Those of you with 1.8T engines....

[Powbum5]

Is it difficult to find mechanics to work on your engines? Seems to me that having an all VW vehicle would make it easier to service, whether at dealers or shops. I can do some stuff myself but any major work will be at a shop. I just want a sense of whether a 1.8t setup makes maitenance and repair any easier?

[insyncro]

Converted is converted and most shops will not be interested.

If they are really interested, they see a cash cow

[Zeitgeist 13]

If it's a Euro shop, they might initially balk at the idea of a conversion, but if you can show them the OBD port and all the peripherals, then they'll probably be ok providing service. They would be used to providing service to other VAG products with the same engine, and the van should be even easier to access than the donor rigs.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[?Waldo?]

Pretty much no one works on Vanagons any more. Dealerships don't have a clue. I think you're more likely to find someone who can adequately service a conversion than someone who knows how to work on a WBX. This is coming from someone who does not ever let anyone else work on their vehicles, so I've never tried to find someone.

[goffoz]

[goffoz]

[insyncro]

[Mountain1.8t]

I'm in the process of installing a 1.8t, working with my friend that is a mechanic so I learn how it all goes together and works. I imagine you are considering the 1.8t for its reliability, so you won't need to take it to a shop except for maybe routine maintenance.

[hans j]

I would much rather work on a VW engine conversion than a subaru or ford conversion. When I get my shop setup at my house, I won't work on anything but VW engines.

I currently work at an independent VW/Audi, Subaru shop and would welcome any 1.8T conversions in, even home swapped engines that need a little sorting.
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1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181

[lloydy]

[goffoz]

[Birdcage]

The Ed Carroll VW/Porsche/Audi dealership loves my 1.8t and will do any type of work I request. They do my oil changes regularly and cheaper than I can do it at home.

Even while on the road we've never had an issue finding someone to do maintenance. The engine runs great, barring a catastrophe regular maintenance is all thats needed. The only semi major work that will need to be done is the timing belt and the dealership is just fine doing it or any other tuner shop in the valley for that matter
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@syncrostyle
@optoverland

[katzenjammer]

My independent VW shop said, "Sure, no problem." My conversion was done by SAH, and they're happy to field calls from any shop with a question. Not sure if that applies to conversions done using their kit, but I would guess yes.
Dan
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1990 Westy Multivan, Auto (3.08 R&P) 1.8T by SAH

[Vanagon Nut]

I respect that this is a 1.8T thread but....

While in Bishop CA, I decided it was time to replace the coolant pump on my
ABA. I knew the housing had low KM's so was asking shops if they'd tackle
just doing a pump R&R. This was not a "by the book" thing so that likely
figured into it, but since the local Vanagon guy was busy, I asked at least 4
different shops about this job. The fact that they'd be about 3 days out on
the repair aside, the general response was "ummm, maybe..."
From my POV, the job wasn't rocket surgery but then I installed the thing.
Regardless.....

a. the responses did not inspire confidence in me
b. if the new part, install, whatever, was going to go nipples up, I'd rather
I be the orchestrater of that.

IOW, one has to be involved with their swap. IMO.
OTOH, I've had Vanagon aware shops not really blink an eye for doing basic
stuff on my ABA swap. Depends really.

Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[davevickery]

I had a local foreign car repair center do the timing belt on my 1.8t. They look at it and said it looks like it will be quicker that doing one in a car so they quoted the normal cost and it came in a little under. They also have done some trouble shooting using the OBD diagnostics and their smoke machine. I think a VW shop wouldn't have any trouble with any of it.

[davevickery]

I had a local foreign car repair center do the timing belt on my 1.8t. They look at it and said it looks like it will be quicker that doing one in a car so they quoted the normal cost and it came in a little under. They also have done some trouble shooting using the OBD diagnostics and their smoke machine. I think a VW shop wouldn't have any trouble with any of it.

[termuehlen]

As with any conversion, make sure you have a VIN# for the donor engine, that will help parts suppliers and repair shops. Try to keep a list of fluid types that you used, any other changed parts that you have (ie big brakes), and have a working knowledge of where things are located (harness splices, ecu, etc). These will all help you get service down the road.
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1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx

[Howesight]

[Brandonfast]

I work at a dealership in San Diego and welcome any vw swapped vanagon or non swapped for any service. Any service writer will blow you off if they think it's a waste of time. You need to talk to the mechanics. The mechanics working on the car will either instill confidence in you about repairs or rub you the wrong way. You can make your decision from there.

[Zeitgeist 13]

From a biz perspective, the reluctance to service a vehicle with custom non-stock work done to it concerns the learning curve required of the techs over and above the actual work they're going to perform. A service writer tends to view the learning stuff as unrecoverable time, and time is money.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?