| What You Need to Know Before Ordering a VW | | | | engines available? Although there are reputable small |
| Engine Online | | | | vendors out there who offer just a few, a |
| By Larry N. Dawson, Manager, GEX International | | | | comprehensive selection indicates a company's |
| Congratulations! You've just snagged the car of your | | | | expertise and dedication to their product line. |
| dreams: a beautifully restored 1966 Volkwagen Bug | | | | 5. Are the "extras" included with the engine at no |
| with a hot custom paint job! Looks great, but there's | | | | additional charge clearly listed? If they're not listed, |
| just one "minor" problem: it needs a new engine! | | | | that's a red flag. Be sure you know exactly what |
| You've got your heart set on a killer 2275 cc Dual Port | | | | you're getting before you order! |
| street screamer. Where do you start? Your best bet? | | | | 6. Look closely at the warranty. Is it limited to only |
| Hit the "Net"! | | | | Stock engines, or does it include Hi-performance |
| BUT BEFORE YOU DO, READ THIS ARTICLE! | | | | engines as well? Is it in writing? Does it cover parts |
| We've all heard "Buyer Beware" for years (even | | | | AND labor? Is it nationwide? Is it for a mere 30 days |
| before the birth of the first Volkswagen). Since the | | | | on performance engines, or 12 months/12,000 miles? |
| advent of the World Wide Web, while greatly | | | | Checking out the fine print can be pretty boring, but it's |
| expanding our buying options, we're now subjected to | | | | one of the most important things you can do to ensure |
| scary things like fraud, identity theft, spyware - you | | | | you're getting the best warranty available. |
| name it, it's out there. So we've all got to be careful. | | | | 7. Is there a true production engine rebuilding facility on |
| After many years of being a vendor of rebuilt and | | | | site? Or is it a 2- man repair shop? Investment in a |
| custom VW engines, I've heard my share of "horror | | | | complete automotive machine shop shows a |
| stories" from people who've had bad experiences | | | | company's commitment to producing a high quality |
| when purchasing engines online (prior to becoming | | | | product. |
| GEX customers, of course!). To help you make an | | | | 8. Are all engines hot run, tested under load and |
| informed decision, I've compiled a Top 10 List of things | | | | completely dialed in before being protective wrapped |
| you should consider when looking for an online | | | | and crated for delivery to your door? |
| Volkswagen engine vendor: | | | | 9. Assure the website's order form is secure before |
| Larry's Top 10 List | | | | entering sensitive data. You should see https:// in the |
| 1. Check out the website. Is it well organized? Does it | | | | address bar at the top of your browser before you |
| look legit? A poorly designed, disorganized website | | | | input your credit card information. There might also be |
| with a bunch of glaring errors is a clue their products | | | | a closed "padlock" displayed at the bottom of your |
| and services are likely to be equally disorganized. | | | | screen. If the lock is open, it's not secure. Never |
| 2. Watch out for websites that don't provide a phone | | | | provide anything other than required info (fields marked |
| number and physical address. Even if there's a phone | | | | with a red asterisk). |
| number listed, call it and see what happens. Did it go | | | | 10. Print out your order confirmation and a full |
| directly to voice mail? If so, leave a message and see | | | | description of what you ordered. The confirmation |
| how quickly they respond. | | | | should include all of the items you ordered and |
| 3. How long has the company been in business? Is it | | | | confirmation number. If the confirmation is emailed to |
| proudly stated on their website? There are many | | | | you, print that, too, as well as any correspondence with |
| startups on the internet. Being around for a long time | | | | the company. |
| indicates the company isn't a "fly-by-night" and can be | | | | You deserve the very best rebuilt VW engine |
| counted on to be there. | | | | available! Using the tips above will assure that's exactly |
| 4. Is there a wide selection of engines? Are custom | | | | what you get! |