Club 80-90 Forums

First post..here goes. Bought a 1990 Caravelle last year and while I anticipated a few issues on an older vehicle, so far these have included a full rebuild on its 5 speed box, new fuel tank, lines filters etc, leaking drive shaft (see rebuilt box), and the gearstick snapped off just above the floor. Quite entertaining driving home with a 3" stick! Now the exhaust is shot.
The van is fitted with a 1.9 DG engine and being one of the last off the line in Germany the van is very presentable and stands in pretty good condition. Here the dilemma begins. The tacho is showing 127K and has shown this on many of the previous MOT`s dating back some time. How much longer she`ll keep going is as always an unknown quantity but she chugs along pretty well for an old girl at the moment.
I digress. Not sure whether to spend more cash as she stands, which is or course inevitable or consider engine replacement now as exhaust replacement does not seem a straightforward or cheap job. Being a late van, do I retrofit and earlier system (cheaper), or go for a Speedshop stainless system which I can always take off if the worse comes to the worst OR do I fit a newer motor and if so what?
Any advice, help or condolences gratefully received.

Presently you don't think the engine has problems - nice and positive attitude, well done. But you're thinking of an alternative engine which leads me to think you may have a few pounds left over to invest in the van, correct? If so, why not give the engine a birthday and have it inspected/serviced by someone knowledgable before committing any further. It may turn out to be money well spent if nobody has serviced it properly in a few years. Where are you located?

A stainless system is a sound investment and will be one less thing to concern yourself with, there'll always be something else to attend to or spend money on.

Hi and thanks for the reply. The engine is certainly high-mileage and how high is unknown which is what has prompted me to consider a replacement. Everything wears out eventually!
As regards further investment that seems unavoidable at the moment, I just sought a judgement from people in the know and I appreciate the advice so thank you.
The van is down in North Devon and we have a few specialists in this part of the world but again, always willing to learn something new and take advice. Can I ask if you have any views on the Speedshop exhaust? I had considered it purely on a price comparison basis.

Speed shop have very good reviews by a few on here. My own may even be a ss system but I've forgotten what is!! I bought off someone that had fitted it to their van and never started it, basically it was brand new but virtually half the price. They do come up second hand and in very good condition ( which they should be because they're stainless),

Worse case scenario and your engine needs replacing, you have several options which vary tremendously in price. My option, (I believe mine to be high mileage engine,pulling very strong but not getting any younger), was to buy a known dg to put away in case I ever need it which I haven't thus far. You could do the same, better look now rather than be forced into it after your engine has gone downhill. You could look to upgrade to a 2.1 - this may, I say MAY share the same exhaust (others will clarify) which would mean that you could reuse the stainless exhaust.

Witch money in the bank and the engine running ok I'd be booking in for a service and an exhaust renewal. Is the van a 'keeper', where's the pics of it?

I`ll keep an eye out for 2nd hand and try and post a few pics as you request. Thanks again for taking the time to reply and I`ll have a specialist give it the once over before I start spending any further. Cheers.
Meantime, if anyone else out there has an exhaust system cluttering up the shed......

There's a very knowledgable chap down your neck of the woods called Elvis, message him and see if he knows of the specialist that you mention. No offence intended but it's always worth getting a second opinion of specialists when it comes to working on old vehicles. In my opinion a specialist is someone that knows a particular type of vehicle inside out rather than just a heap of experience working on lots of different vehicles. Read up on exhaust renewal and broken studs - don't be alarmed, a specialist will take it in their stride if they encounter this problem on your van.