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
