hEY Guy, diesel westies were made from 1981-1983.5. They have the equivalent of a rabbit diesel engine of the era which belts out 48hp new. My diesel westi is an 82 and I max out at about 65 going down hill with the wind behind me. Otherwise I love the cruising speed, I really don't mind going slow. It calms the nerves and all. I just bought a greasecar.com conversion for my westi and I have seen them installed in one or two. I have numerous friends that have converted their vws to run on grease and it is very simple compared to what all the quacks on this list are making it out to be. You need not filter your oil like a maniac, as long as you change your inline filters enough. The greasecar kit is really exceptional and has everything you need. with regards to biodiesel, that also is really simple if you have a ready supply. YOu only need to change about 6ft or so of hose on your diesel westy to viton or something similar with resistance to biodiesel since it can be corrosive on natural rubber. Greaseworks.org has kits or you can order what you need from mcmaster-carr.com in two foot or more lengths. Since the diesel westies have nylon hoses for most of the length of the fuel hose it ain't a big expense, nylon is resistant. biodiesel is much simpler since all you have to do is pour it into your regular diesel tank and go. The greasecar kit requires minor modifications to your cooling and fuel system which any joe schmo can do with a little effort. I say go for it, but you must watch out because the diesel westi of your dreams could become a nightmare if it isn't all it appears to be. Make sure to have a mechanic look it over before you buy if you arn't already inclined. I had to do alot of work on mine to get it into tip top shape so that it would beable to run again, let alone on biodiesel or veg oil. But beyond that have fun, they can be expensive at this point as they are becoming a very desireable item. there is also a diesel-westy group on yahoo if you want to check it out and join. good luck Grego Inzinna 1982 Diesel Westy (soon to be a grease burner) Ithaca NY
the woods are a buddhaful thing, I wood go out and see dem. Paz esta en el aire que resperamos
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