Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2007 18:01:04 -0400
Reply-To: Benny boy <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Benny boy <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Subject: Re: Timing belt - Subie engines
Hi, this post made me think, a lot, about WHO could do such a job, getting
the parts/kit is easy, for about 3K you would get everything for a Subi 2.5L
conversion including the dreaded harness, but NO new clutch, no new muffler,
cat and J pipe, no new coolant line for the older model, no carefull check
up of the rad, front heater valve... now let see!
Which engine? which year? would you do some work on a higher millage engine?
(head gasket, water pump, belt...), are you able to do so? How many here
COULD do the job themself??? of course, you DON'T want a mechanic to do it
because it involve way to many hours so you will end up at the same place as
a turn-key. I'm pretty much sure that only about 5% of the list member could
do such a job. So for those 5, is it worted for a company like Vanaru to
built such a book or a video sold WITH such a kit, the installation involve
many testing, wiggling, fitting, adapting...
You could probably find a good donnor car for 1500-2000, so with the basic
kit + the car, you are around 5K, no job is done at all, engine still in
car, harness not remove, your engine still in van, nothing is done to the
van... So, that 3000-4000$ + for all that work is well invested money.
Me, i would tell you to put 9 to 10k aside and have that thing done for you.
Even me, with all my experience, i still need some small tips from Vanaru to
fully do an installation. Putting the engine IN is nothing, it's the
"Hook-up" section that need knowledge.
I don't know, you tell me if some of you could do so themselves.
Cheers, Ben
http://www.benplace.com/subaru/vanaru52.jpg
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i Rob,
Brady is anything but a negative kind of guy. I think he was just pointing
out what others have already stated. I understand the big cost difference
between a complete low mileage turnkey kit with SS hardware and the higher
mileage build it up at home installs is a big number. This is were it looks
like there will be some middle ground soon as several vendors are saying
they will be releasing mid price kits ($4k - $5K). Bostig, the Zetec guys
are the first vendor to be selling and shipping their 1st core kits for
under $4000! Which is all positive good stuff!
TGIF :) Dave
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