turnkey or not turnkey?

[starsailor]

Hi guys! Just wanted to get some opinions. Looking at buying a us import and have been told they usually come without an engine. What and where would be my best option. Spanner wise I'm a beginner so a complete engine would be best but is it worth getting a 'turnkey' or building myself? All answers appreciated.

Starsailor

 

[Shorty]

If you build it yourself, you'll learn more and you'll know exactly what is in the box, but risk making an expensive mistake or taking a long time and not getting out there and enjoying your bus (which believe me is frustrating - I've had mine over 2 years now and only been out for a couple of very short local drives in the last couple of weeks)

If you buy an off-the-shelf motor, then I'd advise doing your research and asking for experiences with the various suppliers and builders on this forum, but you are likely to get a warranty... or if you chose to buy from someone via a classified advert, make sure you see it running and take a friend or fellow member that knows a thing or two about engines or you could end up buying junk...

 

[ozziedog]

Hello and welcome to the forum. The best thing I can advise if you`re not too spanner friendly, is to find someone to take the work on for you in your area. Fixing them is one thing, but if you havent got an engine to work from, then that`s a real hard place to start. Pop your town up on here and a few of the peeps on here will give you some recommendations that are local ish to you. I guess you`d need to see the bus before giving a quote, just to check what is and what isn`t there.

Ozziedog,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, And did I say ,,A big welcome to you :mrgreen:

 

[starsailor]

thank you for the advice, and for the welcome!

 

[easy]

Welcome 8) Personally i always shy away from the engine building part and i prefer to get my engine stuff all done for me so that i can spend time on the road not sat with a VERY expensive toy in the garage, instead of out enjoying. Tons of my friends who tinker seem to spend more time fixing and off the road than in the actual thing. Its more expensive way of doing it but of course it means you use your bus more and worry less.
Everyone has a different experience of course but thats my opinion. I do what i can on the van but i leave the engine alone, apart from of course changing or sorting any auxillaries :mrgreen: 8)

 

[Clem]

Buying vans without engines was never deemed as an issue, as they could be sourced reasonably easily and cheaply, but nowadays you shouldnt underestimate the cost of a decent complete engine if you start with nothing.
If youre looking to buy the van from a trader or dealer, ask them about providing an engine too, they may have one in stock, they may even have the one they removed from the van youre just about to buy :lol:

Budget £1000? to sort a decent running lump from scratch with all tinware and auxilaries.

 

[easy]

As Clem has said, its all cool to buy a bus without an engine just be prepared to pay for a decent engine as its one area where cutting corners will always bit you on the arse. Research engine costs as they are always on the up and it will add a large amount to your overall bill of the build. :mrgreen:

 

[starsailor]

Thanks guys, the guy I'm probably going to to source the van seems very genuine. Sorry but doesn't seem fair to name on here as I know he's a member. I'll do research as suggested and talk to as many people as I can before making my mind up. Your opinions gratefully received!

Chris

 

[Alex VW Heritage]

We only do Long block engines but can provide a full kit of everything to build it up as a turnkey.

If there is anything I can do or advise i can give feel free to get in touch.

[email protected] or 01444 251 270

Don't forget forum members get a discount with us too