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