Date:         Sun, 1 Apr 2001 15:14:22 -0400
Reply-To:     Warren Chapman <tallsound@MY-DEJA.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Warren Chapman <tallsound@MY-DEJA.COM>
Subject:      Re: Subaru Conversions Longevity?

Stephen,

I agree that those who are curious are entitled to feedback but IMHO the
feedback should come from those with experience (preferably with more than
one engine type), rather than from someone who has probably never seen or
driven a conversion (of any kind).

My biggest surprise after the Subaru conversion has been how much fun the
van is to drive.  Its like a different vehicle.  I now often drive it
during the day instead of my (work car)Acura Legend.  Before,  I only took
the van on camping/fishing trips.  The fun is to the extra low end torque
and power which was not available from the I-4....(and maybe the free-
flowing Dynamax muffler has a little to do with it.....love the sound.)

Regarding longevity, only time will tell.  Most people don't use their
Vanagons as their primary vehicle and put less than 10K miles on them per
year.  The KEP kit for the subaru conversion has been around about three
years.   One I-4 kit maker has come and gone.  Not sure about how long
David Marshall has been selling kits.  The TiiCo kit is about one year
old.

I only have about 5K miles on mine but I know of at least three others that
have 30+K miles. This mileage is on top of the original miles the engine
had when installed. The current version of the kit is CA smog approved for
only 90-94 Legacy engines. Most of these already have 60K+ miles on
them ....(which is usually the time when problems START with a
wasserboxer).  Generally this engine has a reputatioin for outstanding long
term reliability (200k+ is reasonable).  Subaru engines are also rapidly
replacing VW power as the engine of choice in sand cars, which are brutally
punished.

Within the next year I expect the Subaru kit will be further improved to be
more "turnkey" and smog legal for the 95 and later engines which are
(stock) rated to 165 hp.  I know three of these conversions currently in
progress. Ground clearance is no longer a problem as there are are several
sources of shortened oil pans.  Counterbalanced crank and knock sensor is
standard equipment so the engine runs very smoothly.   It fits like it was
made for the van.

Some converters HAVE experienced a few unique problems with their engines
after putting it in, but that is to be expected with any engine, even with
some new cars.  There is no reason to expect anything but generally
reliable motoring and many happy campers.......but of course, time will
tell.

Good luck with whatever engine you are using now or in the future...but try
them yourself....or if you can't listen to someone who has.

Warren C.