Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 17:30:53 -0600
Reply-To: Mark Kreuzer <markk@NDMG.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Kreuzer <markk@NDMG.COM>
Subject: Re: Spectators Welcome - Zetec Conversion in Dallas
In-Reply-To: <vanagon%2005120816205310@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Brent, I've been to your site in the past and consider one of the best
resource sites EVER!
You can tell from your site that you derive a lot of enjoyment and value
from the experience of implementing the subaru.
For me, and probably others, it's what driving and camping in the Van does
for us. For me, driving with a wasserboxer leaves me a little to stressed.
I fear it'd be the same with a subaru.
How does the old saying go... it's the trip not the destination. Your trip
starts with the subaru install where as mine starts by turning the key.
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Brent Weide
Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 3:14 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Spectators Welcome - Zetec Conversion in Dallas
I felt compelled to offer up an insight or two to this thread:
I've done a Subaru conversion and am looking forward to another one this
winter on my current van. I believe what's being overlooked in this thread
is the "fun" factor of doing it yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed the subaru
conversion process and spending time with my son throughout. I was
impressed at the improvement that the used engine brought to the vehicle.
But the fact is...there are very few subaru conversions out there that come
out of the garage without needing at least a few adjustments here and there
down the road. The fact that there are so many suby conversions makes it
easy to have insight into how laborious these adjustments and related tweaks
are, just read the subaruvanagon site...you'll get a bellyfull of tweak
lingo in a heartbeat!
I did overlook the cost of my time in summing up my conversion costs.
Mainly because I considered that time well spent having fun working on the
van as opposed to smoking crack or attending therapy sessions.
I take comfort knowing there is a very large support mechanism for subaru
conversions readily available and have taken advantage of that many times.
The guys on the list all have their biases and "special opinions" but are
quick to help and answer questions. I'm not so sure that is available with
a Zetec. And I'm guessing but would it be easy to find mechanics to work on
the Zetec/Ford engine?
I'm very impressed with the Zetec website and the idea of having a brand new
engine in my van is not without its temptations. I haven't seen or read
much about their durability or whether convertees are experiencing the need
for tweaks and adjustments.
In any case, I'm excited to see and hear more about your Zetec conversion.
Expecially your opinions regarding performance, durability, and fuel
economy.
Best of luck,
Brent
www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/
