Fit a rebuilt engine or engine rebuild?

[simonfa]

Hey guys,

Recently enquired at my local garage for a rough quote for an engine rebuild. When i say rebuild i mean removing stripping all seals, gaskets and belts then for them to be replaced etc. My mechanic promptly said that i was better off buying an engine that has already been stripped and put back together and swapping engines as there is places he has heard about that will basically take your engine and a sum of money and you walk out with a newly refurbished engine, they would then refurb yours and swap on to the next and so on!

Does this make sense, or should i just go for a full refurb on the engine i have?

Does anyone know of any places that do this refurb swap thingy or has anyone had any prior experience with this sort of thing, ie prices or company names?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I have a 1991 MK2 16V. Engine is running fine and doesnt really have any major issues but has done 175K.

[Horney]

If it ain't broke don't fix it. 175K is high but I've known these engines do 250K without a rebuild.

Nick

[rubjonny]

I'd buy a 2.0 16v engine before spending money rebuilding a 1.8 16v. but as above, they will last pretty much forever if you look after them

[VeeDubGTI16v]

same here, get a 2.0l with 80k to 120k (worn in  ), and change the seals and gaskets. leave the shells and rings and drop it straight in 

[Wayne]

I would go for a 2.0

[Diamond Hell]

If it ain't broke don't fix it. 175K is high but I've known these engines do 250K without a rebuild.

+1

Leave it alone!

[The Mighty Elvi]

My 91 valver has 168K on the clock, still runs perfectly well.  I would go the way of Rubjony.  If I was you I'd rather spend the cash on a 2.0 ABF rather than refurbing the valver.

[danny_p]

If it ain't broke don't fix it. 175K is high but I've known these engines do 250K without a rebuild.

+1

Leave it alone!

+2

if you rebuild it you'll loose power, it's well known that the 16v's tend to gain power through there life as long as the injection stuff is well maintaned. whne it gives up one day  2ltr it 

[deanpompey]

re build it yourself and save ££££.

i looked into getting a refurbed engine on an exchange basis and your still looking at about 600 minimum. or rebuild it all yourself for about 200. every gasket,seal,o ring, etc etc  and its not exactly a hard job to do.

[danny_p]

you won't rebuild a valver for £200

ummm if fact i go price up proper rebuild for the hell of it