Date:         Sat, 4 Sep 2004 13:09:40 -0400
Reply-To:     John Reddick <SVYOLO@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Reddick <SVYOLO@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: SVX conversion

I also just completed an SVX conversion in Washington state.  The
conversion parts are all available from Smallcar(.com) Performance in
Tacoma.
     The engines are relatively inexpensive, on par with the 2.2's and
cheaper than the 2.5's.  It is tough to find a good 2.5 for less than 1700
dollars whereas the 2.2's can be found almost free and the 3.3's for well
under 1000.   The Kennedy adapter parts are the same except you need a
stronger (stage 2.5) clutch.  The mounts and headers each cost $100 more
than the 4 cylinder parts and the clutch was about $300.
     I did have to grind a bit of metal with a 4.5 inch grinder and drill
some holes and solder up a copper coolant pipe.  The only welding was a 1
foot section of exhaust that I had a muffler shop do.   That is the only
bit of fabrication required on my conversion.
     The only thing that I see is more complex is that intake manifold is
a tight fit with the firewall.  This took a little work but is probably
the only thing that makes this conversion more difficult than the 4
cylinder.
     My tranny needs rebuilt and I will put some taller gears in it.
Until then I probably won't take it anywhere very far to check the highway
mileage.  One recent convertee said he got 20-21 miles per gallon with
taller gearing on a 2wd Westy at 78 mph. Others have reported 17-18 on the
highway at 85 mph.
     I think my preference for Subie engines is 3.3, 2.2, and 2.5, in that
order.  The 2.5's are more expensive because they are in such high demand
on the used market.  They are in more demand because they grenade
themselves if you neglect the timing belt.  The 3.3 and 2.2 are non-
interference engines.
     I will be dissappointed if my mileage is too low, but otherwise I
love the 3.3 so far.  It is a whole new van.  I probably will not upgrade
the suspension or brakes  too much.  I use mine now as a highway travel
vehicle. I don't plan on going over 75 very often.

John
87 Westy SVX