Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 21:56:55 -0500
Reply-To: Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Looking for project van
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Brent,
When you say "boxter engine and transmission" do you mean Porsche Boxster?
If this is the case I would highly recommend against such a project. I'm not
saying that it can't be done, but the electronics work will be a nightmare.
I used to work in the service department at a Porsche Dealer. Even the
Master Techs were driven crazy by the electronics in these new cars.
Virtually every component has to "talk" with virtually every other
component. I'm not just talking engine and transmission here. The brain for
the engine will want to speak extensively with the transmission. In
addition, there is an endless interaction between the engine computer and
the instrument cluster. The ignition cluster has to speak with the ignition
switch, which, in turn, must speak with the key (actually there is a "pill"
in the key head).
Some of the modern Carreras and Boxsters MUST speak with the radio, and, if
equipped, the navigation system. Finally, at times there will need to be
interaction with the ABS system (none on Vanagons) and the traction control
units (ditto).
If you are a Porsche Master with unlimited resources and cash, it can be
done. Is it worth it? I don't think it would be worth it for the Boxster
engine with all its known weaknesses and power level.
As an alternative, I would suggest doing what I have done. I just finished
installing an engine and transmission from an '87 Porsche 3.2 liter Carrera.
That was tough enough. Even working with a Porsche Master tech that is also
a VW nut, getting the Porsche wiring mated to the VW chassis wiring was a
nightmare.
My Vanagon is running well now (less than 200 of miles into the testing),
but I think that this would be a much better approach for you. Not only
that, it looks like the 3.2 was meant to be put in the Vanagon. The fit is
almost perfect. Power is ample, and installation, while detailed, is not out
of the range of something you can do in your driveway without a lot of
expensive proprietary Porsche electrical diagnostic equipment.
I don't mean to burst your bubble, but I think that would be your best bet.
Let me know if you would like further details.
Cheers,
Bruce
motorbruce
motorbruce@hotmail.com
>From: Brent Berisford <bberisford@COMCAST.NET>
>Reply-To: Brent Berisford <bberisford@COMCAST.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Looking for project van
>Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 20:13:18 -0400
>
>Group
> I have just picked up a boxter engine and transmission and would like to
>find a 90 or 91 Carat or poptop weekender with a blown engine and a nice
>body to put it in. It may be crazy but I have two friends (street rod
>builders no not Jesse James) that say they would love the challenge. So if
>anyone out there has a late model vanagon that needs an atomic heart
>transplant I have found a donor. I live in the DC area but would go almost
>anywhere to make the right deal.
>Thanks
>Brent
>
>
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