Date:         Fri, 2 May 2003 18:35:42 +1200
Reply-To:     Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Subject:      Re: Subaru WRX ... front-engined Vanagon
In-Reply-To:  <105.2d9ab45e.2be2fe03@aol.com>
Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=us-ascii

>Hi Folks,
>4 the above mentioned reasons (i.e.), the tranny,
>I`m seriously considering a Front Wheel Drive setup
>where the engine is matched up to the tranny.
>I feel we loose to much HP w/ the conversions.
>And a nice 4 speed auto would be nice as well!
>You would lose the under bench storage,
>but a box could be fabricated in the unused space behind the trans.
>How bout a 4.9 caddy set up?
>Yeah, I know its not Fri yet... heh heh
>John C...
>SLC, UT
>85 & 91 Westies...

I suspect there's sufficient room under the van's front to install a
boxer engine & trans (move the radiator and spare tire)... say a
Subaru setup (mind, Subaru trans aren't known for reliability either)
or other front-engined gearbox, and run a 2-piece driveshaft to the
rear. Fit an IRS diff and keep the suspension stock. Could even do a
4WD, using (lowered) Syncro front hubs/suspension.

Shifter? Use a cable-operated one; cables can easily be altered if
necessary, and the shifter can be mounted aywhere, even on top of a
hinged engine-access hatch.
--
Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin, New Zealand
64 (3) 473-8863
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Fossil preparator
Seashell, Macintosh & VW/Toyota van nut