Used VW Engine questions

[914pete]

I was going to look at a converted VW engine I saw for sale locally.  The guy who is selling it knows nothing about it. He bought it at a hanger sale or something. Full case 4 cylinder. From the pictures it looks like it has a hub, magneto and everything else but no carb, and no exhaust. He says it turns over freely but it looks pretty rough.  I'm wondering what something like this is worth?  After sitting in on a couple of Leonards forums at Airventure last week, he's got me thinking I could build the engine for my LEXL rather then buy one. I just sent him a check for his Engine build materials and video. I know nothing about the VW flat four.  Could this be a good starting point for a 1/2VW build?  What should I look for when I go see this engine?  And being that the owner knows nothing about it, what is it worth?  Any advise would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[MrG]

Im taking the put as this is in the 4cyl section you building a DE/CE  you did mention lexl - if so this is wrong place for this question but ill answer as building a DE
Parts are so cheap - CB Performance ( i think in LA ) is were get all our stuff here in Australia, from one of there Resellers ( Rod Penrose Racing http://rodpenroseracing.com.au/)
trust me the only thing you dont want to stop is the donkey up the front - i run a fully turn key operation best thing i ever done.

but you are better asking the 2cyl forum section as theres a fair bit of difference - as i aways say to people hp is a premium you can always pull back the throttle
you cant get some thing you dont have  

[Leonard]

Hi the engine sounds that you can get a lot of good parts from it.  Look for two oil pressure plugs on the bottom one in front. Be sure to dissemble it and check everything.  and don't pay very much for it.   Leonard

[Theodore]

in a perfect world you would get documentation from the shop that did the balancing and the A&P who did assembly...

[Theodore]

Not to mention the hours on the engine, of Course Leonard's right it's a do over, 'spec everything, make friends with a good (honest) mechanic preferable A&P.
and keep a journal(records)  thats not just for us old guys teach the kiddy winkies too!
Peace.
Theo