[Vwdiesel] Turbo block/squirters

[HWY9FERGS at cs.com]

In a message dated 6/19/2004 7:46:41 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
vwdiesel-request at vwfans.com writes: 
> Do you have a line on the TD pistons, or do you plan on trying to modify NA 
> ones? (Is 
> this safe...?). I've seen TD shortblocks on Ebay for around $1000 US, and 
> since the TD 
> pistons are about half that, I'd be thinking pretty hard about all the other 
> costs to get an 
> NA block turned into a TD. I bought my complete 1.6TD engine with all 
> accessories and 
> a complete exhaust system for $1200 CDN. That was 8 years ago, and they may 
> be 
> harder to find now in good running condition, but maybe you can find one in 
> good 
> rebuildable condition (that doesn't need new pistons). My $1200 engine went 
> 300k kms 
> and is still within specs for a rebuild with standard pistons.
> Not to rain on things, but I'd hate to see you sink $600-800 into it when 
> you might find a 
> real TD for not much more...--
> 
> Thanks Shawn, here's the bottom line,  I have a brand new set of 2nd over 
> turbo pistons (Mahle) that I got from a guy in Canada on ebay (about 250 bucks 
> US, shipped, I believe he sold about half a dozen sets).  I pieced together 
> pretty much everything else I need pretty reasonably and all I'm lacking is a 
> block.  I have a block with the correct castings and can machine it to accept 
> the squirters where I work, probably while I on the clock (when it's slow).  
> What I like about going this route is I end up with a newly reman engine, no 
> question about "how many miles are on it?", "did it get it's oil changes?" 
> etc etc etc.  Know what I mean?  I even have a BRAND NEW (J)head I can use on 
> it, or a almost new , perfect (N) head with a couple hundred miles on it, I 
> haven't decided which one.           (ok,,,now---rant on---)
> I would rather not have to buy new squirters from the dealer if I can help 
> it because they want about 2 bills for the things, and I know there's got to 
> be turbo blocks with holes blown in the sides being taken to the dump all the 
> time. I'm just hoping something will come up.  And maybe an MF block WILL 
> come along at some point, but I have been putting a considerable amount of 
> effort into locating a good core and they are SCARCE. Well,  there is the guy 
> selling the reman MF short blocks on EBAY--699 PLUS 200 shipping PLUS 500 core -- 
> which you don't get back unless your MF core has no defects etc--IF YOU 
> HAPPEN TO HAVE A DAMN CORE.  Then there's the Vanamania guy on ebay, and his not 
> quite complete used 1.6 turbo motors out of wrecks (how's that for a detailed 
> history?)-- $$$$$1425 bucks with the "Buy it now"-- asked him if he would do 
> a compression check on those motors- nope, doesn't want to bother, probably 
> doesn't want to know, he just said if it wasn't a good runner he'd work 
> something out like send you another one. Well, that's just great, have you R&R'd 
> an engine lately?  As Hagar would say  PITA.  You wanna do it AGAIN??? Send 
> the bad one back for him to check it out??NOPE!!!  After a while you have to 
> realize it gets pretty rediculous keeping these diesels if you can't keep the 
> cost down to a reasonable level. If you don't watch it real close you could 
> get in so deep you might never make it back in fuel savings, and if you don't, 
> what's the point?  Might as well stay running gassers,  I could get THOSE 
> engines at the Pick and Pull all day long for a 150 bucks 
> complete............(Ok--rant off) .  For some unfathomable reason, that sweet hum and aroma 
> becomes too much to resist, eh???   These little diesels are just cool, in my 
> humble opinion. And I do like sticking it to OPEC.  That's quite enough for now.   
>         Pretty windy tonight, Doug Ferguson      

 PS, buy the way, not to rain on my parade, but, does it make sense to 
anybody what I'm trying to do? Or am I COMPLETELY OUT OF MY MIND??