After doing the ALH swap into my '84 Vanagon, I'd never consider doing a mTDI. Sure, it was a challenge and I have had to iron-out a few bugs. Most of the issues were "nut" driven (NUT, being me
). I learned as I went. Info was difficult to come by
, but I made it to the end. I did get discouraged along the way.
I did receive a lot of advice and guidance from followers, etc.
Now that my project is pretty much behind me, I think it is awesome.
My Vanagon weighs about 3490 including about 12 gallons of fuel (3640 with me in it). The ALH TDI engine, without any mods, is awesome compared to the old wasserboxer engine...... with only a Stage 1 Malone tune it is very impressive! It is a pleasure to drive.
As for reliability, my 2000 Jetta TDI has never had any of those things mentioned (previous posts) to go kaput ..... it is pushing 334k miles! Rest my case!
But, every man to his own!