SOT: A Westy Just Winked @ me, looking for a little input Options

[76-914]

About 30 mins ago a guy called and asked if I wanted to buy his 86 Westy that needs an engine. You see where this is headed (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) I said no because I need to get rid of one project before taking on another. Mind you, this comes from a guy who's been spouting off about downsizing so he doesn't leave this mess should he unexpectedly depart this planet suddenly. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) I tell my wife about the call and she tells me that I should do this. What should I look for when checking one of these out? Known gotcha's? Price ranges? Drive train will be converted to ...................drum roll pls................Yes, Subaru so I won't need VW engine or transmissions estimates. TIA, Kent

[76-914]

Excellant info Tom. The VW engine size increase make fiscal sense, as well. See you this weekend. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Tom_T]

Excellant info Tom. The VW engine size increase make fiscal sense, as well. See you this weekend. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Kent,

I'm not sure that I'll make it to CFOS this weekend, since I have no 914 to display yet & a long honey-do & project list, so feel free to call me if I'm not there.

Also for the $500 for the GoWesty full 48mo/48Kmi warranty, it's great compared to the typical 12/12 warranty on rebuilds that most shops give (which IIRC is the basic GoWesty warranty).

FYI - I looked at a Jan 2016 estimate that I got from GoWesty for their 2.45L & all the coolant & accessory parts for both future reference for Hans to do ours whenever the current 2.1L rebuild is rebuild, & for insurance (deduction from their sales comps with new engines), & it was just under $12K all in (plus labor from Hans to install), & that included $1250 core charge for engine & their shipping crate - some or all of it is deductible. So my guesstimate was $15-16K all in with install, plus price increases since 2016.

If the 86 Westy does have its engine & tranny, then get it for the core/parts - even if you do the Subie swap.

If you need the transaxle rebuilt, then I'd highly recommend Hans Imports for that too, as they did a great job on our Westy's Auto, as well as years ago on my 85 BMW 325e's & 73 914's 5-spd trannies.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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