water cooled 2000cc"

Whats one of those then? Engine code will tell all. Has it got a carburettor or is it efi?

[fresco3000]

2ltr Wasser with carb 

[R0B]

2ltr Wasser with carb 

VW didn't make a 2ltr water-cooled.
Methinks you mean the 2.1

[fresco3000]

Yeah, I've been told. That's what it says on the V5.

[fresco3000]

If going down the new engine route I'll obv opt for the 2.1

Any thoughts on repair versus new one?

[R0B]

A rebuild will take many hours, and with the cost of man-hours involved, you will need very deep pockets. A rebuilt engine can cost anything up to £5000. Either way, it won't be cheap. And finding a good S/H engine is pretty hard nowadays.

[fresco3000]

A rebuild will take many hours, and with the cost of man-hours involved, you will need very deep pockets. A rebuilt engine can cost anything up to £5000. Either way, it won't be cheap. And finding a good S/H engine is pretty hard nowadays.

Cheers, just campers sell RC ones for around £4500 on a swap deal. Sounds like I'm better off going down that route. Just need a reputable mechanic to fit it for a fair price.

[TwinTurbo]

West cost of scotland is a lot closer than anywhere else. 

You won't fond a "New" 2.1

Not many people have any parts to rebuld a 2.1

Your realistic options are..

2.1 rebuilld idealy from Andy (maintains originaluty and Free MOT compliacnce )
1.9 PD swap ( Great improvement in reliabilit, torque, economy, but will loos e origniality and Free MOT Compliance )
2.x EJ Subaru Swap ( Retains a flat four, good petrol performance , looses originality , EJ's are becoming difficult on parts too. , Free MOT lost )

All can come i at a very similar cost..

Other options, 
find a good used 2.1 ( difficult )
Swap to a good used 1.9 DG. Getting hard to find, may need a rebuild, loss of 30+ BHP



 

[fresco3000]

West cost of scotland is a lot closer than anywhere else. 

You won't fond a "New" 2.1

Not many people have any parts to rebuld a 2.1

Your realistic options are..

2.1 rebuilld idealy from Andy (maintains originaluty and Free MOT compliacnce )
1.9 PD swap ( Great improvement in reliabilit, torque, economy, but will loos e origniality and Free MOT Compliance )
2.x EJ Subaru Swap ( Retains a flat four, good petrol performance , looses originality , EJ's are becoming difficult on parts too. , Free MOT lost )

All can come i at a very similar cost..

Other options, 
find a good used 2.1 ( difficult )
Swap to a good used 1.9 DG. Getting hard to find, may need a rebuild, loss of 30+ BHP

Thanks, will drop him a message.