GEX engine ?

[The Sage]

Has Gex died? I find no website nor e-bay sales?

[71VOTB]

[EverettB]

[ripreston]

GEX...Oh that brings back some memories...BAD ONES! Back in 1995 (when GEX was located in California) I ordered a turn-key 1776 from them which basically blew up right after my mechanic installed it. After speaking to the GEX staff (with great futilty) I finally managed to get through to the owner. Amazingly, we ended up having a 20 minute yelling match because he accused me and/or my mechanic of doing something wrong. I finally got my lawyer involved and a replacement motor was quickly shipped to me. And then, believe it or not, that motor also malfunctioned - the seals blew, the oil cooler blew, et cetera. So, I had to send that motor back as well. Inconvenience, disbelief and frustration were all I knew at that point. In the end they sent the motor back to me (after 5 weeks!) and it seemed all right for a while. Eventually, however, I had more troubles with it and so I ultimately decided to jettison it! I learnt the hard way - it's the GEX HEX. Buyer beware! I just hope they've increased their quality control standards and hired some more experienced and knowledgeable builders for the sake of their current customers. I wouldn't wish my GEX experience on anyone.

Thankfully, I later found Jim Behrens at the Dyno Shop/B&B German Auto in El Monte, CA. He built, balanced and blueprinted my current 1915 and I thank him (in my head) every time I drive my car. It's the smoothest running air-cooled motor I've ever owned! And I've owned many.

[mighty-manx]

To the origonal poster here is a reference thread.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=92079&highlight=gex+payback

If I were in your shoes (glad I am not) I would procede to legal action do not pass go. They seem to not care about the BBB and are good at skirting the law. if you want your $$$ you need a lawyer.

About 10 years ago I bought a car with a "new gex engine" it lasted about 2000 miles but I knew it was junk and had a real engine as a backup the price of the car was worth it.
_________________
Mighty Manx

9.765 @ 140.49 mph

"...for thoes who do it well racing IS life, every thing else before and after is just waiting."
-Steve McQueen LeMans 1971

[GeorgeL]

[BeetleBing]

I got a bug with one these GEX 1776 motors installed in it. It has 500 miles on it, but within 15 minutes of driving (city driving), it starts blowing oil out through the oil dip stick spout! Needless to say, I'm not impressed with the people at GEX.

I had a 1970 Bug about 12 years ago, that friend built in his garage, and it ran flawlessly for two years! No leaks, no heating problems. (Too bad he's no longer around. It would be nice if he could build me a new motor!)

I was told that Hans VW repair in West Seattle, is the best shop around for air cooled VWs. So I guess I'll bring it there next week.

If anyone knows of another shop in the Seattle area, please let me know. I plan on keeping my '67 for a long time, and it would be nice to locate a good repair shop I can call on ... when I've messed things up myself.

Thanks!

[Slow6t5]

[jbbugs]

I'm surprised GEX is still in Business with all the bad rap they've brought on themselves. I've gone a few rounds with them, and that Scumbag,"Otis" in their warrantee department. It took threats of legal action to get anywhere with them. Look them up with the Better business Bureau and see what you find.
They are nothing more than a Shit stain on the VW community.
I feel bad for anyone that gets Sucked into one their motors.
_________________
Drag bus! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2MOVmKdhX4

69 OG paint Transporter
73' Super Beetle Champcar Endurance Roadracer
Patina my ass, that's a Rust Bucket!

[Glenn]

[ineedavw]

Thank god for the samba i was looking for a replacement engine for my 62 beetle and saw the ad in hot vws for gex so decided to do some research on them on thesamba glad i did i know now not to deal with them

[seabright_sc]

I must be a lucky one. GEX rebuild in my 85 westy. Has about 35K and runs like a champ. I was very concerned about buying a westy with a GEX rebuild. It had about 12k at the time. I talked to several very reputable vanagon mechanics and all said that if there's a problem with the rebuild it starts to show almost immediately or at least witin a few thousand miles. all said that if it has 12k, it's probably good. well so far so good.

[Jokerbunny]

its finding an old topic like this that makes me thankful a friend pointed me to this forum, i was just looking at the GEX site since i want to build up a 72 Super beetle, thankfully something said to a search on reviews .

[tboneveedub]

I bought one from GEX in march had trouble since day 1. The generator went out the 2nd day. Waited 2 weeks and the new one went out in a month. The adjustment screws for the valves are different on the drivers side from the ones on the passenger side. Had to adjust the valves everyday I've driven the car. Its still sluggish and low on power to be a 1641cc. It leaks oil from the front seal already with only 2000 miles on it. I will never buy anything from GEX again. $3000.00 and I'm still working on it. I'm gonna rebuild the factory engine and put it back in my car.
_________________
Veedub in da house!
70 Beetle "Bandit"
72 Super Beetle "General Lee"

[vwfanatic67]

how does a company with so much negative history continue to doop people. I guess just put a big ad in hot vws and you got it.
_________________
"white trash but worth every cent"

SBS #74
52 Split Beetle
60 Panel
65 Notchback
More if my wife would let me!

[Glenn]

[GeorgeL]

The way I've heard them explained, VWs are hobby car and newbies tend to buy them on a whim. They buy them, find that the engine is on its last legs, and see that glossy ad. They install that GEX engine and try to get it through the supposed "teething problems" for a few months. They finally give up and put the VW up for sale. The next owner finds that the engine is on its last legs and the process repeats.

[Derek Cobb]

BBB site says they're out of business. Good riddance.

[Glenn]

[busboyjake]