Date:         Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:28:00 -0400
Reply-To:     Jim Akiba <syncrolist@BOSTIG.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Akiba <syncrolist@BOSTIG.COM>
Subject:      Re: Upon seeing bostig's handiwork
In-Reply-To:  <12DBCDE8-381B-41D5-9B50-372DBBE5CF42@KNOLOGY.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Hi Guys,

Here are some answers:

The ground clearance change with the short pan setup is at it's lowest
(the bottom of the V-shape of the cradle) the same as stock. Toward
the sides, the ground clearance is higher than stock as a result of
the V shape. No loss in the middle, gains as you move to the outside,
and gains from not having the big cat/muffler in the way back. So this
means in absolute terms, same not better, not worse, in net terms
better. Also keep in mind though, we've seen variation up to almost an
inch based on the condition of the rear springs. If you're sagging
you're already below stock WITH a stock setup. I've been thinking
about ways to provide a better and more accurate way to measure/show
ground clearance, and we started a grid measuring system on the first
ej22->zetec conversion we did to compare ground clearance "maps" from
the ej22 to the zetec since it is the same vehicle and nothing else
changed. However I was never able to map the point clouds in a useful
way to be able to overlay them to get a rotatable/spinable 3D
representation and full comparison of the actual ground clearance. I
got part of the way, but I'm not proficient enough in the software to
do it, and couldn't spend any more time. If anyone knows how to turn a
3D point cloud into a useful map such as this please let me know and
we can finish it.

Anyhow, to provide a new possibility to part of the syncro crowd that
really likes to romp on their rigs off-road, we're developing another
cradle setup for the conversion as well. It will locate much further
back, is beefier, single bar chromoly, and can have rock bars that
attach and tie in to upgraded driveshaft protectors that are optional.
This will be the foundation of a complete underbody cladding system. I
think the new cradle will look much better in terms of not drawing the
eye so much, so people won't be so worried about it. I didn't realize
initially what a problem for some people the appearance alone would
be. Having the new cradle as a bolt on option/upgrade along with a
simple dry sump setup will be the ultimate combination, you can have
12 Qt capacity and better than stock ground clearance(net and
absolute) with beefier skid protection all in one package. That way
when Brady rolls again, you can keep the engine running for a few
minutes sideways or upside down to use a PTO winch ha.

On the short pan, the system loses just about a quart, which makes the
capacity 3.5Qt... this means for one that you really should stay on
top of your oil change schedule and not slack and allow it to run for
twice the normal interval like so many people(including me) are likely
to do. But other than that, there aren't really additional
considerations you have to worry about. There are no baffles, the pump
will not cavitate until you're rolling your van(Brady "tested" this).
Adding the coolant flow type oil cooler sandwich from Modine/Ford
($86) is a good idea for harsh climates though, it helps bring the oil
up to temp faster and maintain it at a lower temp.

True. You have to check the dipstick by lifting the decklid.  Actually
way back in 04 when developing the conversion for brady's van we had
it as a goal to be able to check both the coolant level and oil level
from the plate hatch just like stock... BUT once we got it in, and
started using it, we decided that we didn't need one and that you
simply don't need to check it as often just like other modern cars.
The oil won't go anywhere in a hurry, and you have a flashy warning
light if it does, and likewise for the coolant. Several customers had
also requested that we offer a way to check via the hatch, but ONLY
before they actually had the conversion installed... once it was
installed, they checked a few times, got bored and realized they
didn't really need it anymore either and canceled the requests.

Thanks for the interest and the questions,

Jim Akiba



On 7/26/07, Jim Felder <felder@knology.net> wrote:

> On Jul 25, 2007, at 11:40 PM, Oxroad@aol.com wrote:
>
> > I have a few questions about the Bostig conversion. Mostly because
> > I'm curious and not trying to discount the conversion. It looks
> > like a nice clean modern set up. And depending on what happens with
> > E85 over the next few years, that feature might be a real asset.
> > I'm so tired of robbing convenience store to pay for gasoline these
> > days, but I am glad I'm able to help the Bush family.
> >
> > To the Bostig:
> >
> > The literature says it has better than stock ground clearance. In
> > photos on the website it looks like it dips a little lower. This
> > may be because the configuration of the waterboxer muffler in the
> > stock set up creates certain optical "allusions" that break of the
> > site line. So is the ground clearance truly better?
> >
> > 2. With their shorter oil pan does the engine hold less oil? If so
> > what is the downside?
> >
> > 3. It looks like to check the oil on the Bostig conversion you have
> > to open the engine compartment hatch. True or False?
> >
> > Best,
> > Jeff
> > 83.5 Westy
> > LA, CA
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 7/24/2007 7:18:54 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> > felder@KNOLOGY.NET writes:
> > Bostig
> >
> >
> >
> > Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL.com.
>