Everything you wanted to know about vanagon engines but were afraid to ask. And a rant at the end.

I build a lot of these little engines. They're y far my favourite to build.

[@hadrianus2]

thanks for sharing this for the next generation vwT3 lovers. You convinced me to stay with the WBX on a single cab syncro in very original state I bought. I'm going to keep it original. Thanks again!

[@thelogfather5002]

You’re very welcome! I’m all about saving the waterboxer! All the best, Jeff.

[@mustardfj40]

OMG, nicely said! Now owning a nice Vanagon Westy but I also own a vintage Land Cruiser FJ40, I’d share this: About 20+ years ago, Land Cruiser owers were rushing to get rid of their simple but reliable engine to put in a Chevy 350… but now stock engine FJ are sought after and paid higher price. So true keep the stock engine and stay away from OPC which could be nightmare for the next owner with lots of WTF …

[@EL90291]

Great video, thank you for sharing totally agree with the “rant” (swap) at the end.

[@thelogfather5002]

You’re very welcome. Glad someone agrees with me! All the best, Jeff

[@pyronitro]

appreciate your talk. Thank You.

[@thelogfather5002]

Thanks for watching! Jeff. :)

[@scottbassman6092]

What a great video. I certainly appreciate your swap info at the end. When my 2.1 (87 Westy) needs a rebuild, I hope I can find you to do the job! Thanks for putting this info out there for all of us.

[@thelogfather5002]

Thanks for watching! It’s been a life long passion of mine. Where are you located?

[@danjamesking]

Likewise. I’m British exporting a westy to Rhode Island to begin my North American journey. Would love to bring my westy in during my trip. Some how only has 39,000kms on the motor so far since 88. I have an automatic 1.9wbx. Do you have a top 5 things to be wary off and must dos??

[@g.cooney6599]

Hi Jeff, Great content on all the topics you covered. I hope to see you this Summer in my DoKa. FAS is closing in on finishing the restoration and you're right up the street from them! Heartfelt, Accurate, VW Gospel! Looking forward to the next video!

[@thelogfather5002]

Thanks for watching George!

[@quickdogproductions]

Jeff, I normally don't watch these videos because they are way to superficial. However, I shared your video today to a Vanagon group because what you are saying about conversions is right on in my opinion. I love my 2.3L GW engine. I don't care what people think of GW. I love it. Do I wish I had more power. Who doesn't? But it's extremely reliable and that matters most. Good job!

[@stefdenis]

Good job on the video Jeff, interesting to see some of what went into my rebuild. Can't wait to hit the road this summer.

[@thelogfather5002]

I'm getting a shack wacky myself! I'm ready for good long trip!

[@samx9024]

Awesome vid. Thank you. I am closing on my first syncro next week. The info and advice you shared in this vid priceless. I watched it twice! Thanks again.

[@thelogfather5002]

Glad you got some use out it Sam! Entertaining education! lol

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Nice video Jeff!! Lots of work goes into rebuilding an engine and you have tons of experience and so you make it look pretty easy. Your skill level is off the chart buddy!! Thanks for sharing and take care!!

[@billmaclellan1282]

Great video, does not take long to learn that you know your stuff. Experience is a very valuable commodity. And, sound is much better on this video than on your outside videos, just saying 😉

[@francishagen8508]

Thanks 😊🇳🇴

[@thelogfather5002]

You’re very welcome!

[@Johnooot]

Great video Jeff. When you next rebuild an aircooled Vanagon, I'd love to see that rebuild.

[@thelogfather5002]

I only do a couple of those a year, not nearly as popular as they once were. Thanks for watching!

[@Johnooot]

@@thelogfather5002 And that is what will make it so special!

[@HubertusSchaper]

Hi Jeff, Nice vid and informative. I bought in 2014 a raw block VW T.2 / T3 1,6 TD JX factory overhauled with a new cylinder top All that I removed from my old engine did I rebuild on the overhauled block. I did drive my VW T3 ca 1000 K.and afterward I started the comåpleate restoration from my Singel Cab 1982.Water-cooled engine. Do you also diesel engines?? Hopefully, I`m driving my VW again once in the summer this year, keep up the good work greetings HCS.

[@thelogfather5002]

I’ve built quite a few diesels. Lots of JX and AAZ, a few early turbo diesels too. They’re very simple and reliable.

[@HubertusSchaper]

@@thelogfather5002, Their reliability is well known, that why m driving the JX engine that iI builds to a Turbo diesel with a 5-speed Transmission. so you do a great job to keep those fabulous VWready to hit the road again. enjoyable to follow your escapades on your channel.HCS

[@kirkkirchner2414]

How would one go about buying one of your rebuilt 2.2 engines? I am in California and refuse to do a swap, been looking at 2.2 engines from GW and fromm Rocky Jennings but love this video and love your dedication to the community. I would buy an engine from you in a minute............................

[@thelogfather5002]

Thanks for watching! Not sure exactly how to answer your question... I’m in Nova Scotia, so the best way would be to drive here and have us install it for you. Your dollar goes a whole lot further here in Canada than it would in the US... especially with regards to labour. We tried to ship engines to the US but it’s the border, customs and duty that makes it cost prohibitive. Gowesty’s engines are ok... I wouldn’t dismiss them, especially where you’re in their state. Pay for the extra warranty!

[@umitakbey8187]

would not a video of the whole process be great to have :)

[@umitakbey8187]

beautiful video !. Will try to drive up to canada 2k km to visit yoru workshop :)

[@thelogfather5002]

I’d make one if there were any interest

[@umitakbey8187]

@@thelogfather5002 i am sure there is.

[@westyfreedom9284]

Great Video! I have decided to attempt rebuilding my '87 WBX motor myself. Might be a bit foolish or over confident, but figured I need to fully understand this engine before we hit the road travelling for a year. Best way to learn is to get in there and do it, right? Purchased the AA Performance 2.2 piston kit for the job in hopes of the few extra horse power. I have my Bentley manual in hand and lots of nervous enthusiasm. Any words of advice to a cautiously optimistic fool before starting?

[@thelogfather5002]

It’s fairly straight forward, don’t force anything apart or together... measure everything according to Bentley, replace your rod bolts, buy a good quality assembly lube. Don’t assemble it unless you’ve got unencumbered time to finish it. Take lots of pictures as you take it apart, it’ll help you when you assemble it. ANd take some pictures of certain steps of assembly. Like when the bearings are set in the case, the rods are hung, the pistons and cylinders are in. Don’t forget your lifters and push rod tubes when you get excited to bolt your heads down. You don’t need as much sealer as you think. That’s about it! :) All the best, Jeff.

[@westyfreedom9284]

@@thelogfather5002 Thanks Jeff. I am really into it now! It's all disassembled and the case is split. Things look way better than I expected inside. I am going to get the connecting rods honed as I would like to balance the rods and pistons, but cannot find anywhere to buy some new rod bolts. Any suggestions on a supplier?

[@TheTulerie]

What kind of power increase do you see with the AA pistons big bore kit on the 1.9? I have another engine laying around for my Vanagon that I want to rebuild & kind of want to build a big bore 1.9

[@thelogfather5002]

The big bore kit alone likely won’t be noticeable, you’ll need to do some head works, cam, maybe ratio rockers- exhaust, then you’ll start to feel an improvement- about 10% on paper- but it feels like a lot more than that.