Date:         Thu, 18 May 2000 21:51:02 +0000
Reply-To:     Ray Brubaker <rmbrubaker@FREEWWWEB.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ray Brubaker <rmbrubaker@FREEWWWEB.COM>
Subject:      Engine transplant, oil
Comments: To: subaruvanagon@egroups.com, syncro@egroups.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Greetings. I am a new subscriber to these Vanagon lists and find them
interesting and helpful. Since '93 I and my wife have been the happy
owners of an '86 GL Syncro, now with 175K miles.

Unfortunately my original engine, in otherwise good running condition
(needs the heads resealed for external coolant leak), needs to be
changed because of contamination of the oil system from a failed oil
filter. This has lead me to consider the options of a different engine.
I have looked at the different options shown on the Vanagon web site.
Maybe I missed something, but is there anyone who has installed a
Turbocharged Diesel with as much or more power than the 2.1L and capable
of reving high enough to cruise at 70+ mph?

My other interest is in the Subaru conversion. Some questions for those
who have done it.
What was the total cost by the time you were finished?

About how long did it take to complete the job?

Has it given better gas milage? If so how much?

How does this conversion affect the resale value.

Although I have already read a lot about this through the web site and
e-mail groups, I have not yet gotten through all the archives. If the
answers to my questions are already out there, forgive me for asking
again and point me in the right direction.

A comment about oil used. Since I have had this van (68K to 175K) I have
used only synthetic oil. First Amsoil, than Mobil 1 and now Castrol
Syntec. The engine still has good power and compression and uses no oil
(OK 1/2 qt in 4000 mi). I resently found out that Castrol Syntec is what
my local VW dealer recomends.

thanks for all the input.

Ray Brubaker