Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2000 10:02:39 -0700
Reply-To: Damian Shaw <dts@XMISSION.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Damian Shaw <dts@XMISSION.COM>
Subject: tiico engine conversion
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hi all;
It is starting to look like the German head-gasket worm that lays its
eggs in Vanagon waterboxers got to mine too. I think the little
critters have hatched and are eating the gaskets in short order.
I have a very nice 87 Westy - all stock, excellent interior, very good
exterior, only 85k miles; so it's worth the trouble of doing a 'good'
engine upgrade.
So I'm thinking a lot about putting in the TiiCo 2.0l Golf engine from
South Africa.
Here's my thoughts - I would love to hear more; especially if you've
done this (or another) engine conversion:
Pros:
- Cost is actually pretty good considering what you're getting
- fuel economy
- power
- reliability
- new FI system (no more Digifant!)
- fits perfectly
Cons:
- aren't my gear ratios going to be poorly matched to the engine?
- Is it REALLY legal? I know it can pass a smog test - but, if someone
of authority knew what I had done to the van, would they make me take if
off the road?? This is my biggest concern.
- Is it heavier; will my van handle differently?
- Is it as smooth as the wasserboxer? I really love the feel of the
wasserboxer in 'around town' driving conditions.
I'm very much still in the 'thinking' stage. I don't even know for
certain that my head gaskets have gone... I am also very intrigued by
the Audi in-line 5 cyl conversion. That engine would really lend itself
well to the Vanagon - and used in-line 5's are everywhere - I'm sure
they're dirty cheap. If I could get one in the van, keep my ground
clearance and keep it under the existing engine cover I would probably
be sold. Don't think this is possible though. The Quantum Syncro's 5
cyl puts out 115HP in stock form; the tcoii engine probably couldn't
keep up with it; especially if you modded it a bit. My stock 88 Quantum
Syncro can out accelerate (0-60) my 89 Cabriolet with well-done 2.0l
engine conversion. I can't see how the tcoii engine would be much
different in power than my Cabriolet's.
Anyway, this is a long post - give me your thoughts if you have some.
Thanks,
Damian
