So I keep an eye on the work of several companies that build Type 1 engines and such and am a bit of a sucker for Type 1 engine video porn.
On a whim, knowing my own health issues and how 2021 will likely pan out, I decided to look into what it might cost to have someone else build me a solid reliable replacement engine for Murbella with modern EFI on it instead of trying to maintain the original Bosch L-Jetronic system. I was thinking that I could potentially contract with someone to do the engine, and more or less amortize the cost over say 4-5 years somehow. I could then resell some of what I invested in the rebuild, taking what financial hits I would have to take, and then use that to help pay down whatever I contracted for.
I’ve sent out quote queries with a generally asking for a “minimum 2.0L leader configuration with modern FI but something that remains perfect for the stock late model transaxle gearing”. Basically, a bit more performance but the key for me is the reliability of the FI more than anything.
Well, I got back one of the queries today and was aghast at the estimated price.
The one vendor, who shall remain nameless, came back with a quote of $20,000.
Yes. $20,000.
That is more than Murbella and Żuczek, and probably the parts content of The Garage of Love™ combined!!!
I could buy a brand new vehicle to replace the Forester for that!
The vendor indicated that this is a custom one off build, using full sequential EFI, with various custom modifications. All kind of generic words but I can understand some of it.
But $20,000 for a roughly 2.0 Type 1 engine is just… well… I don’t know who remotely has the kind of money to sink into something like that for a classic car.
It’ll be interesting to see what the other vendors come in at.
For about $3000K I could invest in the CB Performance Gen4 EFI system with dual throttle bodies and try to figure it all out myself with the help of my son.
The Dub Shop’s dual throttle body system comes in at just under $4000. The CB one would likely be a bit more if conifgured to match The Dub Shop offering.
The Dub Shop also has a system similar to the VW Mexican Beetle FI for $3300.
I’ve already put in about $3000 in new parts/machine work on the new case, and close to $700 on backup Bosch L-Jetronic parts.
I’m now thinking that perhaps the best thing for Murbella’s new engine will be to just try and complete it as-is and get the cam and other new parts seated and broken in. Then perhaps spent the money in 2022 to go with one of these EFI systems. I can drop the engine, replace and rewire as needed, and then have a more reliable engine moving forward. (I’ll keep 1 full set of Murbella’s original EFI parts to go with her original case.)
I just can’t see spending more than $8K total for a new engine with EFI knowing that the tins will all be aftermarket and not with proper thermostats and such.
Yes. It would be nice to translate money into actually getting the work done, but I can’t justify that.
I’ll work through my arthritis and other health problems and try to deal with this all myself I guess. I can’t see any other way around it.
$20,000 though! Damn! And to think how affordable the classic American muscle car guys have it to get a new basic better than stock LS engine for their cars.