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Thu Nov 12, 2009 3:58 pm

Just bought the engine for my sand rail it is a 1915 GEX and i have been reading alot of bad things about them. It was built when they were still in California and has about 3k miles on it

Thu Nov 12, 2009 4:00 pm

How much did it cost?

How does it run?

Thu Nov 12, 2009 4:12 pm

You might just get lucky. There are a lot of horror stories out there, but sometimes even a blind sow finds an acorn.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 4:14 pm

I would just save up for a new engine to replace that one when it turns into a handgrenade somewhere in the next 1-100,000 miles.

Its unlikely that the cursed engine will take much other than itself with it when it goes so just be ready with replacements. As said, maybe you'll get lucky, maybe you wont so prepare now so that it doesn't suck so much if/when the curse realizes itself.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 6:45 pm

Just do your best to take care of it and it will have a better chance. Ive got an 1835 gex and it has been ok for me so far. I need to do the rings but other than a few minor huckups here and there it is an alright motor. Change your oil regularly and like everyone else says save up for when it does die. Its all how you drive it. just my .02 worth

Thu Nov 12, 2009 6:58 pm

3k and still together i say run it til it blows.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:23 pm

next time around do some research and have a local machine/vw shop build you a motor. ive got probably 10 to deal with within 100 miles. also i like to spend my cash locally when possible. it is good for the local economy. also when you have warranty issues you don't get stuck with all the shipping back and forth. and also i'd like to see in person what happened to a motor and not be told over the phone that there is nothing wrong with it. and have to eat the shipping. any good machine shop should be able to build a vw motor.my $.02 :wink:

Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:56 am

maybe next time look for a private guy that specializes in vw motors. their about the same $ and if you find the right guy they probably fix it is something fails from their build.

Fri Nov 13, 2009 11:24 am

I bought it with a complete 71 bug and the original motor that was in the bug ( that still runs). The bug was dis-assembled for a complete restoration. I paid 2k for the whole package. It came all new parts to put the car back together - new dorr seals, fender molding, window gaskets, interior carpet, headliner, ball joints, and alot of other parts that i can't remember. I am hoping to put the car back together eventually and recoup some of my money hopfully all of it. I don't have the 1915 in the rail yet but I did start it on the stand and it seems to run great and does not leak oil so hopfully all is good. It is going to be mostly a street cruiser so I plan on just nice fun drives with the wife. I had a frame built by Hawkeye buggies in Hawkins TX. If anyone ever wants a custom frame built, he is the man for the job - AWSOME WORK.

Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:02 pm

I bought a long block new from them back in 97 or 98, it is still running to this day , and has close to 50k miles on it, with regular oil changes and valve adjustments it still runs good. Replaced the push rod tube gaskets about 2 years ago when they began to weep, and thats about it.