Thanks guys for the benefit of your experience.

The general tone on these motors (B18 and B20) is they are an exceptional design. Great metalurgy in the major parts seems to be a hallmark.

I thought the leakdown was at best a very coarse indicator myself, although I was somewhat reassured by leak rates that low.

Beat ya to it, I rigged an indicator to get an idea of the relative wear on the cam lobes by measuring the rocker movement... lift at each each rocker, (exhaust and intake, each measured separately) match almost exactly with his mates.

I think I will do just what you recommend.

OBTW, went for a little trek this weekend into the Sierra foothills on gravel roads, dirt roads, goat trails, curvy paved highways, muddy, dry, you name it... What a great little beast of burden!!! I swear that little devil will climb almost vertical in 1st gear. Some fun. Haven't driven the Jetta in months!!!

Cheers

Mike