by thehangmen » Wed Dec 13, 2006 8:32 pm
Did the same recently, fancied a recon but went second hand ~ £500 fitted with 3 month warranty, belt replaced and oil & filters. The garage took it away and brought it back. A 98-99 engine into a 94 van.
A radiator hose sprung a leak, then the back of the alternator leaked. The garage fixed 'em up no problems (Stockton Van Centre).
The throttle cable was replaced soon after as a plastic bit had snapped and the bottom timing belt cover was missing which the garage told me was my old one as the 'new' engine didn't have one. Sorted these jobs meself.
Keep an eye on the oil and water for a while just in case and you should be ok.
With hindsight I'm happy with the cheaper option, the motor runs fine and we even took it to Germany with no problems soon after.
With a recon you just get the block so more work and cost involved.