Date:         Thu, 20 Jul 2000 12:45:35 -0600
Reply-To:     Larry Hamm <ldhamm@xmission.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Hamm <ldhamm@xmission.com>
Subject:      Re: air cooled eng convert.
Comments: To: Reynolds John <kayakjr@juno.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Reynolds John wrote:

> While we are talking about Suby engines- anyone out there convert an air
> cooled Vanagon to a water pumper?  Common snse tells me that it would be
> wise to sell the Air cool van and buy a water pumper in need of an engine.

John,
Did that to an '80, the waterpumper was a Buick 3.8L. The radiator and fan
were boltins, wiring is simple. I used electrical conduit (EMT) for the main
coolant runs, but you could get the metal or plastic OEM ones. Rear heater
would be easy to mount and plumb, tougher to wire. Front heater requires
removal of dash to install, not too bad to wire.
A bit of a job, but sure was nice not to have other cars passing you going up
the onramp!
I don't recommend the V6 though, when there are better engines for the job,
most notably the Soob. I'm thinking of putting one in the plane I'm building,
meaning that my wife's Legacy, my '82 SyncroWesty and the plane will all have
the same engine type. Makes maintenance easier!
Larry