Date: Sun, 12 Feb 2006 19:25:38 -0800
Reply-To: BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Starting My Vanagon Search - Some Questions Please?
In-Reply-To: <0A8D35B3-1D32-4E1A-B7AC-685D50A1AE2B@earthlink.net>
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On 2/12/06, John Liu <johnliu@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> Hello all. I'm starting my search for a Westy Camper Vanagon. I've
> been lurking here for some time and researching online. I still have
> some questions, and hope you folks can shed some light. Thank you!
First, what were the major differences between model years of the
> Westy Vanagon? I know that they went from aircooled to watercooled
> around 1982, and it seems that interior went from brown to gray
> somewhere around 1986. Otherwise I don't know what the difference
> between, say, a 1984 and a 1990. I assume there must be some
> significant difference as the price seems to go up 2X.
John, the 85 and earlier vans have the 1.9 engines (pre-82 aircooled except
diesels) are cheaper. 88 and later has the newer looking gray interiors that
more people prefer.
Second, how big are the disadvantages, if any, of the aircooled
> Vanagons as compared to the watercooled? I'd like the option of
> transplanting a different motor down the road. In a couple years the
> 3.2L from my Porsche 911 may become available (I plan to upgrade the
> motor in the 911) and am guessing it would be easier to transplant
> the aircooled 911 motor into an aircooled Vanagon. But in the
> meantime, I'd be driving the Vanagon with the stock motor.
I bought an MSDS 3.2 conversion kit which I will consider selling unless I
find a 3.2 Carrera engine first. This kit was the actual kit installed in
Marty's (the "MS" in MSDS) gold Syncro on their website. He designed the kit
to fit all Vanagons. I would think the later ones wold still be prefer ed
because they have the comfort accessories like AC and Powers steering
already in place. AC is rare in aircooled vans and PS non-existent in stock
form.
Third, is the idea of doing a Porsche 3.2L transplant just silly,
> when used Subaru boxer motors are cheaper and the Subaru-Vanagon
> adapter kits and knowledge much more available? If this is the case,
> I guess I'd want to look for a water-cooled?
If price is a concern then the Subie route is a better way to go. If you are
still in doubt, go for both. I already have one with a Subie turbo so the
3.2 is something I want to do. Want to sell your 3.2?
Fourth, can the Subaru boxer motors be transplanted into both the
> manual and automatic Vanagons? My wife can drive a stock, but
> prefers an automatic. I'm the other way around.
Both, I have my 2.2 EJT in an automatic trans van.
Fifth, how feasible and costly is it to locate a used Westy interior
> (the full camper, not the Weekender) and roof, and install those in a
> regular Vanagon? In case I found an irresistible non-Westy Vanagon,
> for example.
Buying the parts is often cheaper than paying someone to remove them. I
bought three sets recently right on your own backyard.
Sixth, were there major differences between the California and non-
> California Vanagons? I live currently in the SF Bay Area, which is
> crawling with used Westys for sale, but may be moving to another
> state, where I think Westys are less common - but they'd be 49-state
> versions.
As I said, in your own backyard. I'm in South San Francisco though a few of
my vans reside in SF proper. If you come to out occasional gatherings like
Burning Van (just happened yesterday) or Van-O-Rama (in September) you can
see and feel which van or conversion is a good fit for you.
BenT
