I have to make a decision and I need some advice. I want to do an engine
conversion for all the obvious reasons and I have a couple of choices. 

What I got: 
82 westy that has had a lot of work done on it in the last couple of
years. It is in darn good condition mechaincally, recent brake system
overhaul, new suspension parts, ball joints, shocks, etc. recent redo of
all gas lines, drop the tank, etc., new motor mouunts, good tires, alloy
wheels, new paint on the poptop, new muffler, 40k on a rebuilt aircooled
engine but having some probs with the fuel injection I can't figure out,
all camping equipment working. Has been in the family for 11 years.

What I have been offered:
85 westy, asking $4500, possible problems with tranny, have to race
engine to get it into 1st, had a top end rebuild 5 years ago but the
front of the engine fell out in flight shortly after, long story but I
helped him get it back in we didn't see any bad damage but leaves me
with less than full condfidence in the mechanic, I suspect it needs fuel
line redo, needs brake work, none of the suspension parts have been
replaced, no alloy's, cheap tires, all the camping equipment working,
clean interior.

On the one hand the 82 is in good shape but I will have to cut a hole
for the radiator, run coolant lines, heater core, etc. in other words it
will take some as yet unknown amount of extra work to the engine
conversion.
On the other hand the 85 is plumbed but needs a lot of other
bring-it-up-to-date work.

What would you do?

David Higginbotham
82 Westfalia
Silk Hope, NC