Has anyone bought one of those zero-mile turnkey engines from the US? Can anyone see any problems with doing this?

So far I am intent on getting a new Mexican 1600cc longblock for my bug, but would like to know if these turnkey engines are worth the trouble.

They will most likely be a mexican motor or made with mexican parts and assembled in the US.

The main down side is they have the cast crank as opposed to the forged on VW supplied in the early days.

Wouldnt think this is a problem for a stock motor. If you are planning a Hi Po and this is your base - well look else where.

It is all new case, bearings, heads, P&C's etc etc so the value is there

If your old motor is flogged good and propper this is a good value replacement.

if your old motor has never been apart and is in good nick and just needs it's first freshen, stick with the original