Date:         Fri, 11 Aug 2000 08:54:16 -0400
Reply-To:     James Huskins <lostranger@mindspring.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         James Huskins <lostranger@mindspring.com>
Subject:      Engine Conversions
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Thanks to all who responded to my questions about Subaru vs. TiiCo
conversions. I had been leaning toward Subaru, but here's my current
thinking:

1. All engine options--including complete rebuilds of the wasser boxer--are
expensive, but most of us don't drive a Vanagon only for economy.

2. The wasser boxer can be made MORE powerful/reliable with modifications
such as ceramic coatings, different chips, camshafts and the like, but at
even greater expense, and the long-term reliablity question appears still in
doubt. I don't want to start every trip wondering if this is the day the
heads leak. I am not inclined to rebuild my WBs, and one of my requirements
is no modification to the engine cover.

3. Most conversions, such as Kennedy/Subaru and David Marshall's I4, require
fabrication, creative wiring, and LOTS of time, and still result in the
installation of a used engine. Subaru conversions seem to take about two
full-time weeks. (I apologize to those who've done it quicker.)

4. Therefore, the TiiCo conversion, with a brand new engine, proven
performance and reliability, two day installation, and no fabrication, seems
to be a great deal at $3875 plus shipping.

I've not done any of the swaps, and I have affiliation with any of the
companies in that business. But I do love my Vanagons, and I NEED more
reliability and would LIKE some more power. I post these musings for your
comment, even though I realize the issue isn't nearly as important as rear
hatch struts.

James Huskins
Chapel Hill, NC