New engine thoughts and ideas

Let me start by saying that this question is for Pro-Jetta readers only...all v8 and muscle car drones can keep their opinions (and their HUGE gasoline bills) to themselves. I have an 88 Jetta GL with a 1.8 L, normally aspirated, carberated, non-EFI engine. She has over 180,000 original miles on her and the only parts I have replaced are the standard tune up items, the thermostat and the alternator. Everything else is original equipment. She runs great and looks like a million bucks. My problem is that I have begun to notice heavier oil consumption, occasional knocking and irregular power output to the trannie. It sounds to me as though my pistons are going. My question is what is the good, the bad and the ugly of dropping a newer engine in an otherwise perfect car vs. reboring and overhauling. I know there are some knowledgeable individuals in this forum who can give me some much needed insight. I want to see her last another 100,000 miles before I have to retire her, so buying a new car is a cop out. Nay help you can give would be most appreciated.

Used engine:
Pros - Cost; least labor to install; can be done quickly
Cons - Condition not truly known; it's used

Remanufactured engine:
Pros - Usually built to a fairly high standard; less labor than rebuilding; can be done quickly
Cons - Cost about the same as rebuilding your engine; need to ensure what is replaced vs. rebuilt; unsure of original engine's condition

Rebuild your engine:
Benefits - Can do exact quality of job you desire; know what engine's condition was prior to rebuild
Cons; Most time consuming & labor intensive; overall cost is about the same as a remanufactured engine

If you want a rebuild, you should consider the labor rate you will be paying a mechanic to rebuild vs. what the remanufacturer gets for the engine. Also, you need to consider the mechanics expertise vs. the fairly uniform standards used by remanufacturers.

Thank you Boschmann for taking the time to put it in perspective for me. I was aware of the pros and cons, but hearing it from someone with a little know how, that isn't going to make any money from it, really helps. Given the options, which would you choose? This car is a daily driver and will not be seeing any "track time", only the occasional smoking of a redneck in a Honda who needs an attitude adjustment concerning four door German made style. Thanks again for your time and effort.

Well, used is going to be very used for an '88, and who knows actual mileage. Most odometers stopped working long ago. If it were mine I would build it myself. If you're unsure of your rebuilder I would go with one of the several good remanufacturers around. I've had good luck with ATK's:

http://www.atk-engines.com/vw.html

I am about to get a MKII GTI and put in a racing VW VR6 turbo from germany. when all sayd and dune the engine will cost me around 8 grand and I am getting everything for cost+10 for working at a dealership...

I am about to get a MKII GTI and put in a racing VW VR6 turbo from germany.
really?!! where can i get one of these "racing" motors from? :eek7:

this is the block they dont sell a complete engine yet but with a good tech and some more money this is one of the best engines out there.
http://www.bildon.com/catalog/DetailsList.cfm?ID=ESB.100.3200.8.5&Nav=6