Date:         Sat, 31 Jul 2004 18:30:55 -0400
Reply-To:     Skip Emmert <skip@SKIPEMMERT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Skip Emmert <skip@SKIPEMMERT.COM>
Subject:      diesel conversion
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1

Well, we've left on the grand voyage.  The plan is to travel in the '80
Vanagon for a year or so.  Made it 150 miles before the engine gave up.  I
knew we were in trouble when the golf cart passed us going up the hill.
So, we've holed up in Pine Valley, UT and started talking about engine
conversions.  The turbodiesel has pretty much won our hearts and minds and
initial estimates to install a used 1.6 TDI in our '80 van are running
about $5000.  A brand spanking new 1.9 TDI could be added for around
$6000.  Needless to say ... ouch.  The real rub is even worse though for a
traveling couple, three weeks before they can even start and then another
couple of weeks for the conversion.

This conversion is way out of my league, so we're going to have a
professional do it.  Has anyone had a gas to diesel conversion done in the
southwest?  How'd it work out and how much did it cost.  Any suggestions
would be helpful.

I'd also love to know what owners of the 1.6 turbodiesel think of the
engine.  Does anyone have an intercooler?  Does it make a large
difference?

Thanks again.
Skip Emmert