Club 80-90 Forums

ash1293 wrote:Firstly - I am not endorsing the following link but does anyone know anything about this selelr?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/vwfan27?_trk ... 7675.l2559

Touch wood the VW recon/recycled unit in our van has been fine so far but there is always the question at the back of our minds that says what if..... We've toyed with diesel conversions (even non vw) and the usual subaru however we would be inclined to go down the 2.1 route and just run with the ancillaries and carb from ours.
Noticed the above seller a few weeks back and now the question has been raised I thought I'd share and ask on here. Although registered as a business the address supplied on ebay appears to be a residential property so does not appear to give any clues.

These are Elite. Same company, same cowboys, and you'd be advised to steer well clear.
Oh.. and their 100% rating on ebay. Out of 71 transactions, over 60 are purchases, and only 5 are engine sales, and one of those is a negative where the customer says 'Lots of phone calls and messages, over 3 weeks since purchase. No engine!!!!

Not that long ago, I was in a similar situation, looking at the cost of replacement engines. As it turned out, my engine wasn't dead, but that's another story.
My problem turned out to be down to my stupid self, and I didn't need a new engine after all.
But before I knew that, I posted on here about new/rebuilt engines, and was weighing up the best way to go.
I also spoke to my local VW classic garage (ie. the one that looks after my van, and spotted my schoolboy error).
He told me that he had fitted many replacement engines, and that he always bought the Vege engines from JustKampers.
I know JK haven't got the best name on here, but they don't rebuild these engines themselves - they buy them in.
If I had needed a new engine, then I would probably have gone with his advice.
They're not a total rebuild, but they are a cheaper solution to the problem. I'd probably have paid a bit more for the new heads option.
So no, it's not first hand experience, just me relating what my trusted garage recommended.

VEGE used to use lots of silicone sealant, taken two VEGE engines appart with it, both with broken ( not rusted) studs possibly because of the sealant causing uneven torque.

All low cost rebuilds are a gamble the hours along to do this propely exceeds the price they are asking.

The one company we like the sound of is the VW engine company anyone heard of them I'll send a link

They do a drive in drive out and take your old engine too. Reasonably priced. Zero stress, just need a cheque book

Be warned, 'fitted' has to allow for the extras you will/may need, especially if the supplier is placing a warranty on the unit ... for example they will fit a new clutch, engine mounts, new water pump, possibly other pipes and hoses, radiator, oil, filters, coolant etc etc ... basically anything they consider MAY endanger their guaranteed engine ... this will add considerably to a 'supplied' price.

Elite or whatever they masquerade as these days are to be avoided, full stop. I have an 'old' Elite engine but our's is very much the exception to the rule (remanufactured back in 'The Micks' days using customer-supplied all new parts and under instruction from the expert).

VEGE are as Paul say's hit or miss budget rebuilders using silicone instead of seals at times and comedy quality formerly appreciated parts.

Ian

Thank you for all this feedback it’s keeping us going in the rather horrible time. We have a guy in kenilworth bob at vauxhouse to fit the engine once we get one so we were looking at the VW engine company to buy the engine and taking it to bob to fit as we trust him to do an honest job and tell us what els needs replacing in the process

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

This is the link these guys aren't posing as that elite engines are they

It's something I dread having to do on ours and hope the day is a long time away. However, are you fixed on the same type of engine, or would you look at alternate engines? We have a very reputable and experienced company in Manchester that specialise in Subaru engine swaps in VW's, for example? I know this may well be frowned upon but I can see a lot of positives to a more modern and efficient engine.

But in “non” Diesel engine swaps, what is the most efficient in mpg? Not including lpg


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I spoke to these guys last year when my engine blew, long story in that the JX head I bought from Brickwerks needed to be a 1V head which are like gold dust. He gave the same solution that my mechanic came up so it was all really helpful stuff with a bit if hole filling.

I think AW engineering appear in a few threads on here and seem well represented. Have a look at their ebay link and see if it's option.

http://vwenginerecon.co.uk/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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sarahandthebear wrote:http://thevwenginecompany.com/index.html

This is the link these guys aren't posing as that elite engines are they

No, these aren’t anything to do with Elite. They were at the VW show at Sandown Park this year and are based in Catford whereas Elite are in Essex (I have an elite recon btw).

I had 5 in just over a year. I'd heard in the past that Elite did engines for them and other VW engine suppliers but ties have since ceased