Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:19:03 +0000
Reply-To: joe trussell <vanagongl@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: joe trussell <vanagongl@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Thoughts on conversions (kinda LONG)
In-Reply-To: <vanagon%2007062003473972@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Minus the unfortunate single wire in the single wrong place on my conversion
which caused me two weeks of insomnia and insanity (well-documented on this
list), the whole thing took six weeks of nights and weekends. A lot of that
time was spent gathering parts and studying Brent's site (the bible of
Subaru conversions, in my opinion), Tom's site, and the SubaruVanagon list.
After it was running and on the road, there were a few things that needed
attention, little cleanup items, really.
Had there been a turnkey solution at that point, I'd have probably gone that
route, although there are certain parts by certain vendors that are better
than others. I used a combination of parts from Kennedy, SmallCar,
Mastercraft Motors, Van-Cafe, Checker Auto Parts, and stopshopandrive.com.
I'm not a professional mechanic by any means--I'm a regular maintenance guy
and generally leave the big stuff to the professionals. But I found that if
you have the time, the space, the tools, and a second vehicle (or a bike),
the conversion process really is fun. And once running, creates quite the
feeling of accomplishment. Especially when you pass other Vanagons on
mountain passes like they're standing still.
Mine's been on the road for 15 months now. I've changed the oil regularly,
switched to NGK Iridium plugs, and that's it. Our Passat Wagon sits,
collecting dust, and I can't wrestle the keys to the Vanagon away from my
wife. It's become our primary vehicle, and I trust it to take us anywhere.
(Well, once I get around to making the A/C work...)
Joe T.
'85 Wolfsburg Westy Subie 2.2
>From: John Reddick <svyolo@YAHOO.COM>
>Reply-To: John Reddick <svyolo@YAHOO.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Thoughts on conversions (kinda LONG)
>Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 03:40:27 -0400
>
>Any engine conversion is a compilation of a few big items and hundreds
>of small details. The big items might cost more money, but it is the
>details that make or break the final product. The learning curve is not
>steep. You need to do 8-10 to start getting it right, and then go back and
>redo those 8-10.
> A do it yourself engine conversion can be a very rewarding project if
>you are up for a project. If you are in a hurry to get your rig back on
>the
>road, it is a painfull path to take.
> A turn key kit allows a home mechanic or local Garage to get into the
>engine conversion biz pretty painlessly.
> We have worked on a few conversions done by individual shops and
>do-it-yourselfers. Each was a nightmare. I just spent 8 hours pulling a
>EJ22 out of a Syncro. Yeah 8 hours. It normally takes me longer to drain
>the fluids than to pull a 4 cylinder Subie. We have also seen some
>beautifully done conversions by do it yourselfers. They didn't come to our
>shop because they worked perfectly.
> I think the lessoned learned is if you want to do a conversion
>yourself,
>it is best to buy some of the parts/systems from an established vendor to
>keep yourself from reinventing the wheel, unless reinventing the wheel is
>something you like to do (sounds like a British hobby, like train
>spotting!).
> Bostigs core conversion parts will allow any decent home mechanic to
>install a Zetec, and the Subie path to Vanagon conversiondom has several
>reputable vendors.
> The average time for a newbie to do a Subaru conversion is 4 months to
>a
>year. A turn key kit can be installed in 1 - 3 days. Buying a few proven
>parts/systems can take the 6 month project down to a few weeks, and yield a
>much better result.
>
> John
> East Coast Vanagon
_________________________________________________________________
Get a preview of Live Earth, the hottest event this summer - only on MSN
http://liveearth.msn.com?source=msntaglineliveearthhm
| 
