Date:         Tue, 23 Jul 2002 15:37:46 -0700
Reply-To:     James B Robinson <jr@RATWERKS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         James B Robinson <jr@RATWERKS.COM>
Subject:      diesel conversion
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi,

I'm starting a project to build a diesel Vanagon that will ultimately run
on vegetable oil. Project notes at http://ratwerks.com/zope/wiki/GreaseVan

My thinking right now is to buy a late model Vanagon and install one of
the beefier 4 cylinder diesel plants with a conversion kit. I have some
diesel conversion questions:

Can I use a stock standard gasoline transmission?

Can I use a stock automatic transmission?

Are there some years that convert better than others?

Are there trade offs besides power between the NA, TD and TDI motors?

Are there trade offs besides increased rear deck height between the
15 degree kits and the 50 degree kits?

Is there a good shop in the San Francisco area to do the diesel
conversion work? I sent some email to VolksCafe (listed as an Overland
distributor) but they begged off doing the diesel conversion.

And, if anybody has a line on a nice late model Vanagon with a blown
motor or existing conversion I'd like to hear about it.

I'll keep the project page updated as I go. Feel free to add your own
comments to the page, it's a wiki!

Thanks.

--
[ Jim Robinson -- System Administrator -- ratwerks.com ]
I am a boomer. My generation looked nuclear annihilation
in the eye and said "No thanks, I'd rather drive a BMW."