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Date:   Tue, 17 Jan 2006 09:54:57 -0500
Reply-To:   Paul Guzyk <paullist@GUZYK.COM>
Sender:   Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:   Paul Guzyk <paullist@GUZYK.COM>
Subject:   Re: Engine Conversion?
In-Reply-To:   <7.0.1.0.0.20060116185043.01a488c0@comcast.net>
Content-Type:   text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"

Before spending money on another VW engine, I suggest you spend a few hours researching a Subaru solution. If you're going to spend many thousands of dollars, spend a few hours learning first. While it may seem funky putting a Japanese engine into a German vehicle, it makes a lot of sense for a Vanagon.

I don't like to call them Subaru conversions, I prefer to call them "Subaru upgrades" because you end up with a far superior powerplant.

After working on dozens of VW engines then doing 2 Subaru upgardes myself, I've come to the conclusion that VW engineers may have spent less than 30 days designing the VW WBX......and they were smoking something other than cigarettes while doing it.

This is a good place to start, a technical overview of the Subaru 2.2 engine http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/files/SAE_boxer.pdf

All kinds of information about the Subie upgrade is available on Warren Chapman's Yahoo group: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/subaruvanagon/

A Subaru Vanagon is more powerful, more reliable, more fun to drive, more fuel efficient and less polluting to mother nature. It's also smoother and quieter than the VW WBX if you use the VW muffler. Growlier if you use an aftermarket muffler.

And believe it or not, the Subaru engine looks better in the engine compartment than any VW engine. Go figure. http://www.californiavan.com/subieexterior/Subie-Pages/Image3.html

A Subie conversion is little more expensive to install than a rebuilt WBX or I-4, but much nicer in the long run. The most common (and arguably most reliable) Subaru engine is the 91-94 2.2 though other engines have been fitted, even 6 cyl. Subaru's.

Just ask anyone who's done the Subaru upgrade if they are happy with the upgrade....better yet, borrow and drive a Subaru powered van...once you drive one you'll appreciate the improvement....it's kind of like using Cable/DSL after dial-up Internet...you'll say to yourself "why didn't I upgrade sooner".

A lot of people are scared of the Subaru wiring harness. If soldering isn't your game, you can get a "plug n play" harness made by Tom Shiels at http://www.subaruvanagon.com/conversion_services_Wiring.htm In fact, all the necessary Subaru/Vanagon parts can be purchased "off the shelf". You don't have to custom fabricate anything unless you want to.

If you don't have time to do the Subie upgrade yourself there are shops that install turn-key conversions. See the Yahoo group for full details.

Brent Weide has documented a lot of the DIY process here: http://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/

my $0.02


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