As far as reliability goes, it's a 1996 engine with 30k miles using same DME. The newer of the air cooled engines have hydraulic lifters too, so there are no pesky valve adjustments. Since it's OBDII, I have the software to analyze the millions of sensors with my laptop. In general, it just starts up and goes...
It was professionally installed with a kit from Steve Timmins (
www.instant-g.com). He built it actually
http://instant-g.com/Cars/RubySleeper/index.html
There were some idling/stalling issues at the beginning, but this was solved by getting a Steve Weiner Chipped DME.. also picked up another 7% hp apparently.
Costs:
Here's a basic breakdown of costs in 000'
Motor 9 - 12
Kit 1.5
Flywheel/Clutch 1.5
Oil cooler 1.5
Exhaust 1.5
Labour ?? (DIY)
Then, you need to beef up the suspension -- torsion bars, inserts, sways, etc. to handle double the HP the car is used to having.
Then, you need to beef up the brakes..
Then....... and so on
