The chain should never go bad, just the slippers, and the top one seems to be the most common.
But if the chain did go bad, then you have to pull the engine, because the chain is in the back of the engine, by the flywheel.
I would guess around 10 hours, at $100/hour.
They will start you on oil changes and washing cars.
Which may start at minimum wage.
Then you move up to simple things like brakes, mufflers, etc., and that is more like $17/hr.
Once you understand tuneups, ODBII, fuel injection, etc., you can make probably $25-40/hr.
The real master...
A 1980 has bound to have a lot of water condensed in the gas tank.
Change the filter.
Add a can of dryer, (alcohol).
Then check the fuel pressure.
I beleive this is the low pressure AFC system, so should be about 28 psi.
( check with the gauge in a T, not blocking the flow, or else the pressure...
Parts and repairs are cheaper for VW than almost any other car, because there are so many independent mechanics and parts makers.
It is only if you have to go to the dealer that they are expensive to maintain.
And if you do not maintain them, they will be even more expensive.
So find a reliable...
Pluses:
No spark plugs, plug wires, igntion coil packs, or ignition ecu.
Great mileage, over 40 mpg.
Better low end torque, so it feel faster.
The low rpm power curve reduces rpm and makes engine last much longer.
Usually about 30% more life out of a diesel.
Expect over 350,000 instead of...
Odd that I thought I post an answer already, but it is gone.
So here is a shorter response.
An 83 944 only has a resale value around $5k in good shape, so you should not be paying more than $2k for one with a bad transxle. The differential and transmission are combined in the same transaxle...
No, you can not easily turbo an engine not built for it, because the compression will be too high and cause pre-ignition that will shatter pistons eventually.
And engine designed for a turbo will have flat or dished pistons instead of domed pistons.
I don't see the point in asking. Traveling on the highway is much less stressful on a car than city driving. You have been driving this car for years, correct? The drive from OR to CA will only take a day, correct?
So how is the driving you do every day any different than driving on the road...
Since the 67 VW was 12 volt, and there is plenty of room, any battery and any 12 coil will work.
The requirements of a VW are minimal, because the engine is a small 4 cylinder.
They do not need powerful batteries or high performance coils.
A coil from any car will work fine, but I would stay...
Really depends on where the leak is.
If it is a little rust hole in the back muffler, it will get louder until you finally decide it should be done, and no big deal.
However, if there is something more like a crack in the front exhaust manifold, that could harm the engine and kill you with toxic...
They could do it, but would charge way too much for it.
It can't hurt to aske them, but you would probably get a better deal from a local customizer who can show you third party options you will like even better.
The Eurovan was sold until 2005, but now they sell the Routan in the US.
But it is make by Chrysler and re-badged actually.
The reason they do not sell the latest German version of the Type II is that it is classified as a light truck and is hit will the silly 25% tax the US imposed in...