Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2002 22:09:42 +0800
Reply-To: VW Caravelle <waw7447@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: VW Caravelle <waw7447@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: tiico conversion vs. other I4 conversions, ?GTI vanagon
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
">I think that's 2.6 liter. Anyway, a SA VW dealer called Shelley's in
>Port Elizabeth offered me a plug-&-play kit at one stage. Engine,
>5-speed trans, computer etc ready to install & go.
>
>Don't have their price or e-mail address on hand, but if you want it,
>p-mail me in a day or two and I'll dig it out for you."
I would be interested to have the info, thanks.
To all listers,
I am new to the list and would appreciate some help. I live in Malaysia and
3 months ago purchased a 1984 VW Caravelle with the 1.9L waterboxer engine
and 5 speed manual transmission. It has the 7 seater seating configuration
with armrests all round. By the way, we drive on the left here, so its a RHD
van. I had been searching around for a suitable van for a while and was
seriously looking at the Toyota Masterace but after I test drove this
Caravelle I was hooked as it is better in many respects especially handling
and roadholding. I plan to improve it in areas i feel are not to my
satisfaction. Having driven it for 3-4 months now, I have firm ideas on what
i wish to do and would appreciate any advice!
1. The engine sounds good, has good torque but lacks outright power. Having
looked at various postings on the net to be frank I am frightened that the
engine can fail at any time! The Caravelle isnt exactly common here and
parts are difficult and when available expensive. I fancied the Audi in line
5 as an alternative but all the postings here seem to suggest that a Tiico
conversion with a VW I4 as the most sensible. In Malaysia, its easier to get
hold off an Audi I5 then a VW I4 secondhand. Does anyone do a COMPLETE Audi
I5 conversion kit? I am not looking for very fast top speeds but more on
snappy GTI like acceleration. Please advise me before I jump in!
2. The dampers and bushes need replacing. I note that fast german auto
stocks a Bilstein shock and damper kit. Is this the best to go for? Anyone
aware of any alternatives. Again, aim is to try and get a GTI like handling
van!....if possible.
3. This van has no power steering. Anyone in countries with RHD vehicles
know where I can get a second hand COMPLETE system to convert my van i.e
pump, hoses, rack, etc.??? This is a high priority and I would appreciate
help here.
4. The water temp guage and clock are kaput. I would like to install a rev
counter instead. Can anyone help me source the necessary? I also need the
column switches for indicators and wiper as well as the plastic shroud for
the steering column. The ones on mine were replaced at some point with Golf
items ( I think).
5. The brakes arent exactly confidence inspiring even after I replaced the
servo unit (leaking), pads, shoes and rear drums. Anyone has any experience
on brake upgrades? I spotted three kits on the net from Fast Forward,
Vanagain and MSDS with varying prices and would appreciate hearing from
anyone with experience on these conversions.
6. Finally, did these vans ever come with a large sunroof? If so, any idea
where I can get the parts to convert my van?
Sory for being long winded but would appreciate help.
Azani
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