Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2000 20:57:07 -0300
Reply-To: Martin <nitram@tbcnet.com>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Martin <nitram@tbcnet.com>
Subject: Ti Co Engine Conversion
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Dear Listees
I am a do it yourselfer and have recently converted my 2.1 Waterboxer to
the TiCo Jetta engine and have run it for 2,000 miles. I am in no way
affiliated with TiCo and offer the following for those who are considering
it.
I found Peter B (I know his last name.., believe me B is easier) to be 100%
honest, up front and sincere. Yes, I did have to wait and was
inconvenienced by a lengthy customs delay, but Peter was doing all that he
could and never avoided me. My engine did arrive a bit rusty from the
journey, but it was more complete than I had imagined! Even hose clamps
were included. I paid zero dollars over the quoted price, and only had to
buy oil and antifreeze to convert and run it. Working alone I was able to
pull the old engine in a 1/2 day and installed the new one by the end of
the next day. After doing this once, I feel that I could do it again in a
day and a half. I had little (no) auto experience prior to this.
The engine with automatic has averaged about 22.8mpg over the 2000 miles
now on it. Our last tank was 23, and before that one, we hit 24.1 after
driving @ 65-70 mph with the a/c on! The old engine averaged about 15mpg
under the same conditions. We had lots of power at 70mph (3800rpm and even
got to 75 a few times, but I personally think that this is too fast for a
Vanagon, although the engine could easily do it. We even manage to
accelerate and pass on a hill exceeding 60-65 mph.(fully loaded with 6 of us
+ bags)!
Our reason for the swap was for reliability ( my wife no longer wonders if
she'll get to where she's going) not speed and economy, but that came as a
bonus! We did get allot of resistance from VW dealers who claim that the
ECU cannot be adjusted with a 1551/2. But after telling them exactly how to
do it (thanks Peter) they scratched their head and accepted the fact. I
have since installed my O2 sensor with info provided via Peter. ( Thank you
Dave) It took all of about an hour to do. The system recognizes it and it
works fine.
I am 100 % satisfied with the conversion and it exceeded my expectations.
We hope to keep our 87 another 200,000 miles and it is now possible.
If anyone would like advice, help, questions, etc. please email me @
nitram@tbcnet.com
I live in the Rockford/Chicago area.
Larry Martin
87 Tico Vanagon
85 Vanagon
72 Beetle
