Recon engines?

[nonny112i]

What do people think are the best recon engines? I need a 2.1 wasserbox do company's do part exchange on your old engine to get money off a recon one?

Thanks for any help
Cheers Jonny

[ghost123uk]

This where most folks on here go for engines = http://www.elitevw.com/products.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Most seem happy with their products and service

Yes they need your old motor to px.

Mind you, you did say "best" and that means going to a specialist builder, usually not a big commercial outfit as the costs would not make it viable commercially. Some folks on here build "best" engines (for their own use usually) and reckon in the region of £3K is needed to build a proper top spec recon WBX engine.

That said, as I say, most folks are very happy with Elite. They have a good reputation with regard to their guarantee too, which is nice

[kevtherev]

Elite engines are not reconditioned in a way you might interpret.
they are replacement engines that have been made usable with some new and used parts .
Very good value for money.

[billy739]

lots of companies , lots of results.

i think there are good and horror stories from most companies.

a bit of a pot luck deal.

anyone done 12000 miles in a year on a recon engine? i doubt it. but im sure thers one.


before your engine blew , how ofter did you change the oil , and antifreeze? and did you use the correct grades?

[kit]

Elite engines are not reconditioned in a way you might interpret.
they are replacement engines that have been made usable with some new and used parts .
Very good value for money.

I did not know that, I have just recommended them to a friend based on what folk said on here?

[Ian Hulley]

anyone done 12000 miles in a year on a recon engine? i doubt it. but im sure thers one.

We've done 58 thousand in the 4 years since we fitted our's ... only 11,000 last year IIRC. Oil changes 3-4,000 miles, fresh anti-freeze everytime a component has required changing

Ian

[waltraud]

I have had an Elite recon, so have two mates, all were seduced by the cheap price and apparently satisfied customers. I would not use them again, you get what you pay for, their engines are not reconditioned but perhaps refurbished second-hand units so you could expect them to last less time. I have a VW re-conditioned unit and its lasted years. I'd say personally at this moment try to get one from either Laurie Petit if he still does them or Marco Mansi- Good luck. If you are mechanical or have a friend who likes rust, swearing and dirt then go for a Gti conversion.

[Ian Hulley]

I'd say personally at this moment try to get one from either Laurie Petit if he still does them

Others may disagree quite strongly.

[kevtherev]

good for you!
There's nothing wrong with Elite engines for what you pay

Reconditioned engines are much more involved and have a lot of new or re worked internal parts, reground valves, new guides, pushrods, rings, new bores or deglazing, new mains, oil pump all bearings and so on.
generally reconditioned engines come with a build list (new parts)

some do this very badly and the engine fails very quickly..

is petit still alive

[bikermike87]

Unless your in a real hurry, maybe look out for breaker or a cheap van with a good engine!

You might get to run the engine first, carry out compression tests and get some history about it.

You don't need to exchange your old engine, so you could have a shed full of parts or sell them (or like me, learn abit about the engine).

Elite and other places seem like really good value for money and can get the job done quickly with minimal fuss.

Going down the break route, was a bit of a hassle, but it was great for me.

MMmmm I do love a good 2.1 Flat 4

[waltraud]

OK, perhaps you get what you pay for but my personal experience was rubbish, they used to supply Megabug until they opened up one of said engines to find it was a 'bitsa' this and that, so for some they will last and have some good components whilst others will be opposite and disapointed. You certainly can't build an engine with many of the essential new parts for the money they charge- not that i've got cash to fritter on a fancy £1600- lump from remtec/vege etc, just an engine that works for now.....good luck in any case. My particular situation led to a very serious engine fire with dire consequences.

[waltraud]

If Laurie Petit is dead it could explain any reliability issues with his engine
Have to say my experience was some years back with an air cooled twin port 1600 though! Anyone used Marco mansi, he had a 'sale' a while ago-

[Plasticman]

Ive had this discussion lately regarding what constitutes a recon lump. there isnt a definative answer, I rebuild enginers but not for customers anymore, well not for 10-15 years, but a lump needs taking down and measured and assesed, then everything that is suspect or fails to meet specs is replaced /reground whatever, the whole rotational package is dynaamicaly balanced, and the enginer carefully rebuilt,there is just so much work involved but they last as long as a factory unit , horses for courses. my van i bought with a recent vege lump showing 4k, with a bill of £1500 to supply and fit, now done 45k and save for a set of glows and servicing is running as sweet as could be.
mm

[Ian Hulley]

If Laurie Petit is dead

Laurie Petit is very much alive, unlike his customer services department it would appear.

I can only comment on Elite via my own experience with a DJ 'reconditioned' by them, which is what I've always done. "50,000 miles and nothing to report" etc

I've seen inside a dead Vege 'reconditioned' 1.9 wbx engine with 200 miles on the clock with the components of one bank all written on in permanent marker pen 'Good Side' that's a head, 2 barrels & 2 pistons. The engine case was covered in bodges done either by Vege or the garage near Buxton which fitted it into an elderly customer's (rotten) pride & joy. I've also seen several failed ones which had cooling systems which were all blocked up with blue silicone sealant.

Ian

[waltraud]

If only engines were as reliable as the weather.......or old vans, or the economy...