Date:         Thu, 29 Mar 2001 07:42:26 EST
Reply-To:     CMathis227@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chuck Mathis <CMathis227@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: subaru (vw) conversion
Content-Type:  text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

<< > > ----- Original Message -----

> > From: dawn <dmoroughan@ATOMIC.NET>

> > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>

> > Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 11:40 PM

> > Subject: subaru conversion

> >

> > > Is  the  subaru conversion easier than  the i-4 conversion? I can get

a

> > > legacy motor for 375.00

> > > Darrel 88 >>

My, how quickly this topic degenerates into how much faster my van is than
yours and how much more reliable the Subie is than the wasserboxer.  Haven't
seen any arguments about how much more reliable the Subie is versus the I-4.
Also have yet to see any Subie mileage figures with the engine in a Vanagon.

I love my van with its original German engine but I know that sometime in the
future it will come apart.  I'm a little concerned about parts availability a
few years down the road so I pay close attention to conversions.

Both conversions have their quirks.

The major problem I see with the Subie conversion is the wiring -- not much
help out there, just you and your multimeter.  KEP can provide the engine
adapter and a bunch of other parts that will put the cost somewhere between
$1500 and $2000 depending on the level of ease you want.  But, you still have
to work out that wiring mess, cobble together a coolant system and you have
that magical low clearance oil pan.  I've heard of Subagon owners carring
extra oil pans jus in case!

For I-4 conversions, check out David Marshall's site (Fast Forward) where you
can order as little or as much as you want, or Tiico where you can get the
whole shebang for not quite $4K.  Also, check out Sullivan's chipped 1.9l TDI
conversion -- lot of custom fabrication going on but it sounds cool.

If you can come up with a Porsche 930 tranny cheap you might want to consider
one of the MSDS conversions to a Chevy V-8 or Porsche 911 (since they do
these in house the 911 might be the easiest way to go except for writing that
check!).

Chuck
'85 Wolfsburg Westy -- 'Roland the Road Buffalo' w/original 1.9l non-leaker.