Date:         Thu, 4 Jan 2001 20:21:04 -0600
Reply-To:     Rich Propsom <Rich@PROPSOM.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rich Propsom <Rich@PROPSOM.NET>
Subject:      Re: Suburu/Golf or a transverse engine anyone?
In-Reply-To:  <F1572QUg6A7oPiFEW6s0000f32d@hotmail.com>
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Although Golf and Subaru both have distinct but different advantages,
usually low initial cost vs. higher power, has anyone ever seen or
considered installing a transverse engine in the back.  Now most of us see
transverse engines in front wheel drive vehicles, but what would prevent
their use in the rear?

Advantages I see:
1. readily available in a variety of sizes and hp.
2. have integral transaxle which is sized to engine, eliminating some
vanagon transmission concerns.
3. would move weight nearly directly over rear wheels.

The major disadvantage to me would be engine access and it could also
require some space loss under the back seat.  There might be some service
access issues and certainly a learning curve as to what engine fits best as
well as some engine support issues.  But as a consolation, you would
probably have the ability to gain some cargo space behind the engine near
the rear hatch.

Any thoughts on this type of transformation.  Has anyone ever done it or
heard of it done.  I have heard of some putting a mid engine in and a
normal axle in the back but this would make it a impractical vehicle.  Of
course a transverse transformation would require water cooling but I think
most swaps end up using water cooling as air cooling has significant hp
limitations.

If possible any ideas which engine/transaxle might work best?