TheSamba.com :: View topic - Shop Recommendations for Engine Rebuilds in Portland area

Mon Jan 08, 2018 5:43 pm

Looking for some advice in the Portland, Oregon area. I have a 1985 Westy with a manual transmission in need of an engine upgrade. Have any of you had good experiences with a particular shop who is well versed in doing this work?

Mon Jan 08, 2018 6:39 pm

westyraven wrote: Looking for some advice in the Portland, Oregon area. I have a 1985 Westy with a manual transmission in need of an engine upgrade. Have any of you had good experiences with a particular shop who is well versed in doing this work?

This has been discussed before in large heaps. You might try checking the archives here or under 'Portland Vanagons' over on FB. I'm not sure by your request if you're seeking an engine rebuild or engine conversion.

Tue Jan 09, 2018 2:48 pm

I am looking mostly for an engine rebuild. I did check the archives, and mostly saw recommendations for shops in the Seattle area. I haven't seen much in regards to Portland area shops.

Tue Jan 09, 2018 6:45 pm

If you haven't already come across good advice on FB, and for stock 1.9L rebuilds, here is a link to shops around Pdx that may do that work:

https://www.google.com/search?q=best+vw+repair+sho...:1,lf_ui:4

I'd recommend checking with Precision Motors first - ask for Daryl - and see if he'll offer any recommendations.

A&P Specialties - ask for Al - is another you can get some advice.

All the others have **mixed-reps**

Last, likely one of the best area rebuilders is Tom Lengyel who has a shop just south of Pdx near Aurora but he's often very busy. He's not big on websites but goes by Syncro Shop and work number is 503-228-1102.

Hope this helps.

Tue Jan 09, 2018 7:23 pm

WestyBob wrote:
I'd recommend checking with Precision Motors first - ask for Daryl - and see if he'll offer any recommendations.

Daryl orders all the motors he installs from GoWesty. Or at least if you ask him to replace your motor that's what you'll get.

Tue Jan 09, 2018 8:58 pm

based on the pricing i paid for the work i received, i would expect to pay much, much more at A&P, IF they would deign to do a full engine rebuild, which i would lay money on them not even considering.

Tue Jan 09, 2018 9:07 pm

chachi wrote: based on the pricing i paid for the work i received, i would expect to pay much, much more at A&P, IF they would deign to do a full engine rebuild, which i would lay money on them not even considering.

It's true many on the list no longer do rebuilds. But they may have some helpful suggestions for the OP.

Sun Jan 14, 2018 10:08 pm

Maybe worth checking with Halsey Motors on a 2.2 upgrade

Mon Jan 15, 2018 5:57 pm

If you pull the engine and take it to him, Troy (in the machine shop of Clackamas Auto Parts) can do all the machine work for you, he used to be with Dan Hall Automotive in Portland (RIP, Dan :cry: )
He didn't seem interested in actually doing the building of my last A/C engine, but he took care of everything for me so I could. If you want to do your own R & R and engine assembly, that is.