Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 23:53:09 -0800
Reply-To: Doug F <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Doug F <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
Subject: Re: V8 into Vanagon?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Cast iron block? why?
V8s are brutally heavy, you could use the new Corvette engine, I believe its
all alloy and also lower profile.
Even then you will have to mod the rear engine lid to fit.
The V8s also develop torque at lower rpms which would require taller gearing
to be efficient.
If you raise the gearing in the vanagon and raise the torque ft lbs you will
easily destroy the vw gearbox.
I believe word has it that around 200 ft/lbs is all the vanagon box will
withstand.
Of course if you load it down or tow you are really asking for it.
If you really like a V8 van I would buy a FORD. They make em' and everything
is designed with the engine in mind.
A V8 in a vanagon would actually do best mid engine with fully modded
domestic auto trans and corvette 4 joint differential.
This would allow all the torque to be applied and the extra weight would be
in the middle of the van.
Kind of useless for camping however,
I think the suby is the best thing going, I keep waiting for a dry sump
system to be developed so the oil pan will not hang down.
If you really want the power install the 2.5 suby or the SVX 6 cyl you will
have all the smooth power you could ever ask for.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Zoltan" <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 8:19 PM
Subject: V8 into Vanagon?
I was looking at a Subaru today and could not find one spark plug or wires.
It seems very crawded in there. How would I work on it if I put one into
mine?! Yes, I know it is a nice engine and more powerful and so on. But.
Being in the US, would it not make better sense to put a V6 or a V8 of
American origin in there? I am sure this subject has been hammered from day
one, but I don't remember reading about it on the list. I have seen
aluminum V6 out of a boat that looked beautiful and compact. The 350 Chevy
engine is famous. Heavy, I know. But it is simple and powerful. Easy to
work on, cheap parts, etc.
What is the general opinion of the members?
Zoltan
