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Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 14 May 2026, 16:02
by 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.
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 14 May 2026, 16:18
by 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)
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 14 May 2026, 16:21
by fresco3000
R0B wrote: ↑14 May 2026, 16:18
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.
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 14 May 2026, 16:55
by R0B
I know Andrew comes onto the mainland to fit his engines.
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 14 May 2026, 17:59
by silverbullet
"water cooled 2000cc"
Whats one of those then? Engine code will tell all. Has it got a carburettor or is it efi?
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 15 May 2026, 07:50
by fresco3000
2ltr Wasser with carb
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 15 May 2026, 07:59
by R0B
fresco3000 wrote:2ltr Wasser with carb
VW didn't make a 2ltr water-cooled.
Methinks you mean the 2.1
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 15 May 2026, 08:03
by fresco3000
Yeah, I've been told. That's what it says on the V5.
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 15 May 2026, 08:07
by fresco3000
If going down the new engine route I'll obv opt for the 2.1
Any thoughts on repair versus new one?
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 15 May 2026, 11:18
by 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.
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 15 May 2026, 11:24
by fresco3000
R0B wrote: ↑15 May 2026, 11:18
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.
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 17 May 2026, 07:08
by 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
Re: Engine - Rebuild or Replace?
Posted: 17 May 2026, 11:50
by fresco3000
TwinTurbo wrote: ↑17 May 2026, 07:08
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.
