Thanks, for now the basic recon T4 option seems to be the best option for me, based on needs, useage, budget etc
Its clear the upgrade parts are only a small part of the whole situation - choosing the best parts seems to be relatively straightforward as most agree on these. However, they're pretty useless if the build quality is not bang on.
You could have your current engine rebuilt to 1776 within your budget easily Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
you could ask @robertparry for a quote to rebuild your t1 engine to a sensible spec 1776 and for a quote for a suitable T4 engine, see what he recommends and what you can afford. Then you are at least getting to compare based on engines from the same reputable engine builder.
I'm a bit concerned about taking a 'shot in the dark' with an engine builder and things not potentially working out - so many conflicting reports on the net re quality and reputation. The T4 basic refurb route, although not without potential 2nd hand quality / overheating issues, seems the most suitable for me.
I am a VW trained Engineer. I recondition Engines and Gearboxes. I have a workshop in Wisbech that has a Milling Machine, Tru Line Boring bars, Cam Bearing boring bars, Lathe , Drilling Machine and numerous special tools and jigs for VWs that I have made, from 8 dowelling to thrust cutting cases. If you have a problem give me a ring. 07935935179. Robert.
Thanks Zedders - I may have found a couple of local'ish engine builders today who come recommended........
As I said before, make sure you google whoever you go to. One of the ones you mentioned earlier has a particularly bad name.
Will do and have done and easier to ask around when local'ish. Problem is out of the 100's and possibly 1,000's of engine rebuilds undertaken by certain companies / individual builders, some are bound to have 'issues' - google recommendations or not, are fine to a point, but need to be read in context I feel - very few people shout about things when they go right!!
The ones that go right don't matter. It's how they deal with the ones that don't you need to worry about.
Totally agree and that's all I'm after, someone that will do a good honest job and if something goes wrong put it right!