Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (August 2000, week 2)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Wed, 9 Aug 2000 23:38:33 -0400
Reply-To:     "Karl M." <thewestyman@mindspring.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Karl M." <thewestyman@mindspring.com>
Subject:      Tiico kit VS KEP 'kit', was Re: blown head gasket
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Larry, I'm glad the Double-cab is working out great for you! But, in all fairness, we must view the conversion decision in regards to the following points, for the DIYer:

The Tiico conversion is totally bolt-in, no fabricating of parts or wiring, sorting out issues such as coolant lines, throttle cables, properly designed exhaust, muffler brackets, etc, etc. The KEP Subaru conversion, on the other hand, includes very little in the way of completeness, supplying only the basics (some of which IMPO could be better made), and could drive the DIYer mad with the time involved to sort out and chase down all the needed parts and fabricating the bits KEP doesn't supply. Consider also that the Tiico kit comes with a BRAND-NEW 0-mile engine. A Subaru with 0 miles would set you back 'probably' $1500~2000 for the engine alone. The Tiico kit could be together and running in less that two days, Subaru??? Not a chance. Plus no clearance issues, fits perfectly as a 'factory' conversion should. I will be installing one in the next few weeks in a listmember's Syncro. I'll keep the list updated on what I think of the Tiico kit totally then. I understand it will be 50-state legal soon.

Karl Mullendore Westy Ventures 1987 Syncro Westfalia 1.9TD

----- Original Message -----

> "Kintz, Roger" wrote: > > > I've heard great reports on former GTI conversions. Are the Suburu and > > TIICO conversions not allowed by referees in Calif? > > The KEP Subaru conversion is Calif. ok'd. I don't know if the TiiCo is. > > > How does a conversion > > affect the value of a Vanagon? > > It increases the driving pleasure factor to the point where my wife now wants to > drive. > > > What are the negatives about conversions? > > If you put a Subaru engine in, you won't have nearly as much interest in the > Vanagon List discussions of FI, ISR, Digifant, etc. > > > I thought they increase performance and value? > > Its cheaper than the VW WBX repair by a factor of 3. The fuel economy is better > by at least 10%. > > -Larry > '86 Syncro Westfalia with VW WBX 2.1 L > '86 Syncro Doublecab with Subaru WBX 2.2 L


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.